Question 1

will applying  organic extra virgin  fijian (banaban) coconut oil to a pregnant belly prevent stretch marks? can you ingest it if preg?any benefits?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: Stretch marks are tears in the skin cause by weight gain. They can be covered up, but not improved by creams and lotions. The only possibly effective therapy is cosmetic plastic surgery, but that's a big step for a non-health and non-life threatening problem.

Question 2

how can i prevent getting strech marks on my abdomen when i am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

In the genes: Unfortunately there is nothing available that will prevent stretch marks. They have a genetic tendency so talk to your relatives.

Question 3

will applying olive oil on belly during pregnancy prevent stretch marks? any other natural remedy?

Accepted Answer

No: Stretch marks in pregnancy are mostly genetic. Moisturizing the skin can help keep it healthy but your genes are the most important factor. Olive oil will not help any more than normal lotion

Question 4

is retinyl palmitate safe to use while pregnant on belly to prevent stretchmarks.?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Retinyl palmitate is a weaker derivative of tretinoin or topical vitamin a. Tretinoin is a prescription which is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Retinyl palmitate is an otc product which is not contraindicated during pregnancy.

Question 5

which is better at reducing/preventing stretch marks: bio oil or shea butter or other?

Accepted Answer

Myth but use if help: Many of my patients swear by the benefits of tea tree or bio-oil and so i generally don't dissuade them but there is very little science to support its use. It is probably the massage, (which we know helps scars)  that is used to apply the oil, which is actually providing the improvements observed. Massage with any clean oil 3-4 times a day. Silicon gel trips are more likely to improve the scar.

Question 6

itchy postpartum stretch marks , there still red. i'm using organic coconut oil every night but when i wake up in the morning my belly itches. anything else i can use ? and how long they take to get whiter ?

Accepted Answer

Mother's Friend: There is a product called Mother's Friend that contains coconut and other emollients that can be massaged into the skin to decrease the appearance of stretch marks.  Unfortunately, the marks will always be present, just less visible, as the cause was that  elastic layer of the skin was broken during the pregnancy growth of the abdomen.

Question 7

is there any type of procedure to get rid of strech marks? they are on my stomach. i got them while pregnant.

Accepted Answer

Stretch marks: Try using coco butter or virgin coconut oil to get rid od stretch marks.

Question 8

is it safe to use pure cocoa and shea butters on belly during pregnancy?not a cream,the pure butter itself,to prevent stretch marks

Accepted Answer

Safe, BUT: Do not expect any wonderful result. Stretch marks are determined by factors other than dry skin. Mostly by how much the skin is stretched. Any lubricating agent will do the same.

Question 9

is j&j baby oil safe for daily application on belly/breasts while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Baby oil: If you have used it before without a reaction to it like a rash ( very uncommon) It should be safe to use.

Question 10

is a natural toothpaste made of baking soda, sea salt and organic  coconut oil effective in preventing tooth problems during pregnancy. ?

Accepted Answer

Dental Hygiene: Excellent dental hygiene including regular brushing 2 or 3 times per day, flossing ideally everyday and regular checkups will help keep you healthy during pregnancy. Due to the change in hormones, the gum tissue can swell and get inflamed. I would recommend at least 2 cleanings during the pregnancy, at the beginning and sometime toward the 5th or 6th  month.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Does massaging a pregnant tummy with oil several times a day really prevent stretch marks

A member asked:

Will applying organic extra virgin fijian (banaban) coconut oil to a pregnant belly prevent stretch marks? can you ingest it if preg?any benefits?

A member asked:

How can i prevent getting strech marks on my abdomen when i am pregnant?

A member asked:

Will applying olive oil on belly during pregnancy prevent stretch marks? any other natural remedy?

A member asked:

Is retinyl palmitate safe to use while pregnant on belly to prevent stretchmarks.?

A member asked:

Which is better at reducing/preventing stretch marks: bio oil or shea butter or other?

A member asked:

Itchy postpartum stretch marks , there still red. i'm using organic coconut oil every night but when i wake up in the morning my belly itches. anything else i can use ? and how long they take to get whiter ?

A member asked:

Is there any type of procedure to get rid of strech marks? they are on my stomach. i got them while pregnant.

A member asked:

Is it safe to use pure cocoa and shea butters on belly during pregnancy?not a cream,the pure butter itself,to prevent stretch marks

A member asked:

Is j&j baby oil safe for daily application on belly/breasts while pregnant?

A member asked:

Is a natural toothpaste made of baking soda, sea salt and organic coconut oil effective in preventing tooth problems during pregnancy. ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?