I didn't get any stretch marks, but my mother did horribly with my brother. She was only 95 pounds when she got pregnant and gained nearly 70 with my oldest brother, most of it was belly. Her waist was 62 inches around and he weighed 10 pounds and was 24.5 inches long. She always hated her stretch marks, and they are still there, although she is used to them, now, and they have faded, but are still very noticeable. I think it would bother me, regardless of whether I exposed my stomach to anyone or not. I'm not terribly vain, but I didn't want stretch marks, either. I don't think the lotions I used help 100% but I'm sure they didn't hurt.