having a down day day - tell me to snap out of if

[Carole803]

I had my 20 weeks scan yesterday and the baby is doing really well. I have a slightly low lying placenta, but not worried about it at the stage. I have had a smooth pregnancy so far with mild everything.

But for some reason, since I got back from my scan yesterday, I have felt really low and I can't snap out of it. I am trying to keep it to myself around home and work, but even so, I am still dipping.

I am sure it is just hormones, but one thing that has reared its ugly head is my self consciousness of being overwieght.

I have always been a little bigger than average, but only more apparant because I am only 5'3, so my size 14 clothes (pre-pregnancy) make me appear bigger. Plus, I have a large chest, which has always been the bain of my life, particularly as I usually have a 34 back - so bra shopping is traumatic (figleaves and bravissimo are my saviours)

However, in my first trimester, to counter the constant nausea, I ate more than usual. Mostly crackers and nectarines, but with the changes to my body, the weight shot up.

Now, well into my second tri, with the baby and mummy bits growing as they should, the rest of me has inflated to a size I have never been before and it is getting me down.

I generally eat healthily. My main craving has been nectarines, and I still go to spin and body balance two or three times a week (without overheating of course). I eat breakfast every day - usually cereal, fruit or toast, and maybe a combo of a couple if I am really hungry.

All the way through so far, I have not been eating for two, and actually really enjoyed watching my body change, but like I say, I have ballooned in the last week and with me feeling down, I am starting to worry about being too big, too fast. and I am already struggling to find clothes that fit.

I suppose I just need someone to knock some sense into me, but I can't snap out of this stupid mood. I have a very healthy baby and am very excited about meeting him/her.

Sorry about the essay.

Any advice? Has anyone else been through the same.

H&m have some lovely flattering maternity clothes hun and quite cheap. Im the same as you. Im 5"6. Usually a size 16-18(mainly 18!) and HAD 34D chest. Now im in size 20 maternity clothes and 36E bras and feel huuuge!! Some peoples bodies just react differently to pregnancy.. My arse is now HUGE lol. When i have a 'grrrrr im fat' moment i just think of how worth it it will be when madam is here! Plus baby weight can sometimes fall off very easily. My mum has just lost 2 stone in 6weeks on slimming world si will be joining her after baby!! :) dont worry about it! Im sure you look great! :D im 23+4 btw! :) xx

It all sounds very normal. Theres an excited buildup to the 20 week scan so now you have had that its a bit of a down time until your next scan (if you are havig one) or appointment.

Every pregnant women worries about their weight at some stage, i'm 15 weeks & at that in between fat and pregnant lookig stage so struggle some days. I'm only 5ft and pre-pregnancy a size 12-14 so know how you feel. Maybe get yourself some new maternity tops that really show off your bump.

My advice would be to be kind to yourself when feeling a bit low, do something you enjoy, or eat whatever food you want without guilt (during my last pregnancy my baby often wanted a big mac and i had the diet coke ) If in a couple of days you are still feeling down speak to your midwife, they can often be realy reassuring and also just keep a closer eye on you.

Dont forget that if you intend to breastfeed that the weight really does come off easily.

Carole you sound as if you are doing everything right! You are definitely getting lots more exercise than me and your diet sounds good too so I wouldn't worry about it.

I am 13 weeks along with number 4 and I've already got a little podge but not sufficient to make me look pregnant! The inbetween weeks are the worst. You just feel fat. But once you are obviously pregnant you will feel better - honest! Don't let worrying about your weight spoil your pregnancy. I'm a big believer in listening to your body and if you feel hungry or want a certain thing then I think it's because your body needs it. Spoil yourself a bit and don't worry.

And like Cravingcake says, breastfeeding is brilliant for getting rid of the weight. With number 3 I was losing a pound a DAY breastfeeding, even though I was eating 3 square meals a day and a giant sized bar of Cadburys fruit and nut every night!

Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you all for your advice. I am sure that it is alot to do with hormones as I am on the verge of crying just reading your posts. Perhaps I need a good cry and the baby wants a muffin!

I will keep your advice in my thoughts and if I do still feel like this in a few days I will contact my MW.

I have looked forward to the time in my life when I am pregnant for a long time and now I am there and ready, I am doing everything I can to really enjoy it, so really annoyed that I have been feeling down for more than 24 hours.

DP is being supporting, but he does struggle a little understand female emotion. So last night I just told him "I am feeling low, so if I start crying, or snap at you, don't take it personally, just give me a hug".

Thanks again for your warm words, and tips.

Have a good weekend.

Yes, I strangely felt quite low after my 20 weeks scan. All was well with the scan and like you I've only had mild pg symptoms. They did find a small fibroid in the scan, and was assured it wasn't an issue but it was playing on my mind a bit. Plus I did feel quite tired after the scan and quite sore where I think she was pushing down to get a good picture.

I have been trying to find work and was getting stressed waiting to hear about an interview I went to the day before the scan, although I was also getting stressed about the possibility of starting a new job at 20 weeks. (Didn't get it despite going in for 2nd interview but that's another story)

Also my weight started to jump up by a kilo a week since the 2nd trimester! I am really hoping it evens out again as I feel quite big all of a sudden and didn't want to put on too much, then to have to lose it again, as I was at very top end of healthy BMI to start with and struggle to lose weight at the best of times! Went shopping for maternity clothes after the scan and was shocked at the size I had to buy :(

Not sure I have any great advice but I'm just trying to keep up the exercise too and the weird post scan downer only lasted a couple of days, I'm enjoying feeling the baby's movements now and trying to eat healthy food and trying to limit the treats (limited success there!). Really looking forward to meeting the baby too! I'm sure it won't last and you'll feel better soon, I was back to normal after a couple of days. Hang in there!

Thank you LateBear, it really helps to hear other stories from people who know how I feel.

I really didn't expect to be down after this scan, but more excited, if that is possible. But again, it is reassuring to know I am not alone in these experiences.

I hope the job thing sorted itself out.

Glad it helped a bit Carole, it took me by surprise too . Probably not going to be getting a job now, DH said not to worry about it now, hopefully we can rejig the finances to cater for this! Just seen your post on another thread of great ideas for things to do in the day which I will take another look at!