How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
You Don't Have to Sit Back and Accept Them
Are pregnancy stretch marks preventable? There are some companies that want you to believe that they are, but only if you use their fancy and very expensive line of lotions. And there are countless doctors that say "No, stretch marks are hereditary, and there's nothing you can do to prevent them." But my own personal experience has convinced me that there are things you can do to help prevent stretch marks, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money.
Stretch marks are hereditary in my family, so when I got pregnant I was very discouraged to hear the professionals continually saying that I have to just sit back and accept them as a fact of life. But that just made me more determined to prove them wrong, and I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I've found 2 strategies that, when combined, work great to prevent stretch marks. The first is to stay moisturized with some type of product specifically designed for stretch marks. In my experience, the cheap creams work just as well as the pricey versions, as long as you use them regularly and on your entire body.
During my first pregnancy, I decided to try the Magia Bella line of pregnancy lotions. They're pretty pricey, but I figured it was worth a shot. If it's that expensive, it has to work, right? So I spent quite a bit of money on the creams for the different trimesters, and used them religiously, twice a day, like it says to do on the packaging. The problem was that it was so expensive that I didn't want to use too much and waste it, so I just used it on my stomach and outer thighs, where I had seen stretch marks on my mom and figured I was most vulnerable. But I gained 45 pounds during my pregnancy, and although I didn't get stretch marks on my stomach or outer thighs, I get them everywhere else. By the time I realized my mistake and started using the lotion all over, it was too late.
However, when I was at the Motherhood Maternity store getting a nursing bra, the clerk recommended the store brand of lotion that she said helped her get rid of her stretch marks. So I tried it and it really did take the redness away-now instead of ugly red, very noticeable stretch marks, I had discreet silvery streaks, which were much easier to live with. But I do have to mention that for some reason, the lotion started to smell really bad after about a month, even though I got the "unscented" version.
For my second pregnancy, money was a lot tighter, and there was no way I could afford to use the Magia Bella products again, especially in the quantity required. So I decided to try the Palmer's branch of products, which is much, much cheaper. I was a little worried that it wouldn't work since it was so cheap, but I've been very pleasantly surprised. I'm currently in my 9th month, and have virtually no new stretch marks (other than a patch from a scratching frenzy, but more about that later). Since the Palmer's products are so reasonable (about $5, vs. $75 for Magia Bella), I don't have to worry about conserving it, and I've really been slathering it on throughout my entire pregnancy. Also, now I understand that stretch marks can appear anywhere, so I'm using it everywhere.
The second thing that you can do to prevent stretch marks is to avoid scratching. Scratching is very damaging to skin that's already being stretched to its max, and I've learned from experience that a good scratching-although very satisfying at the time-is sure to result in a fresh patch of stretch marks. Itchiness will be minimized by keeping your skin moisturized with stretch mark lotion, but when an itch does come along, try to rub it away instead of scratching with your fingernails.
Every woman's skin is different, but these techniques have worked for me, so hopefully they'll work for you too.
Published by Raquel Keaton
I am a CPA with a 4 yr old son Noah and a 3 yr old daughter India. I work full-time outside the home, so I don't have a lot of time for hobbies, but I like to snowboard, run, and take pictures of the kids. View profile
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- Scratching is very damaging to pregnant skin, and should be avoided.
21 Comments
Post a CommentI had stretch marks from my first pregnancy and am currently 6 months pregnant now and started to see the stretch marks getting red. They were bright silver and shiny. So I started using the Dr Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment - they now are more flesh tone and WAY less noticeable! I am totally happy with the product and will be buying this through the end of the pregnancy and beyond! The only downside to this product is the price - I wish it was less expensive, but it is definitely worth every penny!!! No marks!
Palmers for expectant mothers is wonderful. I have used this product on all three of my pregnancies and the only places I have stretch marks are where it wasnt applied!
For many years, I suffer from lack of confidence because of my skin appearance. I had spots, scars, stretch marks, bruises, and untoned skin. I had to live with the fact that I was brutally beaten up by acne acne and it really show. I was introduced to Made from Earth by magazine advertisements. For a very small amount, it was really pricey, but I wanted to desperately get rid of these flaws. I hated the thought of spending money, but when I applied the Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum onto my skin and face area, it wasn't what I had expected it at all. The firming serum doesn't leave any greasy or oily residues on face or skin. Made from Earth claimed that you would see the results in three weeks, and they were right!! I applied it to my face and skin two times a day, everyday...like they said, and I saw the difference. The changes were dramatic, and I love it. My skin tone are now balanced, my spots, scars, and bruises have reeduced in appearances. Also, the Aloe Vera Skin Treatme
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Stretch marks is a common problem of both men and women, but there are ways to do stretch mark cover up and even remove them. For more info see skin-repair.org
There are lots of pregnancy stretch mark creams that one can buy in the market. For more info see skin-repair.org
I forgot to mention. Start moisturizing yur skin with lotion the moment you find out that yu are pregnant at least twice a day and drink lots of water.
I think drs guess theories sometimes.My 3 sisters and my mom all have stretch marks. I have them on my back and thighs but I was determined to not get them on my stomach. On top of what the article said when you get to 28wks make sure you moisturize 4 times a day. morn,afternoon,evening and right before bed.Btwn 28 and 32wks is when most women gain weight but continue even after 32wks. Exercise and eat as much fruit and veges as possible. I had not one stretch mark on my stomach. One more thing carry the lotion in your bag because yu will feel itchy some days instead of scratching rub with lotion.The rubbing with lotion helped when I felt itchy and hot and I would always drink water afterwards. If yu are determined you wont get them. I remember I would get out of a lecture to go to the bathroom with my bag inorder to cool the itch.It works try it. One more thing I only gained 20lbs and I took a 20-30min walk 6days a week.
Use 100% shea butter (hexane free). I am 35 weeks pregnant with zero stretch marks! I bought 1lb for 11.00 and finished the whole thing. I'm now working on my 2nd lb for 11.00 $22.00 isn't bad for the whole 9 months and zero stretch marks. I use it from my face to my toes too with zero breakouts!
Find an organic, cold pressed, hexane free shea butter - I found mine on the internet
Hello everyone,
Baby health is so important - we all want to avoid chemicals in our food, milk and our household while being pregnant. It is very important. There are alot of chemicals in skincare today, and pregnant women should only use chemical free or Organic face creams.
Your skin is an organ - that you are sharing with your unborn child. Any chemicals applied to your skin will feed the growth of your child. And please do your research on the internet regarding chemicals in skin care products.
My personal recommendation, is the Made from Earth product line. They are completely chemical free and organic, and their products have a shelf life of 6 months, because they are not presevred with chemicals, but they do use quality ingredients. I used their 3 Berry Face Serum while I was pregnant, and its a great face cream I highly recommend.
Best of luck to everyone!