Unexpected pregnancy and worried about body changes after recent weight gain

[Poppet626]

Hi everyone,

So I found out a couple of days ago that I’m pregnant. This wasn’t planned. Me and my partner did plan to have a baby maybe in the next year or so, so we always said if it happens then it happens. But.. I have gained quite a bit of weight in the last year or so and I am very very unhappy with the way I look. I planned to lose weight before pregnancy in order to feel better about my body that would already change.. I know that might sound backwards to some but yeah.. obviously I wanted to be healthier as well. I am 5ft3 and nearly 14st so I’m a lot bigger than I feel comfortable with, now this suprise pregnancy has happened and I am Absolutely terrified about what I am going to look like a few months from now, I know it sounds silly and maybe shallow but I can’t help the way I feel. I don’t feel that I will enjoy what should be an exciting time because of the way i
will feel about a body I already am very critical of. I would love to say to hell with it and just love myself but I just can’t switch that off.. I’m absolutely terrified and just wanted people to talk to really.. I haven’t told anyone about the pregnancy yet other than my partner and he is happy about it and reassures me that I’m beautiful regardless but he couldn’t possibly understand as his body won’t be changing :(

I think it's something you are going to have to deal with. On a positive, you might already have bought some bigger clothes and might not need to buy loads of new stuff! Try and get some counselling.

I love my bump, it's a sign (after years of infertility) that my body is capable of something powerful.

Try to focus on being as healthy during pregnancy and then getting back into some gentle exercise if you don’t feel too bad (or start in second trimester if nausea is bad)
I got pregnant and felt similar a few years ago and terminated as was having panic attacks about weight gain and complications and then I got HG so I was really in a state. I haven’t been able to get pregnant again and feel that I was wrong to make the decision I did.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you can't still change your lifestyle and eat healthily and even lose fat. In fact, being healthy and active in pregnancy is advised if it's possible.

I would say don't weigh yourself or get caught up in numbers on a scale, but focus on how you feel so that you can enjoy this time in your life.

I can relate to a lot of what you’re saying- I’ve had a year of health struggles and put on a lot of weight- and although my pregnancy was planned (IVF!) I hadn’t realised how I would feel about my body changing even more.

If you were planning on trying in a year, I would try to take it as a miracle and you’re avoiding all the stress that TTC can bring.

Although you can’t diet while pregnant, you can try to get into healthy habits. I’ve found it a bit easier to be healthy now I’m not just worrying about my own health. No wine definitely helps for me!
By the way, I’m a similar height and weight to you.

Hope you’re feeling ok. Are you happy about the pregnancy when you don’t think about your body?