Feeling low about dress size...

[enchantedspleen]

I went shopping yesterday and finally caved- I'm wearing size 14 knickers that go over my already noticeable bump.
I was a size 8-10 before pregnancy and really short and petite, but it's like since falling pregnant I just ballooned. I look at myself in the mirror and want to cry. My self esteem is on the floor, I just feel like a fat blob.
I read about people just needing belly bands on their jeans and staying in their same size and I feel like such a failure.
My husband insists my bum hasn't changed and my face looks the same but I can't shift the thought that he's just saying that to be nice.
Does anyone feel the same? Similar experiences? Thank you so much guys.

You are pregnant and you are going to get bigger. Please don't feel like a failure! You are creating new life and that little person needs somewhere to grow. Of course you are going to go up dress sizes, but it might be worth looking into maternity clothes instead. You buy your pre-pregnancy size and they are far more flattering than standard clothes in the next few sizes up. Also I don't know anyone who was able to wear their pre-prego jeans with just a belly band. Maybe at the beginning, but certainly not as the pregnancy progressed. You want to be comfortable and happy, not trying to push your body into an ill-fitting garment.

I'm sure you look fab! Only you will think you look fat and blobby. Everyone else will see a stunning pregnant woman.

I'm 37 weeks and I'm huge and gross. Unfortunately it is just the way it goes. I'm sure you don't actually look as bad as you feel. Just remember it is for a short space of time in the scheme of things and you're growing a baby who needs all what you can offer. Don't beat yourself up and definitely go get some maternity clothes. They do make all the difference.

Your wearing a bigger size as your buying normal size clothes so you have to go up sizes to fit into them. I was a petite size 8 prior to pregnancy last time but was wearing stretchy tops in size 14 when I had a bump so I thinknits t it's just normal. I was however still a size 8 in maternity jeans so please don't let the size of the clothes your wearing get you down, it's all in proportion. Plus I think most of us feel massive when pregnant and in some ways we kind of are as as o hers have said we're making a little person in there so we need the weight to do this. Some of it will be excess water, bloating and then the baby itself so don't panic. I totally understand where your coming from as I remember feeling massive when pregnant and I think when your petite before hand you kind of feel even bigger because there's less space to fit a baby into, but please try and not be as harsh on yourself, take care

How far along are you? I gained a lot of water weight at the end of my pregnancy which I lost within days of having DS. I looked huge and had a huge bump but got back into old clothes pretty quickly. Just try and go for healthy snacks and meals and try and do a bit of gentle exercise every day e.g walking or swimming. Don’t worry too much, as long as you and baby are healthy that’s all that matters!

You are absolutely not a failure! You're doing exactly what you should be doing, growing a healthy babba.
Nothing is permanent, you can lose the weight after the birth, but in the meantime, just try and enjoy the amazing process your body is going through.

Well.. you're pregnant so you are going to get bigger.

You'll lose the weight once the baby comes.

A lot of it will be water weight and fluid. Plus you have an extra 2 litres of blood.
Don't be so hard on yourself, it's very normal to gain lots of weight while pregnant. Realistically you will only be that size for a matter of months, and I'm sure you will lose it quickly after the birth :)

I couldn't read this and not comment. I feel like this post was written in my head but just never typed and posted. I was a small size 8 before pregnancy, I'm now 23 weeks and honestly I have ballooned! My OH even agrees with me it's not just my bump where the weight is lol, but he's always supportive as it is because we are doing something amazing, we are growing a baby!

Just try not to worry about it too much, I know that's easy said as I'm in the exact same position and most days I get dressed or look at myself in the mirror and I just hate what I see and want to cry so I honestly do understand, but just try think this is temporary and the end results will be all worth it when you have your healthy baby here in your arms! Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy OP xx

Honestly OP that was me. I have never had weight issues but my god I was like a little barrell during my last pregnancy. My face was fat and my boobs were humongous. I think taller people can carry it easier. I just ballooned everywhere. Thank god at least my hair felt great 😂😂😂.

I've definitely been there OP and I'm sure you don't look as you feel you do! You are absolutely not a failure.

Like previous posters have said, get some maternity clothes as they are so much more flattering and if you feel up to it, why not try going out for a walk or other gentle exercise.

Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well x

I think shorter people (and those with weaker abs) do tend to gain size a bit more easily in pregnancy, but you will probably lose most of it more or less immediately. Don’t let it get you down - there’s loads you can do to get back to your pre-pregnancy size after pregnancy. Focus on enjoying the pregnancy for now.

You're growing a baby! Well done!

Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate it. I think hormones are definitely at play a little bit, plus I get a bit anxious about my appearance (I was fat and bullied for it when I was younger, then I lost it all after a major diet. I'm scared of going back to those days I think).
I'll get some maternity clothes but there's not much selection out there! I'll have to look online!

Thank you so much for being so lovely and kind x

I'm feeling the same OP, although I had a higher BMI than I'd like to start with. I am now 31 weeks and measuring 5 weeks ahead so am officially the size of a hippo. I wouldnt mind if it was just the bump but it's my thighs! They are wobbly and huge, the inner thigh bit. I look like a block. But I just keep telling myself the majority will come off within weeks of DC being born (fingers crossed).

I think it’s more how you feel and see yourself than how others see you. I felt exactly the same in my previous pregnancy. However I will say (and this is not in any way to try and scare anyone...just hopeful stop others going through the same if poss) but if you start to feel headaches coming on more often, rapid weight gain/bloating and you know you’re eating well then I would see your midwife as mine turned out to be undiagnosed preeclampsia and there was nothing I could’ve done to prevent the weight gain/bloated look anyway.
I’m sure you look lovely and just think how worthwhile a little weight gain will be when you have your beautiful baby xx