What is the best method of Stretch Marks

When I do become pregnant what is the best lotion or Oil to use to not have those ugly stretch marks. I am so terrified I will get them and want to know what is best product. Thanks so much ladies, you've been great help!

[bookerswife]

I have always used x-tra virgin olive oil and after 2 kids I have 2 mild stretch marks. Don't know if it was the oil or just a blessing! I amm 22 weeks now and have not got anymore. I think if you are going to get them though, you will get them no matter what! Maybe the oils and lotions just don't make them as bad!!

[babyz]

I've heard cocoa butter is the best preventative lotion.  I'm sure there are others but that's just what I've heard.  I know you're new to this board, so I wanted to just explain 1 thing to you.  The site only allows a certain number of new posts/questions each day.  So instead of starting new threads, try to use 1 and get all your questions in that 1.  I didn't know this when I first started either so I just wanted to share.

[Lilu]

Well I tried everything and I still got them. I don't know if you can prevent them. If anyone knows tell me. I'm pretty sure I tried everything:)

[Momoftwogirls]

Overall, I'm not a big fan of Dr. Laura - but I DO like what she says about stretch marks - she calls them her badges of courage I believe.....I guess that's the attitude you have to take.  =-)  I bought the stretch mark cream by the gallon and got them HORRIBLY with my first. Looked like a bear took it's claws and scraped them from about my navel down.  They were bright red and I was horribly embarrassed. But it is true - they really do fade over time at least.  The main thing is to keep your skin comfortable - so the cream is useful for that. But I really think it boils down to genetics. Either you were blessed with great skin elasticity or you weren't.  I am in the club of women who weren't.  =-)

[DollChina]

I use Palmer Coco Butter and I am 36 weeks and haven't got any.  HOWEVER, if you are going to get them , it doesn't matter what you use, you will get them..sorry to inform you!

[petanka]

I used Coco Butter in both prego and so far not a single stretch mark and I do get huge since my first one was a 10 lbs baby and I am now 28 weeks and nothing yet. I think it is also genetics. You may try it all and still end up with stretch marks. Good luck!

[JJety]

Stretch marks cannot be prevented, no matter what the lotions claim.  If you're prone to getting them (genetics) then you're going to get them.  I'm sorry!

[deanne11]

cocoa butter all the way.  not one stretch mark...i lathered up my belly everyday...3-4 times a day.

that was the only place i grew so I was kind of lucky but it should work everywhere.

[Momoftwogirls]

I suppose all of you no stretch mark people snapped right back into pre-baby shape, too, didn't you.  ugh.  Life is NOT fair.  ha.

[Mertek]

I just took them as my badge of honor from pregnancy and bought a tankini. :)

I had terrible ones with my first, but nothing new with the second baby. They are pretty faint now. I looked like a giant cat attacked me for about a year.

[maryann86]

Has anyone heard of Stri-vectin D? Do you know if it is safe for use during pregnancy? It's a cream you get at GNC stores.

[twinsmommy]

It's genetics... sigh... I made it till 32 weeks with  my twins so if it had been just one maybe I would have made it without... But the lotions help against the itching and some smell really great ;-)

[galjazzy]

CAN'T PREVENT THOSE MOST FAITHFUL FRIENDS(WILL NEVER LEAVE U)HOWEVER YOU CAN MINIMIZE THE AMOUNT BY DRINKING LOTS OF WATER, KEEPING YOUR SKIN MOISTURED AND A HEALTHY DIET (VEGGIES AND FRUITS. GOOD LUCK THE CAUSE IS WORTH BILLIONS OF THEM.

[Jenny77]

I don't think you can prevent them. I got a few on one of my breasts at 5 or 6 weeks ( before I was even thinking about stretch marks or lotions), but haven't got any on my stomach at all, now in the 40th week. Who knows why. At least the lotions are good for you and keep your skin from being dry, but don't feel cheated if you still get stretch marks.

[cam20]

My doctor said that it can come from lack of zinc in your diet.

[Crritter]

I used it all too and didn't have a single one till 36 weeks.  The day afterthey turned my son my belly broke out in marks.  It was pretty bad, but they do fade, and I snapped back into prepregnancy shape, wore regular clothes home.  Had my son not been so big I think I would have been fine.  I'm not too stressed this time around since the damage has been done, just trying to skin my skin in shape and not itchy.  My mom never got a single one with any of her 3 pregnancies, but my big sis and I were both very unlucky.  Just keep up the lotion and drink lots of water, maybe you will be a blessed soul like some of the others.

[lucylocket2]

Just pray.... I forgot to and I look like a road map. You can go from one end of the country to the next all on country roads, just on my butt. It's more like if your mom has them - your up the creek. maybe now they have a miricle cream.not for sure.

[gunnersgirl16]

Hi I try Palmers coco butter and I still got some strecht marks on my lower stomach.

[AnnieBrooke]

One gal who writes on this forum swore by vitamin E oil.  I know that stretch marks come from the next layer down, under the skin's surface, so nothing reaches them, but I decided it would make me feel better to try everything, so I got some.  The stuff is as sticky and thick as honey.  I have the cocoa butter cream and use it, and dab some of the e oil on and rub it in with the cocoa butter.  But not when I'm going to put on good clothes!

My mom can't remember if she got stretch marks or not, so I'm in the dark as to whether my genetics are going to bite me in the butt or not, LOL.  I guess it all comes down to feeling psychologically like you are doing something preventive, even if you kind of know in your heart that it is either going to happen or it isn't.

[mamajen]

Hi. I am sorry but I really think it is genetic.  I got stretch marks with both pregnancies, even though I only gained 30 pounds, drank tons of water, greased my belly with coconut oil and vitamin E every evening and morning and ate very healthfully.  usually you get them if you gain too much, do not drink enough water...I also know people who gained too much weight and did not care for themselves well, and came out with no stretch marks.  So I have been convinced over the years that genetics play the biggest role...good luck!
still rub something over your belly though, it is great for your skin regardless of whether you get marks or not, olive oil based cream, coconut oil, vitamin E, whatever...there are so many good things to rub on your belly...try to avoid heavily fragrant lotions though as they can add to the itch that is normally associated with an expanding belly.
good luck