A lot of you saw my picture from yesterday and commented on my lack of stretch marks. And it’s true, I don’t have any. I even forced Mike to make sure I don’t have any that I can’t see (and there is a lot I can’t see) and he confirmed that there are none. I didn’t get any with Madeline, either. I was worried that maybe this time would be different since I’ve carried Binky so much longer than Madeline, but I think it’s safe to say at this point that I’m going to emerge from this pregnancy stretch-mark free. And yeah…it’s awesome.
It helps a lot that I have good genes. My mom carried my brother and me to 42 weeks. FORTY TWO WEEKS WITH TWINS! We weighed in at six pounds 11 ounces and six pounds 14 ounces, and my mom didn’t have a single stretch mark. You can’t even hate her because FORTY TWO WEEKS WITH TWINS OMG.
There are a lot of other factors involved for me. Even though I’m only five foot three inches tall, I have a long torso for someone of my height. That gives the baby a little more room. I also grew straight out, then when I hit 49 1/2 inches around my stomach started growing up and down. Very uncomfortable for my body, but much easier on my skin.
I also have this most likely inaccurate theory that the shots I give myself every day help. My idea is that I have to pinch the skin on my stomach every day looking for a place to plunge the needle, and somehow that has helped stretch my skin gradually. Like I said, it’s probably inaccurate, but I’m not a real doctor, I just play one on the internet! Plus I know that if you google something enough you’ll find an answer that supports any theory.
Of course, there is one other big factor behind my smooth skin – food and I have a bad relationship when I’m pregnant. Believe you me, when you throw up a bazillion times a day and the only meal plan you’re allowed to eat is the same one Jennifer Aniston follows, you’re not going to gain a lot of weight. Or, really, any weight at all. I really cannot wait to not to think so much about food. It will be glorious.
So, in conclusion – have good genes, grow a long torso, make sure the baby grows up and down, give yourself blood thinning shots every day, barf your brains out, and eat like a bird!
When I put it that way, stretch marks don’t seem so bad, do they? Hee hee.
Erin Pyle (@erinjeany) says:
That’s so awesome! Yay for no stretch marks! I can’t believe your mother carried twins term and still no stretch marks! Amazing. My dr did tell me though that stretch marks are partially hereditary. I was concerned when my stomach started to look like Freddy Kruger, so i asked him if lotions, etc would help. The first thing he asked me was if my mother has them. I said yes and he said no. LOL! Apparently all hope was gone since she had them. 15 months later and my stomach STILL looks gross. I told Hub he has no choice but to pay for my tummy to look sexy again after we are done baby making! lol
Jessalee says:
I think I was born with stretchmarks.
You more than make up for the stretchmark thing by being one of those woman that just, WAH-POW, get pregnant and it’s all belly. I’m like that too, so I empathize with you by only displaying on minimal hating or jealous-like behavior. :-p
dawn says:
Hm. Thinking … thinking …
Yeah I was screwed from the start. Mom had the marks and I got them from freaking puberty. At least the pregnancy ones faded faster than the puberty ones.
Sigh.
Fine, I won’t hate you for the no stretch marks.
I guess.
Lesley says:
I ended up with a lot of stretch marks as did my mom, but it wasn’t like I had a swimsuit modeling worthy bod to begin with, so oh well!
As for your mom carrying twins for 42 weeks….WHAT A TROOPER!!!
My sister-in-law carried my twin nephews to term (I believe they had to induce her) and they were 8lbs 1oz and 8lbs 8oz!!! She is only 5′ 4″ or something…they measured her near the end and she was 5′ around!!!! I was amazed she could even stand without falling forward!!
I am envious of your stretchmark free belleh!! Not that there is anything that can be done for mine at this point, but out of curiosity, did you use any oils,creams or lotions during either of your pregnancies? I’m not sure people will be going to the extremes of giving themselves shots, so if you have any other secrets please do tell!!!
Krissa says:
No matter what the reason, here’s to your stretch mark free pregnancies! Yay for that!
Al_Pal says:
HOLY SNAP YOUR MOM IS AMAZING.
Wow. That is INtense!
I have stretch marks from puberty and extreme depo-provera weight gain in college. So, presumably, no hope for me. Heh.
Al_Pal says:
Oh, and, obviously, you’re amazing, too. ;P
*hugs* I do not envy the barf or the restricted diet, at all.
jaime says:
Ok I will give you the good genes over and again but not the rest. I say this because I am 5’2 all torso, grew straight out, was barfing since conception, only gained 12lbs total this whole pregnancy AND had to give myself blood thinner shots everyday and dude, I have loads of stretch marks haha. So you are amongst the blessed few who’s skin secret could be bottled and sold.
annie says:
I didn’t have any stretch marks either. Friends were jealous, as I’m sure some of yours are!
cj says:
you are too funny!!
MamaSeoul says:
I’ve gotten through two pregnancies with no stretch marks. My mom carried twins to term (not 42 weeks, though!) and didn’t have any, either. They were both over 6lbs.
My skin hasn’t always been good to me, though. I’ve had acne and eczema and I had some stretch marks from puberty so I thought I had no hope, but, two pregnancies, no stretch marks! I gained 45 lbs with each pregnancy but looked like it was all belly.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Um, I think I’ll take the stretch marks instead of the barfing!
Barbara Howard says:
I’m with Lynn! If I had barfed, even once, there would now be only one (not 3) offspring walking the world carrying my DNA, and, come to think of it, NO grandbabies! I cannot barf. Yuck! So, for 37 years I’ve had stretch marks and a thrice opened cesarean scar. But I never barfed!
Kelly says:
Wow on 42 weeks with twins!! Flippin’ amazing!!
And GAWD I wish I had your genes!!! I, like many, am genetically disposed towards stretch marks. Thanks mom…
Even at 6 weeks pregnant my ob said “does your mom have stretch marks?”, and finished with the “you’ll get them too” after my answer in the affirmative… And BOY did I prove her correct!
Not many more shots to go now =) And another day closer to “full term” – am SO excited for you all!
Hugs all ’round
Kristen McD says:
I didn’t get any stretch marks with either of my pregnancies either. But after pregnancy, when my milk came in? Oh holy trashed boobs. I hope you avoid that too. lol
Lesley O says:
I didn’t get any more stretch marks on my boobs when my milk came in (I already had them from puberty)…but when the milk left….I was left with deflated sacks. such. sad. sacks. My boobs used to be my one body part I actually had some pride about…now it seems I will be tucking them into my pants sooner than anticipated! At least they will hide the stretch marks on my belly! I guess it’s my own fault for starting a family late in life (38). You just don’t snap back like a 25 year old would!
Erin says:
WOW for your mom! I carried two 9 pounders (separately that is) 15 months apart and had no stretch marks. I gained 40 pounds or so each time. I always attributed it to moisturizing. I used dove body wash in the shower and lubriderm after the shower. Dunno…
but SOOOO happy for you overall
charlane says:
Your Mom is pretty amazing! I see where you get it from! Oh and your stretch mark free big baby belly looks pretty stinkin’ awesome!
Kelly says:
If my daughter would have come on her due date or even one week late, I’d have had NO stretch marks. Boo for me, the child has always had a mind of her own, and was 13 days late. Stupid stretch marks didn’t show up until the 9th day of being late!
amanda says:
That’s amazing. I definitely have stretch marks. And your mom rules too!
xo from CT
Amanda
Annie says:
Heather,
I think you look great but o m g does your back hurt?! I am on my 5th pregnancy and not one stretch mark either, I think it’s just pure good luck. Since I am never ever going to be in bikini form again though, I feel like the lack of stretch marks are a waste. I’d rather have lack of cellulite.
peapodsquadmom says:
if i didn’t love you so much, i’d kinda’ have to hate you for this one. i know i have triplets as a grand and glorious excuse for my sea of stretch marks, but i argue that my thrice daily injections made mine worse! your contradictory theory makes more sense…shhhh.
Katie says:
You really do look amazing! No stretch marks is awesome and I am insanely jealous :). I did not have one single stretch mark with my first son until somewhere between 38 and 39 weeks. I had my husband check every day – hee hee! When I had my son at 40 weeks- I only had 3 stretch marks and I was ok with that. Then AFTER he was born- I got a gazillion stretch marks in the first 2 weeks. I didn’t even know that could happen. So not cool! I guess I got some crappy genes :(. I would think since your mom carried twins to 42 weeks and did not get stretch marks- you are in the clear. Lucky girl!!!!
Sarah says:
i don’t miss the blood thinning shots 3x a day. Just got done with my postpartum coumadin too. Even though your post wasn’t about that, i feel for you. yuck. but it’s sooooooooo worth it.
Leslie says:
Heather-You have amazing genes and can thank your mom for your great skin. My office is filled with pregos and they are all envious of your mommy tummy. -Leslie
Diane says:
That really is amazing. I didn’t luck out in the gene department, even though my mom has ZERO stretch marks herself. Though, with my first pregnancy, I didn’t get a single stretch mark until I was around 38.5 weeks, and then they just erupted. ANGER. I think after all you’ve had to put yourself through after this pregnancy, the LEAST the universe could toss you is a smooth belly.
Also, your mom? Is a freakin’ rock star.
Casey says:
You are very lucky!
tanyetta says:
That’s a rocking story! Congrats
Jenn says:
Good point…..well’said Heather!!!
Have a GREAT day!
Jenn
Ragan says:
Okay so I am a mom to three girls. First one was 10 pound (yes that is not a typo). Next two were preemies but I only have one little mark on my butt that is white. I too am a blood thinner shot (heparin), vomitting, hardly any weight gain momma. Maybe their is truth to your theory, or maybe we are just lucky :). Congrats on making it to 36+ weeks!
Brie says:
I didn’t end up with any stretch marks for my daughter until after the birth. Then all of a sudden, as my belly shrank, the marks appeared.
Tricia (irishsamom) says:
Definitely genetic. My Mom had five of us in about seven years and never had a stretch mark. I was like you – all belly and never had any either. It does help to have a long waist I swear. Either way, you look fantabulous and that baby is growing bigger by the day – that’s all that counts at the end of the day. Thinking of you on the home stretch now! : )
Tricia xx
liza says:
Well, I didn’t get any stretch marks until I hit the 40-week mark. Like, literally, at 39w6d I didn’t have any. By the end of the day on my daughter’s due date, I had about 7.
I hope that doesn’t happen to you, though!
Laurie says:
I gained 45 (count ’em) lbs. with my daughter and I got no stretchmarks on my stomach. They popped up on my ass instead.
Your mom is a rockstar, and the thought of two babies for 42 weeks makes me cringe and throw up in my mouth a little.
KK says:
I never noticed my stretch marks until this year. My son is 8 years old.
Mandy says:
Lol I just had my baby five weeks ago…not one stretch mark UNTIL after she was born!!! That’s when mine appeared, and I was surprised! I had hyper. gravidarum and lost 20 lbs during the pregnancy, much like you…hopefully, you will have a different experience than me and the marks don’t appear!!!!
Erin says:
You are funny! I carried two children to (born at 9lbs. each) to 41 weeks and did not get stretch marks either. It’s all genetics, with a little help from Palmer’s cocoa butter. Very excited for you and waiting anxiously!!
Lindsay says:
I didn’t get any stretch marks with my daughter either (she was born at 27w/6d). Today I am 28 weeks and wondering if i will end up with any stretch marks this time. I will take any I get happily.
Emily E. says:
I wouldn’t count your chickens just yet. I made it until about 36-37 weeks with no stretch marks (and I’m prone to them) and then BAM overnight, stretch marks galore. BOO! If I recall correctly, it happened when the baby dropped.
Anyway- I’ll still be incredibly jealous if you make it the whole way stretch mark free. And way to go for your mom. wow.
monica says:
your belly is gorgeous! I am getting sooo excited to meet Binky i can hardly stand it!
Veronica says:
After all of the problems (clots, shots, back pain and diabetes) with your pregnancy – you deserve at least one thing to go right! I am happy for you that you do not have any stretch marks! And you will be passing on those genes! Yay!
Julie says:
That is awesome – no stretch marks!! I think you’ve earned to not have any! And let me just say – your mom is a rock star! Carrying twins to 42 weeks – WOW! I had twins 2 years ago and carried them to 35 weeks and I was going crazy! I can’t even imagine!! Wow – that is awesome!!!
Thanks for sharing…thinking of you!
Karla says:
I think you look great! I wish I had a cute perfect round bump like you. Did you get maternity pictures taken? You should. You have one of the best bumps clothed/and naked that I have ever seen.:) Hope that doesn’t sound weird. I had to show my husband last night your pictures because I’m one week behind you and my bump is nowhere as cute as yours. Most of all, I’m happy that there’s a healthy binky in there.
Jodie Brooks says:
When you put it that way….. you deserve not having strech marks!!
Jo says:
You look amazing and not having stretch marks rocks (though sorry about the whole barfing/shots/diet crap!). You deserve some bragging rights. I ended up with terrible stretch marks and a condition at the end of my pregnancy called PUPPP, a horrendous rash that broke out all over the stretch marks and I begged to be induced and they wouldn’t let me because they were bastards and I wanted to die. The end.
So yay for no stretch marks! (Though I have to add for any worried pregnant ladies reading this, for as bad as mine looked (and they looked BAD), I can barely see them now! Try not to fret!)
Sunny says:
I had zero stretch marks…until 38 weeks, then SUPRISE, they showed up! I’m hoping you’ll make it through without any!
Kellie says:
How did I not know you were a twin? How very cool.
Awesome that you don’t have stretch marks – I have enough for the two of us.
Diana says:
I didn’t get any stretch marks with my son until the last couple of weeks and the ones that I did get looked worse after I had him. They aren’t too bad though they are pretty small and light. Good luck and great to hear you are almost to term!
Rachel says:
Lucky! Puberty gave me stretch marks. And I only weighed 98 pounds in high school. My genes suck.
Amy says:
I’ve had stretch marks since I was 14 and my boobs suddenly burst forth from my body and I went from an A to a B then to a C in a matter of like 6 months.
Then I got fat and got some on my hips. Which blows goats, let me tell you. And I’ve started a weight loss journey now, but they’re totally not ever going to go away, so I can just imagine when I have a kid.
So, just to put it on the record, if, when I am pregnant my husband starts calling me “Stretch” I will be filing for divorce.
But totally yay for you and your lack of stretch marks. And your mom, holy cripes. That’s a whole lotta babies to be carrying around. God bless her.
maya says:
Rub it why dont you spohr? Dude, if I only showed you my stomach, you would recoil in HORROR. HORROR I TELL YOU!
It’s not fun to have a wrinkly granny tummy (never mind the breasts). Like I said, tummy tuck/ boob job once I have stopped breeding.
Did you see octo mom on the cover of one of the tabs- that bitch is skinny with a smooth belly!! She should be shot.
Loving Danger says:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I hope for your sake that the universe just likes to play stretch mark tricks on me.
I had no stretch marks with my daughter until literally two days before she was born! TWO EFFING DAYS! I was all braggy, “yeah I have no stretch marks, what up!” and then I woke up and was all NO!! NO!! NO!! but I didn’t ever get them on my stomach it was more on my sides/hips. All sorts of wrong! AND then when my milk came in and I had crazy boobs I got zebra stretch marks all over those bad boys.
Here’s to hoping your skin continues to resemble nothing even close to a zebra!
jen says:
You’re beautiful. And your Mom is a ROCKSTAR!
amy says:
Your mom is a SAINT ROCKSTAR!
As the mom of twins I made it to 36 weeks and THAT was LONG ENOUGH! By the end I could not sleep and eating was difficult. 42 weeks… oy yoy..
I had no idea you were a twin Heather
Jen L. says:
I don’t think I realized you were a twin. How cool! Also? Your mom is my new hero. Please let her know. (You’re running a close second with that belly.)
My stomach stretch marks aren’t THAT bad…it’s the ones on the boobies that suck. You’d think 2 years after the fact that they’d have stopped itching by now. Not so much. Wow. If that wasn’t TMI, I don’t know what is.
Megan J in Ohio says:
Eucerin- big time, right after the shower, kills the itching!
.-= Megan J in Ohio´s last blog ..I’m Still Learning =-.
Courtney says:
No wonder your tummy looked so smooth! I hope when I have children I have the same luck, but without the shots and throwing up :)! God Bless.
Amanda says:
No stretch marks!!
lauren says:
its definitely gotta be the genes, i barfed my brains out too for even days after i had my daughter and i look like i got attacked by a tiger.
oh and she was only 31 weeks so i didnt even get that big, i guess i can thank my mother
Heather says:
I didn’t have stretch marks either!! I used a lot of cocoa butter lotion when I was pregnant! I was so worried I would get stretch marks because my mom had them BAD with me and my baby sister!!
Molly says:
Ha ha, you deserve your awesome stretch-mark free belly!
I didn’t get any either, even though my daughter was biggish and I carried her to 41 weeks. But I am on the tall side and my belly was nowhere near the size of yours!
Lisa says:
Yay, for no stretch marks.
I managed to get through my first pregnancy stretch mark free as well. It is definitely not in my genes, my mom has a ton of stretch marks from her 6 pregnancies, but she blames them all on her first pregnancy (me) because she got so big and carried me to 42 weeks I’m hoping I can get through and subsequent pregnancies stretch mark free as well. You have given me hope.
Love and hugs.
LauraC says:
I also did not get stretch marks. I carried my twin boys until 36w3d and they weighed a collective 12 lbs 4oz. But I threw up until the end, was on terbutaline for weeks, bed rest for 3 months, in and out of the hospital with pre-term labor. Not getting stretch marks was the only thing keeping me from giving up.
I did get one stretch mark during my c-section, as they pulled A out while B was still inside. But it disappeared a month after delivery and never came back.
Trisha Vargas says:
I would say lucky you, but given all you’ve been through to keep Binky in there this long, I would rather have the stretch marks. Giving myself shots everyday and not being able to eat what I want, BLAH!!! I’d go crazy.
I have my share of stretch marks from my daughters, but they don’t bother me much. A small sacrifice for the true gift you receive.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Mary says:
Well, when you put it that way, it all sounds so simple.
(Can’t imagine even going 42 weeks with one, let alone TWO! I hope your dad got her some serious bling at the end of it all. )
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
You look wonderful!!!! ( :
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Because I Still Find Funny Things Funny =-.
Sarah R says:
I was going to say that your belly looks perfect! That is awesome about your mom too. I don’t know that I have ever seen someone who had multiples without stretch marks. And OMG–she carried them to 42 weeks! That’s truly amazing!
I have three tiny stripes on one side of my belly from the last time around, but that’s it (so far). Hopefully I stretch just the same this time so I don’t have more.
.-= Sarah R´s last blog ..Holy moly — 35 weeks and 35 days to go! =-.
M says:
Wow…twins at 42 weeks! Envious. I only carried mine until 25.5 weeks but I do not have stretch marks either. I would have traded the marks if I could have carried them to full term. Oh well…
I am so happy that you are going to have your full term baby! I look forward to reading all about her arrival. Best Wishes!
Maria says:
I got mine on my ASS. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Tamela says:
I agree with the good genetics. My mom had them with all 4 of us and I got stretch marks on my legs as early as puberty. Doomed from the start. And since I’m far from having a bikini figure? No biggie. I guess.
Aunt Becky says:
Girl, I got stretch marks LOOKING at you yesterday.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..The Girl With Curls Like A Halo Kicks Ass =-.
Lindsay from Florida says:
That made me laugh out loud at my desk.
Angela says:
Your mom gives me hope that I can take these twins to term. (Although probably not 42 weeks!)
I’m absolutely covered in stretchmarks, but I don’t think many are from my pregnancies. Even if they were, I’ll take them over puking any day.
I’m so excited for you that Binky is doing so well and staying in there!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..To scratch or not to scratch =-.
wm says:
I’m tall, ate plenty during pregnancy (gained 60 pounds) and didn’t get any stretch marks. I did apply almond oil on the advice of a Spanish friend, but I’m not sure I can credit that. I’ve read that it’s largely genetic and that 10% of women don’t get them.
.-= wm´s last blog ..Don’t Give Birth on the Weekend =-.
vickie says:
1. you’re one lucky stretch-mark free chick.
2. you totally have to frame that last belly pic. its the most awesome belly pic ever created.
Susan says:
That is awesome that you don’t have stretch marks. I do have to say I didn’t get them until my 40th week of pregnancy when the baby dropped! I think you are safe though! Sending my prayers your way for a safe delivery!
Leslie says:
I never had stretch marks with my first 2 pregnancies, but my third little one brought A TON of them. I’ve never been jealous of those that don’t get them, I figure I’m pretty blessed to have carried 3 healthy babies and every ugly purple mark was BEYOND worth it. I think you’ve earned the right not to have the marks with everything you’ve had to do to carry Binky for so long
krissy says:
That is quite possibly the most beautful pregnant belly I’ve ever seen!!! (not in a wierd creepy way though)
Can’t wait to meet Binky…and hear her name!
Congratulations =)
Karin says:
Congrats to you! No stretch marks would have been awesome, however I have no torso whatsoever and a baby who grew straight out! I have one or a million I would happily share with you!
I would have killed for your adorable tummy!
.-= Karin´s last blog ..I’m Having What Done????? =-.
Keyona says:
My stretch marks are little my mommy war wounds.
.-= Keyona´s last blog ..True Colors =-.
Chris L says:
That’s how I’ve always felt about mine, and I still wore the 2 piece bathing suit afterwards. Once they get tan they do fade a little. Heather, You look great.
Rita from the Chicago says:
You’re too funny! I love that even after all you’ve been through…you still have a great sense of humor. And it comes through in your writing so wonderfully. Thanks for the laugh this morning and congrats on no stretch marks!
Shelley says:
you should totally do a tummy mold, you have the most amazing baby belly for it!! you can buy kits to make a mold of your tummy, and you can look back in shock later on in life and show your adorably little binky what she did to your tummy :). my husband’s cousin did one and then painted it beautifully to hang in her baby’s room.
Lisa says:
“They” say stretch marks are hereditary and well, unfortunately for me, I believe them. Since your mom carried twins to 42 weeks(!!!) without a stretch mark – and that’s probably the definition of stretched to the limit – it seems like it’d be pretty unlikely for you to get any.
My family however…Hmm, my belly looks almost exactly like my mom’s, I got stretch marks from puberty, my brother got stretch marks on his arms from weight lifting too much too fast in high school, and I get stretch marks when I think about gaining weight…got them before I’d even put on a pound when I was pregnant. So, it seems there’s not much one can do about it, but either way it’s worth it, right?!
And, I think you have THE most beautiful pregnant belly I’ve ever seen – it’s true! Can’t wait to hear about Binky’s safe arrival. Congrats to all of you
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..One of Those Days =-.
Lauren says:
I can just picture a whole bunch of pregnant ladies sitting around today pinching their bellies trying to stretch their skin! I think you may have started a new trend
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..we taught our cat to sit =-.
Janelle says:
Um, I hope you don’t think I’m rude for saying this, but I didn’t have any stretch marks on my stomach until AFTER the baby was born. Sounds weird, I know. But like a day after I gave birth, I caught a glimpse of myself getting out of the shower and my lower stomach looked like it was attacked by red lightening rods. I told my mom when I was pg that I didn’t have any stretch marks and she told me to wait until the baby was born. I thought she was nuts, until that fateful day that I stepped out of the shower and saw them all. Mine were gorilla stretch marks, jumping out of nowhere, surprise attackers…
Glenda says:
I had 2 babies no stretchmarks! Yay foryou and your mom!almost there!I’m guessing Binkys name is Abigail or Alice! xx
Alexandra says:
Hey! I always wondered why I don’t have stretch marks, after 3. I was diabetic: hence, ltd calories = ltd wt gain.
Long torso, check. Babies grew up and down, check. Delivered early, so they’re tiny.
Awesome.
Allyson says:
I had to stop reading because my head exploded at the 42 weeks with twins and no stretch marks part. We only made it to 36 weeks, and even though I had nary a mark with my 41 week single baby, my stomach was actually bleeding by 34 weeks with the twins.
.-= Allyson´s last blog ..5 things that made me happy this week =-.
Vaness says:
What a blessing! I heard it’s hereditary but my mom has none. Some crept in on me at 32 weeks! Ugh, I made it so far…
I do remember feeling insanely itchy around my lower stomach and thighs after Vida was born. I think that was the skin crinkling back. Not cute.
.-= Vaness´s last blog ..A Season of Firsts =-.
erica says:
my mom has a ton of stretchmarks but i didn’t get any until week 38. at week 34 i did a happy dance, convinced i was in the clear. i have two tiny marks, half an inch long, and even now i have to search to find them. maybe the next time around i’ll get my comeuppance.
congrats on making it all this way!
Two Makes Four says:
Oh neat, I didn’t realize you were a twin! I have identical girls but DAMN I didn’t carry to 42 weeks. WOW.
.-= Two Makes Four´s last blog ..One Love (Times a Dozen) =-.
Shosh says:
Wow! I didnt know you were a twin. 42 weeks?? That’s INSANE.
And stretch marks…ive had 3 kids and didnt get even one. I think its just good genes. because i never gave myself shots. although i did barf my brains out…
Amanda says:
Long torsos rock, except of course in overalls and dresses, then they make for wedgies and empire waist disasters.
Yours in long-torsoed solidarity.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Right this minute =-.
Katrina says:
You’re a twin? I didn’t know you were a twin. Very cool:)
I am 5’9″ and have an extremely long torso, and I have been very lucky that even with all my pregnancies — not one stretch mark. I think the long torso really has something to do with it. My babies don’t really stretch OUT as much as they stretch UP, because there’s so much room.
Anyhoo…with or without stretch marks, a pregnant belly is always beautiful
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Grandma’s House =-.
Janette says:
I didn’t get any stretch marks on my stomach either. I got them on my butt. Aaalll over my butt. I don’t have a butt when I’m not pregnant, so it shocks the hell out of my butt skin when it has to grow.
Anyway, your belly is incredible in both size and smoothness. Congratulations.
Miss Grace says:
I just have the kind of skin that stretch marks love. I have them all over my hips from when I went through puberty, and then all over my belly from being pregnant with Gabe, including a couple of really thick angry terrible ones that I got in the actual process of BIRTHING. They look like Freddie Kruger claw marks.
I? Am hot. Obvs.
.-= Miss Grace´s last blog ..Daniel, 13 =-.
Danielle says:
I didn’t get any either, thank God. And I didn’t have to do all of the yucky stuff you did.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Maybe I shouldn’t have asked! =-.
Erin says:
Good job mama! i carried twins 38 weeks and two seven pound babies, BUT i have a TON of stretch marks! SOO…you are blessed! you look amazing…and sound so happy. I am sooo happy for you and Mike!
Chrisie says:
The cutest stretch mark free belly EVER!!
(((HUGS)))
sandi says:
This comment will be full of TMI, but here is my two sense on the lack of stretch marks. I have carried and birthed four babies. Zero stretch marks and also zero episiotomies. Stretchy skin is stretchy skin right? But you can all stop being jealous because that means my skin stretches. My boobs are hanging down past my rib cage about now, but without a stretch mark. I think in the next life, I am going to with the lack of elasticity, a few stretch marks, and boobs where they belong. I wonder if I will have a say in that.
.-= sandi´s last blog ..let me explain =-.
nancie childs says:
i have seen someone’s stomach that had to have the exact same daily shots that you do…the exact same thing…and her stomach was FULL of bruises – all over it…..ALL THE TIME!!…so my theory was kind of the opposite as yours about your condition and the shots…but who knows…i just know that you are so super, SUPER lucky to have the tummy you do!!!
jen says:
no jinx, no jinx! I thought I was going to escape stretch marks, and then right at the end it seemed like overnight I was covered. of course, my twins only made it to 35w6d…
Rebecca says:
My stretch marks didn’t show up until shortly after baby was born. They are all around my belly button.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Break Up’s Aren’t Always Hard =-.
Jess says:
I’m NOT saying you’re going to get any, because with THAT belly on your tiny body i’m sure they would have shown themselves already – butttt I didn’t get any until the last 5 or 6 days.
*sulks away*
.-= Jess´s last blog ..#20/#365 =-.
Tara. says:
If only I had known this advice 9 years ago.
You have a beautiful belly. I’ll try not to hate you for not having any stretch marks.
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..Thirty-Two. =-.
amy d says:
wow! 42 wks with twins!!! Your mom is a saint!
Love the pic of your belly. It’s just a perfectly round pregnant pretty belly!
I’m so glad Binky (and you) are doing well:)
xoxoxo
Marti from Michigan says:
I’m 5’8″ tall, weighed 122 pounds through most of my pregnancy until I reached about 8 months, then suddenly gained about 30 pounds! When I was 9 months pregnant, I weighed 155 pounds. Now in my grandmotherly years at age 58, I weigh 160 pounds and would like to get rid of some of it, but losing weight sure is hard when you want to!
I had no stretch marks either. But even though I was full term, my full term baby only weighed slightly over 5 pounds, so I had to stay in the hospital with her to make sure she was OK. There was no reason found why she was so little………later in life, she is petite, standing at 5’4″ tall and weighs 99 pounds soaking wet! That is probably why she was so tiny, she is petite.
I’m so happy that you carried Binky full term Heather, this was my prayer for you and Mike for a long, long time…..that you would get pregnant and carry the baby full term. I’m so glad you’ve done that.
I hope you have a great weekend and maybe even birth Binky this weekend? We’ll see.
Ashley says:
I no joke, just called my mother up and was like, “Um, hey, did you have stretch marks when you had me?” She said no. Score for me! At least I got some good genetics (I have seemed to inherit my grandma’s white hair- she was totally white by 35- I have more than 30+ white strands/gray hair and I’m only 24 years old LOL) out of this gene pool!! How exciting for you & Binky being full-term and an added bonus of NO stretch marks!!
Melissa says:
Lucky! I think I would have gotten some during my pregnancy since I did ge stretch marks during my puberty growth spurts. But my stomach is absolutely destroyed because I had a TON of amniotic fluid. I was HUGE – measured full term at 30 weeks! My poor tummy.
I’m pretty sure most stretch marks (or lack thereof) are genetic for the most part. I have two friends, one used oils and gained very little weight during her pregnancy and got TONS of marks. The other used no creams and gained 50 lbs and her belly is mark free.
Tricia says:
I got to 37 weeks with no stretchies then BAM! I think that it should be a rule that if you make it to full term without em, they shouldn’t be allowed to just pop up…maybe the huge bowls of ice cream every night contributed but still! lol You and the belly are just gorgeous. xoxoxoxxo
Kandi Ann says:
That is the coolest baby belly ever. I hope you take a zillion pics of different angels (make it fun?) for you to look back on. Or maybe you have. Belly cast too a lot have mentioned. If you get one, I hope you share. (its ok if thats too personal of course). Sorry, I am rambling. got to write fast, as soon as the girls see me busy they find me something else to do. lol. xoxo, Kandi Ann (accompanied by Boogie and Peanut today)
Nina says:
I was lucky to not have any stretch marks on my stomach, but oddly enough, I got them on my boobs, but only the underneath side (if that makes sense). It was…weird looking. But! I’m not complaining. They seem to have faded some and my boobs were pretty much a whole ‘nothing species after the first baby anyway.
I also barfed my brains out for 3 months straight (-15 lbs first pregnancy, 10 lbs second pregnancy…though I gained in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters) so maybe that does help the stretch marks.
You DO look great though. I’m sure you feel far less than great, but you LOOK great and that’s the most important thing. ;P
.-= Nina´s last blog ..The Sweetest Pom Pom Rug =-.
leslie says:
i didn’t have any stretchmarks as well with both my pregnancies….
i really think it’s all about the genes, because none of the women in my family (blood-related) had any….
i didn’t gain that much weight either and was very nauseous as well, but didn’t need any special diet….
Kim says:
You deserve no stretch marks girl!!!!!!!! xo
drlori71 says:
Wow, your mom is a trooper. 42 weeks with twins? I thought my mom had it bad – she carried me for 44 weeks (seriously, not an error with dates) but your mom wins the prize.
So after 44 weeks my mom had stretch marks. But lucky me, I didn’t get any stretch marks with either of my boys. True, I was unusually small even at term but still…no stretch marks. The fact that you have no stretch marks with your big beautiful belly (I mean big in the nicest way) is quite impressive!
claire says:
Twins to 42 weeks? That’s nuts.
I carried both my boys(one at a time, lol) to 42 weeks.
The second one was 10 lbs by the time he showed up!
..People came to my room to ask to see “the big baby” =X
I got my first stretch mark at 35 weeks with my first, a surgical scar I had from the year earlier tore. I was young, vain, shallow & sad. Now I’m old,shallow & have stretch marks. but..I suppose the kids were worth it
Even so,I would love to trade for your stretch mark free genes =)
.-= claire´s last blog ..I was tardy to the party. =-.
M says:
But whither the bruises? I, too, give myself daily injections of lovenox, and at 33 weeks, my stomach is a hideous mosaic of black and blue. I am so envious of your smooth-skinned belly!
Congrats on this pregnancy. I’ve been humbled reading through your blog.
Adrienne says:
Holy crap! My stretch marks have stretch marks!! I’m not kidding, big ugly ones that are like an inch across. After ten years, they have faded to a lovely, ghostly white on my olive skin. I made it through my first pregnancy without any on my belly….my boobs however, did not fair so well. My second pregnancy, I made it to week 38, and woke up one morning to find that my belly skin, hips, AND back were covered in them. I bawled my eyes out to my mom, who is also covered in them.
Your belly pics are great!
(I’m a long time reader. First time commenting.)
Marianne says:
“There are a lot of other factors involved for me. Even though I’m only five foot three inches tall, I have a long torso for someone of my height. That gives the baby a little more room. I also grew straight out, then when I hit 49 1/2 inches around my stomach started growing up and down. Very uncomfortable for my body, but much easier on my skin.” <– I ADORE you for writing this. I'm 5'03" with a freakishly long (I'm not saying yours is) torso. My son was totally stretched out in there. I have no stretchmarks on my belly that carried an 8 lbs. baby for 41 weeks.
I hope these next few weeks go well.
Julie says:
Haha! I’m happy you have no stretch marks! Watch out, though… I said the same thing about not getting them, and then about a week before I had my twins, what should appear? Stretch marks!!!
Jen says:
My mom had 6 kids and a million stretch marks. I have 4 kids and not a one.
Not sure why, but I am happy.
Yeah for stretch free pregnancies!
Alison says:
Our madre carried us late too, as you might remember. But 42 weeks! Damn! That’s a whole ‘nother league.
And she doesn’t have stretch marks either, despite the whole 13-lbs-of-babies thing.
xoxo
.-= Alison´s last blog ..New Year, Part Deux =-.
Debra @ A Frugal Friend says:
I got several in puberty…..apparently I’m not the only one (though I thought I was weird!!)….I mean how did that happen? Got NONE during pregnancy. Yep, I was sick as a dog for 5 months too.
.-= Debra @ A Frugal Friend´s last blog ..Walmart Free Sample from Nature Made =-.
emily b. says:
I never got stretch marks either don’t know why, 46 years old with my first child, no fertility drugs, believe me that was a surprise! I was as big as a house by the time it was all said and done. Rooting for you girl here in the home “stretch”. xoxox. e.
Java says:
What a beautiful belly!! I have 4 children and the only place that I got stretch marks were on the tops of my thighs! Ugh…hard to hid them! Can’t wait to see your 2nd beautiful daughter!!!
Ana-Maria says:
I just love you and your blog Heather!
Ana-Maria
Dawn says:
I SOOO thought you were going to tell us that you and Mike were headed to the hospital to have Binky with a title like “The Rumors are True”
Waiting anxiously for the BIG day!
ps – your belly is beautiful BTW
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..P…P…P…Post-its =-.
Tina says:
Freaking awesome!!!
I laughed so hard at this post my husband was like “What’s going on over there?”
melissa from girlymama says:
i didn’t get any either, despite having a comically HUGE stomach.
but i did get them somewhere ELSE. that gets VERY big, very quickly about 2-3 days after the baby is born……
.-= melissa from girlymama´s last blog ..she didn’t wave back =-.
Jen says:
Don’t want to rain on your parade…. but my stretch marks didn’t appear until between weeks 36 and 40. I have had two pregnancies go to term (9 and 9.5 pounders!) and the marks didn’t come until right at the very end.
I said after they first appeared “My bikini wearing days are done” but of course I never wore a bikini a day in my life, so I guess it doesn’t matter much.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! If you have a healthy baby in your arms, who cares about the collateral damage!
Amanda says:
Here’s to no stretch marks!!!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Back from Florida =-.
Debby says:
I never had stretch marks or morning sickness with my two pregnancies either. But I did get a scare from my belly button down!!
Suzie says:
No worries!! I have enough freakin’ stretch marks for you and your mom!! hehehe You look absolutely adorable! Bringing home a full-term Binky…wow! So excited for you and Mike! BTW…I like to think of mine as a uhhhh….roadmap to where I’ve been, where I’m going, what I’ve lost, and what I have! 6 pregnancies, with 4 angels, 2 biological daughters and 1 little adopted son! *Hugs*
Stacey says:
Your belly is downright AMAZING. (And I mean that in a good way, not a weird way…) I LOVE the picture- it cracked me up the other day. And no stretch marks?? I was only 27 weeks pregnant with twins and I had some mega-stretch marks. I’m short too, but I have a smaller torso… so they came out in full force! I can’t believe you’re so far along with Binky!
kathy says:
Wow! I carried my 9 lb son 42 weeks and didn’t get a single stretch mark. I was so happy about it. Then, I got pregnant with twins, carried them 40 wks, but the stretch marks showed up at around week 30 with them. I’ll take it, since I had 15 lbs of baby in there!
dysfunctional mom says:
I think it’s 99% genetics. You are LUCKY!!! Me? Notsomuch.
Lex - @laprimera says:
I could share my stretch marks with you. I’ve got plenty to go around. You’re so darn lovable I can’t even be mad that you don’t have any. *hugs*
mommymae says:
i got stretch marks with my twins in my 37th week. i got more when i had my son 4 years later. it was ridiculous. my sweet darling baby did not give me any.
.-= mommymae´s last blog ..time, time, time, see what’s become of me =-.
Kellee says:
I do envy you on the no stretch marks. I have never been pregnant, and I’m COVERED in them. Plenty of them just from growing up. My skin has absolutely zero forgiveness in any way. I’m like the total opposite of you.
.-= Kellee´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday Diptych #6: Water =-.
Darlene says:
Awesome review! Me too, I never had stretch marks or morning sickness during my pregnancy . But I did get a scare from my belly button down and in my upper thigh.