Is this the start of a stretchmark-apocalypse?

[Anonymous]

I was hoping to be one of those lucky ladies to side-step pregnancy stretchmarks but, alas, it is not to be. I am about 30 weeks along and now see interesting purplish markings on my outer thighs and hips. While I am slightly disappointed, I'm trying not to be vain about it. My hope is that they'll fade, in time, to something less noticeable. Besides, I can't imagine being up for a bikini anytime soon anyway.

My question is, since the stretchmarks started relatively early (with somewhat moderate pregnancy weightgain up to this point of 14 lbs), has my skin showed its true colors in its intense desire to stretch and mark? Will I be a ball of stretchmarks by the end? I suppose there isn't a real answer to this question. Maybe its all heredity and I'll have to wait and see. Maybe I wasn't diligent with the lotion that I scoffed at for not working. Maybe the 14 lbs was too much. Maybe I should suck it up as part of motherhood and deal. It's most likely the latter.

At any rate, I have a feeling that I have some prime weightgaining days ahead and I know I have much skin stretching left to do. If you see me at the pool, I'll be the mom in the tankini and retro swimskirt, earnestly focusing on her dear child while trying to keep the swimskirt from exposing evidence of the 2009 stretchmark-apocalypse.

[Anonymous]

I feel your pain! I think it is, for some women, just one of the joys of pregnancy. I made it to 32 weeks without a single stretch mark....i felt really proud of myself...thinking I must of done something right My DD, who was almost 10 pounds and 23 inches, at birth must have put on most of her weight in those last two months. By the time she came my stomach was a web of stretch marks. I honestly don't think any lotion or anything else would have helped. The good news is that the marks do fade....and honestly I really don't care too much about them now. I have heard (after birth and breastfeeding of course) that retin a can help fade marks even more. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I don't think lotions make a difference at all. But only 14lb, I am jealous! Don't blame it on that, you must still be tiny! I gained 40lb with my first and didn't get a single stretch mark. With #2 I am 29 weeks along and just found one on my stomach (it is small, about 1/2 inch long). I've also gained 25lb so far, so this one might be inviting some friends to show up later!

[Anonymous]

can't answer your stretch mark question... but just wanted to give you kudos for keeping your weight gain to a healthy 14 pounds thus far! you deserve the accolades!