Stretchmarks - when should I start using a cream?

[Lewa]

Hi!
I've bought some cream/lotion that supposedly helps prevent stretchmarks, and I was just wondering when I should start using it. I'm less than 5 weeks pregnant now, and was wondering if I should start yet or if it's fine to wait a few weeks since I'm really not going to start getting a bump for another two months... but then again my boobs are growing, so I guess I could use some on them...?
Will it help at all?

 

[Young Mum 21 x]

i used palmers cocoa butter on my belly with LO from around 12 weeks, its good for soft skin too
i didnt use ne on my boobs, but i will be this time around!! xx

 

[Lulu_Laroo]

It's never too soon to start using - my first stretch marks appeared at around 16 weeks! That's when I started putting stretch-mark cream on my belly and hips. The stretch marks don't seem to have gotten much worse *touch wood* but I don't know if that has anything to do with using the cream or not. x

 

[Sarah13]

It's worth starting now to help soften you skin and get you in the habit of putting it on. If your going to get them though you will whatever cream you use, but might stop them from getting really bad. I use bio oil, not got any from this pregnancy get but got them on my legs and boobs last time, they seem more visible again just now!

 

[Lisa_85]

It's worth starting now to help soften you skin and get you in the habit of putting it on. If your going to get them though you will whatever cream you use, but might stop them from getting really bad. I use bio oil, not got any from this pregnancy get but got them on my legs and boobs last time, they seem more visible again just now!

On your legs?? Ive been using Palmers cocoa butter from 4 weeks on my boobs and tummy and ive got no stretch marks yet thankfully... but then i havent got a bump either so i guess its to come really, ive just ran out of the palmers and started using the bio oil for now and even put it in the bath for long soaks... am i going abit over board?

I have however recently got about 3 little blue/purple veins only 2mm long or so on my tummy... does anyone know why or how to help these go away and why they have arrived other than because im pregnant.

xx

 

[Alexandra84]

I think the general medical concensus is that there is no cream that can actually prevent stretchmarks all these creams do is moisturise, so you're more comfortable and help them heal if they appear. The chances of you getting them are related to genetics and the elasticity of your skin etc. Apparently the best way to reduce the chances of getting stretchmarks is by not gaining lots of weight very quickly and to exercise regularly so that your muscles are nice and toned, especially in your belly. This means that they hold your bump 'in' for a bit longer and this gives the skin time to grow without breaking (therefore preventing stretchmarks).

I'm definitely prone to getting them myself as I already have some from when I was a teen but I've been out walking regularly and eating healthy and despite my quite large bump (gone from a size 10 to a 14-16 so far), I haven't seen a single one yet (crosses fingers!).

 

[Tracey M]

I did not use cream last pregnancy and got a tiny little stretch mark under my bump when i was about a week overdue..... no marks this pregncny so far either! I think its cos I'm lardy anyway LOL. I would just start now anyway I like to rub oil in now and again and the massage is like a connection with your baby. I think if your gonna get stretch marks, you're gonna get em no matter what you do!

 

[Katie21]

There is no harm in starting now, even if it doesnt stop the stretch marks its still moisturising your skin. I only have stretch marks on my boobs so far, been using it twice a day since about 6 weeks.