The Daily Balance

I am getting LOTS of questions from you guys – you definitely ARE as nosey as me

At least half of them deal with stretch marks, so I figure I’ll address those first.

Stretch marks — or as I’m trying to call them, warrior scars.

The jury is still out on whether these could be prevented or if you can ease your chances by lathering up with fancy creams. Some say certain women will get them no matter what. That may be true, but here are some things that will DEFINITELY lessen your chances.

DON’T eat for two. Sure pregnancy messes with your self-control (more on this later) and it can be easy to adopt the “I’m gaining weight anyway” mindset. Don’t do that. Your body will be changing enough as it is and extra weight won’t help matters. Despite the whole “eating for two” concept, you really only need about 200 extra calories (on average) a day. That’s an apple with string cheese. Anyway, my point is that keeping your weight under control (I promise I’ll share these numbers) and maintaining a healthy diet will give you the best-case scenario.

LATHER UP. I know, I know some books say it works, some say it’s pointless. All I know is my personal experience. From day one, I coated my belly with stretch mark prevention cream. And I can (knock on wood) happily say that I don’t have one single stretch mark….on my belly. I do however, have one or two (albeit, small) on the back side of my hips (where I never put lotion — until recently). Let’s just say I’ve been going to bed like a piece of buttered chicken for the past few weeks. Did the lotion work? Who knows for sure — but even if there is a small chance that it did, it’s worth it. If you are interested in the creams I’ve been using, let me know, I’d be happy to share my thoughts/reviews on the many brands that are out there.

I also plan on utilizing stretch mark reducing cream after pregnancy — on my hip area. I’ll keep you posted on what products work best for me.

MOVE. Sure, I’m no longer doing P90X and I’m certainly not running any marathons, but I’ve kept active (don’t worry, I’m posting details on my fitness regimen later), which I attribute to my overall physique and maintained fitness level. In addition, it’s helped me keep any additional weight off — which certainly helps in the stretch mark department.

Like I said, this is what I have done and what has seemingly worked for me. I still have a few weeks to go and if the stretch marks get worse on my hips, so be it. My body has been working overtime for the Little for nine months — and if at the end of it all, I have a healthy, beautiful (I mean, have you seen his Daddy? He’s gonna be gorgeous ) little man — it is all worth it. In fact, I’d let stretch marks wrap around my entire body and wear them with a smile knowing that in the end…they’re really just proof that I got to house our little miracle

In the meantime, I’ll continue to lather up each night like a little butterball turkey. At the very least, my skin will be soft

14 Responses to “To stretch or not to stretch – the truth about stretch marks”

1. Tina said:

   I never used any lotions or anything with the twins & I only have 2 tiny stretch marks pretty low down. I heard its all about how elastic your skin is for the most part.

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 11:00 am | Reply
2. Kara said:

   I knew a woman who didn’t have any stretch marks until she hit 40 weeks and then WHAM! I think that’s unusual though

   I didn’t get any stretch marks, but my linea nigra is hanging on (still after 7 months!)

   The 200 extra calories is only for the 1st trimester, by the 3rd you need closer to 500 extra a day (since you and the little weigh more). When you breastfeed, you stick the 300-500 extra a day, but you’ll be so hungry you won’t have to try to get extra, it will just happen

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 11:02 am | Reply
3. kristin said:

   when i have a baby (not for a few years) i am going to make you my best friend so you can remind me of all these things. thank you.

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 12:03 pm | Reply
4. Tami said:

   My family got stretch marks with each pregnancy….I was determined NOT too. I looked online for products and found spoiled mama TUMMY BUTTER. It claimed to be organic, safe during pregnancy, even while breastfeeding….everything I wanted to hear. It is kinda pricey so I really took a gamble on it and prayed it would work to prevent my dreaded family curse of stretch marks.

   When it arrived I ran to my bedroom, undressed and slapped the cocoa butter concoction all over my body. It smelled amazing, I wanted to eat it…but more importantly- will it work? YES,YES,YES!!!

   After 6 months and 60lbs (I know crazy) I only got one tiny stretch mark on my hip! My tummy is left with ZERO stretch marks! I swear by SPOILED MAMAS TUMMY BUTTER!! I was skeptical at first but now I tell everyone! It really is amazing and totally worth it!!

   BTW- I asked my OB if creams would help with preventing SM and she didn’t want to comment. She did recommend to use lotions/oils that are free from parabens, petroleum and mineral oil, since they don’t allow ingredients to “penetrate” your skin. I found PALMERS, BABY OIL, VASELINE LOTION all contain these ingredients. SO READ YOUR INGREDIENT LABELS- don’t be fooled by the word: organics!!!

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 12:04 pm | Reply
5. Sarah said:

   I’d like to know your thoughts on the brands! I’ve ordered one brand (Bella B), but as I’m only 20 weeks, I’m sure I’ll need another soon.

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 12:08 pm | Reply
6. Friday Fodder | The Daily Balance said:

   [...] Contact Me « To stretch or not to stretch – the truth about stretch marks [...]

   Posted on January 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm | Reply
7. You asked, I tell — the post about pregnancy weight gain | The Daily Balance said:

   [...] your interest in stretch marks, this topic was highest on the [...]

   Posted on January 24, 2011 at 6:10 pm | Reply
8. Toast with oomph! | The Daily Balance said:

   [...] glad so many of you are enjoying my pregnancy posts — who knew stretch marks, waiting and weight would be so interesting! Please keep the questions [...]

   Posted on January 25, 2011 at 4:31 pm | Reply
9. Diana @ frontyardfoodie said:

   I lathered up, dry brushed and oiled my belly, back, hips and butt but still got stretch marks below my belly button. None anywhere else though. After birth I got some tiny ones on my boobs that have already disappeared.

   I don’t know what’s true about creams and oils but I do know that genetics are HUGE.

   Posted on January 28, 2011 at 1:04 am | Reply
10. Pregnancy Post Round-up | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] I give you the truth about stretch marks [...]

    Posted on February 2, 2011 at 2:22 pm | Reply
11. My Body – Before and After Pregnancy | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] those red marks (no, not the stretch marks) on my stomach? They’re from squeezing into these all [...]

    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:00 am | Reply
12. My Body – Before and After Pregnancy | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] those red marks (no, not the stretch marks) on my stomach? They’re from squeezing into these all [...]

    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:00 am | Reply
13. My Body – Before and After Pregnancy | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] those red marks (no, not the stretch marks) on my stomach? They’re from squeezing into these all [...]

    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:00 am | Reply
14. My Body – Before and After Pregnancy | The Daily Balance said:

    [...] those red marks (no, not the stretch marks) on my stomach? They’re from squeezing into these all [...]

    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:00 am | Reply