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I do think its genetic!

We didn't get them in my family - mom, sister, me

@Mamaof2: Same. all three of us gained 35-45 lbs with each pregnancy so I don't think it's always weight gain related either.

I got terrible stretch marks and am on track this pregnancy to get more.

Sadly, I've read a lot about it, and it kind of depends on your definition of "preventable". I spent a ton of $$ on expensive oils and creams and none of them worked, and after researching, the consensus from dermatologists are that topical applications without hard core meds (that wouldn't be safe in pregnancy) will not work on stretch marks, although they made provide a placebo affect.

Basically stretch marks come down to a few things: Skin type, your age (skin elasticity), how much weight you gain, and how you carry.

The only one of those you can control is weight gain. You are less likely to get stretchies if you gain the minimal amounts of weight--although of course, if you carry large or are very fair, you may get them anyway.

People with more melatonin are less likely to get stretch marks; people who are older are less likely to get stretch marks (less elasticity), people who gain less are less likely, people who carry small are less likely.

I did not get any with pregnancy but did get them on my thighs when I gain a bunch of weight post-college. My mom got them when pregnant.

I got them as did my mother. Not sure if my sister got them. I totally think it's genetics and luck. I used lotions/creams with my 1st pregnancy. I thought I was in the clear but they showed up post partum. Light, but still there.

Not sure how much age plays a role. I defintely think some in terms of elasticity and just generally bouncing back.

I don't have any from pregnancy and neither does my mom nor my grandma. But both of my aunts, my mom's sisters got them. They're both very petite though and carried very large. I do have a few from puberty/growth spurt on my upper thighs/hips

My mom didn’t get any (so she claims, who knows for sure!), but carried pretty small for both pregnancies.

I carried large (and am small), swelled up like a balloon and didn’t get any until late 39 weeks – I thought I was safe at that point!!!

The ones I got were minimal and have faded almost away over time.

My mom didn't get any with 4 children, my sister with 3 children, and I didn't get any either, so genetics play a big part. I asked my doctor and she told me it's mainly genetics, but o drinking lots of water and exercising helps skin elasticity.

@Mamasig: what's interesting is that I actually read if you are older you are less likely to get them. I forget where I read this but it was something about being younger your skin is tighter so more likely to damage. If you're older your skin is "looser" (cant think of what word they used) and less likely to damage.
It was really surprising to me but it sorta makes sense. I'll have to look around.

We both got them. They don't bother me.

I didn't get them and I don't think my mother did...though I don't know for sure. My sister did get them though.

No stretch marks here and neither did mom with her five pregnancies. I was *huge* (I carried like two basketballs in front) with twins and gained 50 or so lbs. I did use oil (think it was mama mio) twice a day but I think it mostly comes down to genetics.

My mom doesn't really remember but she said probably.

I ended up getting them on my butt/hips, none on my stomach.

I said neither my mom nor I did, but technically I think my mom had a few minor ones by her fifth baby- but I think having 5 babies in ten years and only have minimal ones counts as a genetic low risk of stretch marks! I did not get any while pregnant with c, got a few very small light ones on my breasts when my milk came in but they faded completely.

I actually have humongous tiger stripes and so does my mum. I think they are cool! It's like I earned them.

And I had a 6 pound baby and only gained 15 pounds.

I didn't get them, and neither did my Mom and sister. Yay for good genes

@Greentea:

My mom and sister both have stretch marks. I didn't get any. Used palmers belly butter and bio oil. Slathered it on. I figured it couldn't hurt to try.

My mum has zero stretchmarks, she has a soft pudgy white mum tum though. I have stretchies all over the front of my belly down into my pubic area. At 15 weeks I can already see some of them getting pink again, so I'm in for round 2. Its just my skin type vs mum's I think, I have less elasticity? my skin is also much drier all over.

Mother got horrible stretch marks, and hers went away. I got horrible stretch marks, and am hoping they go away. But, she also had no morning sickness, and I had hyperemesis. Her milk also never came in, and I have an oversupply. So, I don't put too much stock into what happened with my mom!