Stretch Marks Prevention anyone?

[fertilemyrtle]

I'm only 9 weeks, but I got a lot of stretch marks as a teen.   I'm 20 pounds less than I was as a teen, but I have to say, this is the thing I'm most concerned about appearance-wise for pregnancy.  I already think my skin looks like it could get stretch marks if I pull up hard on it. 

I'm not taking too long a shower (dry myself out - I have naturally dry skin), I'm applying a generic sesame massage oil that I'm trying to finish up, but I'd like to get something else afterwards.   Any suggestions?  I also use just regular body lotion. 

I'm going to try not to gain weight too fast.   I'm taking vitamins, but if anyone has suggestions about good supplements, I'm all ears.  I love fruits and veggies, and I know that lots of water and produce will be good.  Does anyone think skin brushing works?

Just going to do my best, and whatever happens happens.   I know it's not completely within my control, but whatever amount is, I will do.

:)

Thanks!

[Jenne]

I've been using olive oil and so far so good but I also haven't gained much weight yet.  We'll see how things hold up...good luck!!!

:)

Jenne

[dejagerw]

I really think a lot of it has to do with your genes.  Some people are just so much more succeptible to stretch marks than others.  I didn't do anything to prevent stretch marks with my first pregnancy, and I didn't get any.  Knock on wood, I still don't have any with this pregnancy either.  

[myk]

other than keeping moisturized and trying to keep your weight gain gradual, i doubt there's anything you can do to really prevent them. i certainly got a lot of stretch marks the first time, but mostly when my weight ballooned at the end due to pre-E.

[~Adorkable~]

I second that I think that it is in your genes or not. Certainly you can help or hurt a bit. But I would just keep hydrated and keep moisturized and let what happens happen. I would hate to think that you restrict your weight for this, it could be a bad thing to fuss too much about.

[MaerynPearl]

its 100% genetics (science has proven that)

all you can do is stay moisturized so if they happen they don't itch as much... hope you have good genetics (with a history of stretch marks, not likely) and change how you view stretch marks (they are your badge of pregnancy, wear with pride to show you have carried a child! easier said than done i know...)

[lillymonster]

I got stretch marks as a teen, but did not get them with my first and gained a lot of weight. So far, I haven't gotten them with the baby. My sisters (3 sisters - 9 kids between all of them) never got them while pregnant, and they also got stretch marks as teens. So I think it is hereditary the way you get them. I don't think my mom got them after 5 kids - and one set of twins. I don't think there is any relationship to getting them as a teen and getting them while pregnant.

I did get linea negra with my first, but not with this one, and that took a long time to fade.

[MoonStarFalling]

Lots of fat in the diet and plenty of water to stay hydrated.  I only got stretch marks with one pregnancy where my diet was poor.  I think skin brushing is really helpful in general.

[suzywan]

Originally Posted by MoonStarFalling 

Lots of fat in the diet and plenty of water to stay hydrated.  I only got stretch marks with one pregnancy where my diet was poor.  I think skin brushing is really helpful in general.

Is skin brushing OK in pregnancy?  I thought I'd read that it was to be avoided.....