How bad are stretch marks?

[mommytobe190]

This is my first pregnancy so I have no experience but for those who do I want to know how bad stretch marks and skin sagging is after pregnancy?

[fagi4ka]

Im a ftm, 27 weeks gained 22lbs so far. No stretchmarks on my belly yet. Thank God!! Did get a few of lower part of my breasts back in 1st trimester because my boobs just grew very rapidly within like a week back then.
I think everyone is different, mainly depends on genetics. Look at your mom and you ll have an idea what to expect. But to minimize them, just make sure to !!!moisturize!!!! and drink TONS of water. I drink at least 2 liters a day.
Also, lIve been reading that many women get them at 8-9 months when your belly really grows big.

[proud_mommy_25]

Everyone is different. With my first I got stretch marks on my boobs right away because they grew so fast and so much. At the very end I got some on my butt and thighs but they went away for the most part pretty fast. I gained almost 65 pounds with that pregnancy and didn't get a single one on my belly or anywhere else. I started at 115 pounds with that one so I was very slim and I got big fast. I lathered up on lotion all the time though. I used Palmers stretch marks cream. So far I don't have any with this pregnancy but I'm only 14 weeks. I know tons of mom's who got horribly bad stretch marks, some who just got a few, and some who got none. It really just depends on you and how your skin can handle the stretching. All you can do is assume you will get them eventually, but don't stress about it just try your best to help keep your skin stay in good condition to prepare for the growth of your belly. In a lot of woman the stretch marks will fade and sometimes even go away. Mine did. The way I think of it is, if you assume you will get them then you aren't gonna be disappointed or surprised by it and at the same time, if you end up not getting any you will be so elated and happy.
:-)
I actually got a little excited when I noticed my first stretch mark. It was kinda like a badge of honor into motherhood. But I am one of the odd ones, I know.

[EEmommy]

I'm 18 weeks with my 3rd and have no stretch marks on my tummy. I got them on my boobs when my milk came in with my first but those are the only ones. I use Palmers cocoa butter stretch mark cream starting in the second trimester. It also helps with itching that most women get. I have my husband rub it on for me. ;-)