I still have plenty of stretch marks from Kaylee. I tried using that cocoa butter lotion while I was pregnant but it didn't work. I have hardly any on my stomach but my legs right under my buttom there are plenty. My question is, I was wondering if anyone knows of any creams that WORK well for a good price. I have already tried Mederma for about 4 weeks and really didn't see any improvements so I stopped buying it. The summer is coming and I have been running 4 miles a day to lose weight for the summer to look nice in shorts but now I am worried about these stupid stretch marks. Thank you.

By My2cuties on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 08:20 pm:

Surgically removed..that is the only thing I have heard will take them away completely. I am planning on having that done after I have my baby and loose my weight. I cannot stand having them!

By Reds9298 on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 09:11 pm:

Totally off the subject Shyan, but would love to know how you work in 4 mi. running a day? I have an 8mth old dd (who has NO napping schedule) and I'm really finding it hard to get in the groove. I feel like my workouts are sporadic and scattered and I can't find a routine time. Fortunately I lost all of my baby weight in about a month without exercise, but I don't feel 'fit' anymore. I always worked out before becoming a mommy and up until the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I'm getting discouraged...what's your secret??
PS: I've heard stretch marks are all about genes and surgical removal is the only way to get rid of them.

By Andi on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 09:20 pm:

Surgery is the only thing I've heard of as well.....If you hear of something else let me know. I swear it looks like Freddy Crugar (sp) got to my tummy and did a number.

I'm going to see a plastic surgeon about MAYBE getting a Boob job in the near future and I plan on asking about my stretch marks.

By Breann on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 10:28 pm:

I've heard that surgery is the only answer as well.
I was lucky in not getting stretch marks with either of my pregnancies. My doctor said that some people do, and some people don't, but for those that do there is really no "miracle lotion".

By Kayleesmommy on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 10:45 pm:

Deanna- I am lucky because Kaylee loves to ride in the stroller. I go to our Rec. Center here and walk about a mile with her and she falls right to sleep because I try to go when she is getting tired or hasn't taken a nap in awhile. Kaylee isn't on any kind of nap schedule either. Since I live in a very small town I fell comfortable enough to park her on the side and then do my jog. If my husband is home then he will watch her for me but since he is in the Coast Guard he isn't home very much. Have you tried taking your 8 month old on a stroller ride for awhile? She may really like it like Kaylee does. Even if you only get to walk it is better than nothing. Some ladies get those jogger strollers as well. I don't have one so I don't know how well they are to run with. None of our schools here have a track but if you have a track to go to then it is worth a try to get back into shape.

By Palmbchprincess on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 10:54 pm:

I have horrific stretch marks and loose skin on my stomach. I tried Mederma, no difference. The only way to get rid of them is surgery, and I'm not even sure what kind of surgery you would need for legs. (I'd need a tummy tuck to get rid of mine) Some people have found lasar surgery helps, but it's expensive. If they haven't already, they will turn silvery white/skin tone, and be much less noticable.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 06:31 am:

I lucked out and didn't get stretch marks but I do have a lovely, double c-section scar. Ah, the badges of motherhood!

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 07:44 am:

LOL, Trina - me too - no stretch marks, but 2 abdominal surgery scars from hipbone to hipbone.

Stretch Marks

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks occur when expanding skin is stretched to its limit and tiny tears appear in the supporting layers of skin. Stretch marks are quite common in pregnancy; about 50-90% of women will get stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts, thighs or buttocks during pregnancy.

What Causes Stretch Marks
Your chances of getting pregnancy stretch marks depend on a number of factors. Family history makes a difference-if your mother got stretch marks, chances are you'll have them too. Ethnicity is another matter-women with darker skin are less likely to get stretch marks. Weight gain and weight loss can also change the magnitude of your marks. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated, as this will help your skin stretch.

What Can I Do About Stretch Marks?

Permanent Solutions

If you are really bothered by your stretch marks, you can always look into plastic surgery for stretch marks. The most common treatment is laser surgery for stretch marks, but don’t be fooled by the name. This is actually an out-patient procedure used in the removal of stretch marks that has little to no recovery period involved.

Alternatively, if you don’t like the sound of a stretch marks laser, you can take advantage of blue light therapy for stretch marks removal. This treatment uses gel and light to remove your stretch marks.}

I've read that if they are really, really bad, and the skin is really loose, the best option is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

I've also read that in using those creams after-the-fact, the cream doesn't actually do anything for the stretch marks, rather it is the rubbing of them that causes the healing action that turns them from red to white.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 07:47 am:

Well, I have stretch marks and a c-section scar. Big whoop. I don't plan on wearing a bikini in the near future and it's just part of who I am.

By Alcush on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 08:33 am:

Dawn- so funny- me too! Looking for 2nd c-section scar this year. LOL!

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 09:07 am:

Shyan - thanks for your tips! It's sooo cold here (I'm in IN) that I can't do anything with dd outside, which is what I mostly did before. I have a treadmill inside, but now that dd is crawling it's a real task to run/walk while she's awake and when she's sleeping it's only for about 30 min. at a time. We do have a jogger that we haven't used yet, so I'm looking forward to using it outside when the weather warms up. That will be great. I can workout when dh gets home, but I just want to spend time with them both then so it's a willpower issue at that time. I'm just going to have to make myself stick to a schedule (even if it's not really a schedule in my mind) until the weather warms up. I think it will be much easier then because dd will love being outside and like you said, she can nap, too.

By Eve on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 09:09 am:

Oh goodness! I have a belt of stretch marks all around my lower waist, my hips too. It doesn't bother me anymore. Have you been to the beach lately? The percentage of perfect Mommy bodies is low. I just throw on my bikini and no worries. I think there is too much pressure on women. Stretch marks should be something to be proud of. You created another human being! Wear them with pride! I say "Down with airbrushing! Let it all hang out!"

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 09:14 am:

My body is a big deal to me, mainly because my mother was always large after she had kids and I didn't want to end up like that. I exercise a lot and now I also have stretch marks and some loose skin that I have no control over.
I agree about the surgery for stretch marks, but I also believe in working out/weightlifting to make your whole body feel and look better. Good for you for exercising! It's hard to fit it in sometimes, but I go to bed at 9:30 now and wake up a half hour before Connor gets up so I can get on the elliptical machine downstairs! 20-30 minutes a day, in the morning before breakfast, can make a WORLD of difference!

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:03 am:

I agree with Heidi, feeling good about the rest of you is important. Also, Karen gave good information about the laser options. A tummy tuck is drastic, and leaves a pretty signifigant scar on your belt line (hip to hip or longer), but in my case my stretch marks go from my bikini area well above my belly button, so the tuck scar would be an improvement. And Eve is so right, very few women have perfect bodies, and what's noticable to you may be completely unseen by others. One thing that you may feel more comfortable with is an airbrushing spray. Sally Hansen makes one for legs, I've never used it but I've heard good things, and it might give a more even tone to cover the marks.

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:21 am:

Heidi- That's what I should start doing to I KNOW I'll get it in everyday. Natalie wakes up at 7:00, but plays in her bed until about 7:30 or so. You've inspired me! I'm setting my alarm for 6:30 or 7:00 and running BEFORE the little stinker gets up!! I feel the same way you do about weight issues. I was sooo careful during my pregnancy to eat healthy and watch weight gain, I worked out all the time and it really worked, it's just I've had a hard time getting back in the routine of working out. It's so sporadic with a little one!I'm a small person but have a tendency to put on extra pounds if I don't watch it and I want to maintain my size so dh will still think I'm cute when I'm 60!!! Thanks! -Deanna

By Missmudd on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:59 am:

I had stretch marks before I even had kids. Puberty hit hard and fast for me so I already had stretch marks on my hips that havent gotten better or worse since having the kids. There are a few real doozies around my belly button, they are the only ones that I even think about because they bump out now that I am not prego. The other ones are hardly noticable, but I am not a bikini wearer, I have too much chest to comfortably wear one anyway.

By Kayleesmommy on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 01:49 pm:

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I would never do any plastic surgeries to get rid of my stretch marks. That is not my thing. I don't want to have any surgeries unless I HAVE to. I was just hoping there was some kind of miracle cream or something. I searched the web and some of them are over $100. Good grief. I would do the laser or the light but then I really don't want to spend thousands of dollars either so I guess I will just have to wear shorts that are longer than what I am used to wearing. I haven't been too the beach in a bathing suit ever but plan to when we get to VA. I am from Oregon and the beaches there are way too cold most of the time to wear one and now I am in AK. and obviously it is WAY to cold here