Plus Size and Pregnant

[Negangirlxx]

Hi guys 👋🏻

I am currently 9 weeks pregnant, and my belly is already starting to get a bit bigger. I am plus sized (around 13.5 - 14 stone (it fluctuates) I’m 5ft 4in, and usually wear a size 16/18) and I’m already self conscious about my size, as I already had a big belly.

Can other plus size mamas please provide some reassurance / advice on how to deal with the changes in my body, and my appearance? I am really struggling with it at the moment, and I want to fully enjoy everything, but my own self consciousness is just breaking me. Someone has already told me that I look “much further along” than I am, and I am so worried that I’m going to be huge.

All of my friends that have had babies are much smaller than me, so there isn’t really anyone IRL I can talk to this about.

If it helps im a size 20-22 and im just going to go with the weight gain and enjoy every second because its all part of being pregnant is getting bigger, im just going to try and eat well throughout and thats all we can do 🩷 we are all beautiful in our own right and are so blessed to pregnant 🩷 keep your chin up xxx

Thank you so much for your kind words.

🩷

I'm size 16-18 and 15+ weeks... I haven't told that many people yet and I think actually carrying some weight already has made it very easy to keep pregnancy on the down low so that's a bonus! Also I have lots of stretchy comfy clothes/smock dresses so think my wardrobe will serve me well 😅 I think it's just one of those things where the more you think about the amazing things your body is doing the less the size of it or you really seems to matter that much. At my 12 week scan I was so mind blown to see the little wriggly baby that I have gained a new respect for my body, fat and all!

Thank you so much.
I definitely think I need to try and focus on the positives more.

Hii, honestly I know it's hard but you have to just try and remember this is such a magical time in your life and your body is going through something SO amazing!! I am a bigger girl (size 18-20) I'm 31 weeks pregnant and I have honestly never felt so confident in my body and appearance, I was worried I was going to look huge or that I wouldn't look 'pregnant' but honestly I haven't had a worry or care in the world because I'm so proud of my body! You should be too! You're doing amazing ! Try not to fixate on your body too much ( easier said than done) as it is going to change. But that's ok. 💕💕 ignore what people say they have no right to an opinion on your body! Congratulations and hope you can enjoy your pregnancy 💕💕xxxx

Wow, that person was RUDE! I'm sure you look great!

As for managing appearances, I was pregnant so felt happy looking pregnant if you know what I mean! I felt less self conscious about my size than normal!

I lived in leggings and long flowy dresses, or maternity jeans. Super comfy. You can hide a lot with largery/flowy clothes if you want to.

Honestly though, I'm sure you look great and as you progress through your pregnancy your bump with look more toned and less like a 'chubby' tummy anyway x

Thank you so much 🩷

Thank you 🩷
I think it’s just at the moment, it’s still very flabby but a bit larger than it was. Hopefully when it firms up, I’ll be a bit more relaxed towards it.

I was size 20-22 when I got pregnant and at my antenatal appointments at the hospital we discussed my weight and what the doctors wanted me to do while pregnant. By eating healthy and walking a lot I kept my weight gain in bay. For me this took lots of pressure off and I wasn't concentrating on my body but getting on with active healthy lifestyle.
Having given birth already and looking back at my pregnancy time it really was magical and I hope you find a way to enjoy it without any extra worries. 🙂

I was a size 20 when I got pregnant with my son. Honestly, when my bump became rounded, I have never been so comfortable in my own skin. It was a revelation not trying to hide my belly! I was so proud of my body for growing a little human and I loved my bump. You're just at that awkward in-between bloaty stage and your hormones will be all over the place (almost like puberty again which does not help the self-conciousness!)

I did look pregnant very early on. When you're plus size, it seems to go one way or the other. Some people don't look very pregnant and others look like they swallowed a basketball (this was me). I reckon try to embrace your bump and take loads of photos.

Thank you 🩷

I’m trying to ensure I get my steps in as much as possible, but diet is harder atm due to morning sickness. I can’t always eat full, proper meals, but I’m doing what I can.