Post pregnancy questions....

Melissa - posted on 07/31/2009

BIO OIL is the best thing ever created

Katarina - posted on 07/29/2009

I'm with Lucy. I never got a single stretch mark, and didn't use anything for them while I was pregnant. But as for that line, my son is 4 months old and I still have mine and it hasn't faded any.

Lucy - posted on 07/27/2009

Ok, you're gonna hate me here.....i never got a stretch mark!!!!!!!!!! BUT my little girl is only a week off being 4 months old and i've still got the line and its still as dark as ever!

Nicole - posted on 07/23/2009

Something kind of wierd, my whole belly button turned that dark brown color in addition to the line, and it ended up peeling like a sunburn would... Maybe an exfoilating scrub might lighten or get rid of it? Also, Mederma for scars on stretch marks seems to be working nicely...

Kate - posted on 07/18/2009

my son is 13 weeks and my line is starting to fade just now

Stephanie - posted on 07/14/2009

Definitely BIO-oil. I started using it months before, and I only got a few after all was said and done. Now, even those are fading :)

Christine - posted on 07/09/2009

1. Bio-oil is great for stretch marks and scars.

2. I never had the line on my stomach with either pregnancy

I know the doctor has stressed a balanced diet, continued prenatl multi vitamin use and exercise. I attribute my quick recovery to that.

Bec - posted on 07/08/2009

Hi I got this information from my fav preg/baby website www.babycentre.com.au

Hope it helps...





Postnatal skin problems







Will the brown patches on my skin go away now I've had my baby?



What can I do to minimise the appearance of brown patches?



Will my stretch marks ever go away?



My skin texture has changed since I had my baby. What's going on?









Will the brown patches on my skin go away now I've had my baby?





Skin pigmentation changes on your face, known as chloasma, and the dark line that runs down your belly, known as the linea nigra, will gradually fade in the year after delivery. This is because your body has stopped making the pregnancy hormones that caused the pigment changes in the first place. But these brown patches may never go away completely.



Also, if you’re prone to these changes in pigment, and you start taking the Pill, you may get them again.





What can I do to minimise the appearance of brown patches?





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The best thing you can do to minimise their appearance is to stay out of the sun so that these areas don't darken even more. If you can't avoid the sun, wear a hat, cover up, and use sunscreen.



If the Pill is a cause of the discolouration, talk to your GP about switching to another form of contraception. Using a low-dosage Pill won't necessarily take care of the problem.



If the patches don't lighten as much as you would like them to within a year, ask your GP if you can be referred to a dermatologist. He may recommend a topical bleaching cream.





Will my stretch marks ever go away?





They won't disappear, but they will become less noticeable over several years as the reddish-brown pigmentation begins to fade. If you're bothered by their appearance, creams derived from vitamin A, such as Retin-A (tretinoin), or laser treatment may help, but do talk to your doctor first. Remember to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as some drugs are not safe for breastfeeding mothers. In extreme cases, surgery may help, but this is very unlikely to be available on the NHS.





My skin texture has changed since I had my baby. What's going on?





Stress, hormonal changes and fatigue brought on by new parenthood can put your skin through the wringer for a year or so after giving birth. Some women who had perfectly clear skin during pregnancy will have more breakouts in the months following delivery, and vice versa. Others will have noticeably drier skin. Avoid harsh cleansers or cosmetics as they can irritate your skin further.



Dry skin can also be a symptom of an underactive thyroid. Your GP can do a quick blood test to find out if you have this condition. Other changes associated with an underactive thyroid are excessive fatigue, unexplained weight gain and a feeling of being cold.

Nadia - posted on 06/25/2009

my daughter is 9 weeks old and i use bio oil on my stretchmarks everyday and their barely viseable now, its not cheap but its worth it! sorry cant help with the line i never got it with my 2.

Mokki - posted on 06/25/2009

i also have the line down the belly, my daughter is almost 3 months old and it has gotten much lighter, but i think it takes some time. and your stretch marks will fade with time, mine have faded lots and i havent used any lotions or oils, i did use bio oil while pregnant, and i hear it is good for stretchmarks, aswell as vitE, but i keep forgettin to put iton. but they do fade over time. as much as they are irritating, and its summer and and bathingsuit time, just try and accept them, or you could always wear bathing suit that cover a lil more to hide them. whatever you are most comfortable in is the best

Joslyn - posted on 06/24/2009

Try vitamin E for stretch marks, I've been taking it and they are lighter, I doubt they will go away completely. My baby is 2 months as well and I still have the line not sure when and if that is supposed to go away.