Coping Mentally with Stretch Marks
By earthpanther
@earthpanther (148)
United States
August 22, 2011 10:15am CST
OK, so I am 26 weeks pregnant with my first child. So far my pregnancy has been pretty easy and I was hoping to avoid stretch marks since I was in good physical condition to begin with, I am putting on the recommended amount of weight slow and controlled, I continue to do light exercise and I keep moisturized. Looked in the mirror this morning and the stretch marks have appeared anyway. I am having a hard time coping with this mentally; I'm crying my eyes out as I type this. So ladies with stretch marks, how did you cope with them mentally? Please keep in mind I do not want a list of supposed treatments or remedies, to be told they will mostly disappear/lighten after the baby is born, or some crap about how you are proud of them because they are a badge of motherhood. I want to seriously know how you coped mentally.
2 people like this
4 responses
@viju0410 (2286)
• India
23 Aug 11
I have heard from a friend that vitamin e cream or oil mixed with cocoa butter is a home remedy which gave her the desired results. At my time, I have consulted with the doctor and she prescribed a cream which reduces the itching. To be very friendly I am not bothered about my mark on the stomach even though I wear a sari (traditional Indian attire). Well congratulations and best wishes for a happy motherhood!!
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
23 Aug 11
When i was pregnant, i never ever thought about those stretch marks. What i am focused with, is having a healthy pregnancy for my child.
After giving birth , i didn't have them on the tummy, but on my upper legs. Well, i don't care. I have my child and husband who loves me even with my stretch marks.
I hide them by not wearing very short shorts. 
@kaplya (1578)
• India
22 Aug 11
Haha.. if you are so much worried about stretch marks then opt for plastic surgery after the delivery!jk It's actually how you perceive them which is going to help you cope with them mentally as everyone has different styles to deal with theirs. You just need to try to change your attitude and take on this.
@thetis74 (1525)
•
23 Aug 11
I have always been afraid of stretch marks. Luckily I never had a single one even after I had borne my first child and now I am 7 months pregnant and don't see any signs. If there are already stretches then I guess what you should do to keep it from getting worst is to get a very good emollient for that. If you could get some cocoa butter it's much better. That was what I read. I used it during my first pregnancy. But now that I couldn't get one I am just using nivea cream from this round tin and some other lotions and sometimes petroleum jelly.
Before I got pregnant I have read about that you have to moisturize any skin that stretches because if you don't then it will be like plastic being stretch and it will not regain it's normal appearance. So make sure you put some. I heard that there is no cure for that but it will lighten afterwards after if you keep using a good moisturizer because if not it will be very visible.
But don't worry. It is just stretch marks. It isn't anything serious. You shouldn't worry for your baby growing in your womb. Congratulations! Good luck.
