Embarrassed by my baby bump

[Sickofit189]

I am 24, almost 25 weeks pregnant and I am feeling horrible about my changing body. I am wearing shorts here but I wouldn’t wear them leaving the house. I feel like a spectacle and like I’m going to have people guessing in public or just assuming I’m this or that. I’m struggling with image issues and I feel like my body isn’t my own. I was eating keto before pregnancy and was a size zero and this was unplanned so as much as I’m already in love with her I’m struggling to accept my changing body.

many tips for embracing it? Here I am.

You should see me at 16 weeks, you'd be traumatised ! You look great op come on you don't even look pregnant atm

There is a weird in between stage where it's hard to tell whether someone is pregnant or not, but once your bump looks more like a pregnant one, I'm sure you will feel more at home with it. You have a great figure, you are young and you will not find it hard to return to your pre pregnant figure if that will make you feel better. I know it is harder for some people, but if you're fit and in good shape now it will be easier. Congratulations on being pregnant. Enjoy it because it is an amazing experience.

I was the same size as that at 13 weeks pregnant. Like others have said, I think you need to get some help if this is actually a serious post.

Is this a stealth boast

I found around the same time I hid my bump and felt quite self conscious as I didn't think people who didn't know I was pregnant would think oh she's pregnant I thought they would think oh she's getting chubby! Once it started looking like an obvious bump I embraced it so much more

Some people do need professional help for feelings like this. Laughing and calling it dramatic is thoughtless and cruel.

I'd be inclined to say the same. Especially given the picture is in a crop top and shorts.

Most people can’t wear a crop top and shorts when pregnant. I think you have some kind or body dismorphia. Or you’re a troll.

I don’t wear this outside. I usually wear baggy dresses. Please read my post x

And yes I do have bdd but since I’ve been pregnant I’ve had to put baby first just needed confidence boost as partner isn’t very reassuring, all the ladies on here have really helped, yes I was seeking attention on here & it helped. The comments I’ve received have been lovely.

It’s hard at the earlier stages of pregnancy as you just tend to look thicker round the middle or like you have a belly do people will think ‘oh she’s put on weight’ rather than ‘is she pregnant’. Chances are working the next month your bump will ‘pop’ and it will be obvious you are pregnant so you may find your confidence returns

working - within

Thank you. I need to keep reminding myself that. I really appreciate what you said. I exercise a lot and eat all food groups now which I struggled to do for over 15 years. Pregnancy has been a blessing in disguise as it’s helped me confront uncomfortable emotions. I no longer drink. Starve myself or smoke. It’s just tough, but she is so so worth it. Xx

Yeah I’m at stage where I feel like I just look fat not pregnant. When I pop I think I’ll feel better x

It's a weird feeling when you're not at the "obvious bump" stage. I didn't have a real bump until maybe more 28 weeks but it feels more "baby" than "odd shaped midriff". But once you get a big bump it will feel easier.

Giving birth your body will change, it goes mostly back to normal (hopefully) but you have to reframe your thinking.

If you have preganancy yoga/pilates near you that's a really positive thing to do.

Yes it is amazing and very scary at same time. Worry so much about baby. Thank you. I am at that awkward stage but when I pop I should feel more at ease x

Aww. I am a size 12 atm and was 0 with a 19 inch waist and severe eating disorder so to me it’s been a whirl wind of emotions. I will pop soon no doubt. Thank you xx I am very excited for my little girl just got loads of emotions right now. X

Because of my mental health issues I am high risk so receive extra scans and mental health support atm xx

Well you really need to seek professional help if you think you look fat. Having such an unhealthy body image is not good for you, or your child as you're likely to pass on your issues to them.

I’m getting help atm. My mum used to ask me when I was a kid if she looks fat all the time and I won’t be doing that to my daughter. She also used to call me fat . I’ve learnt a lot from my childhood and I’m breaking the cycle. I want her to feel loved and confident. X

If people think you look fat or pregnant or whatever, there’s not much you can do.

I doubt people will be paying as much attention to you as you think they are tbh.

Is this one of those threads people post just to get people to say they look slim and great?

OP, with the best of wishes to you, you knew full well that your body would change.

Suggest you get some help.