How can i stop myself from looking like i'm 8 months pregnant?

[bunjies]

Am an overweight short arse (5'1" & size 14) but the main problem is my abdomen. There's no two ways about it I look like I'm in my last trimester of pregnancy. If I wear clothes that fit my gut I look like a melon on legs and empire line stuff etc is an absolute no no. I think what makes it worse is that I'm not huge elsewhere so my tummy looks totally out of proportion. What should I be wearing to either stop me looking pregnant or if that's not achievable then what can I wear that just makes me look fat and not pregnant, ie makes it obvious I'm not iyswim?

I find a belt is the best way to not look pregnant. I always thought it drew attention to my middle, but I actually think it does the opposite.

That's interesting. I would have thought that too. Would you go for a wide or narrow style.

And cut out bread, sugar & alcohol if you haven't already, I speak from experience!

I find layers help: longish tee,longer cardi,nice jeans or A line skirt, short cardi, hip length top. Also I'm not looking so bad since I started Tupler exercises and this. I know the book is for 6m postnatal but I started it about 2y postnatal!

Try this www.thechicfashionista.com/apple-body-shape.html for tips on belts.

I was low carb for 2.5 years and even though I lost weight I was still huge round my middle. It's crap cos it pushes all my clothes out in front so they dangle over my legs which adds to the pregnant look. Wearing closer fitting stuff doesn't help either .

Will give that website a look.

Anyone else have any ideas?

I have been exercising for months and it hasn't reduced my stomach.I cut out wheat and dairy just over a week ago and have seen a considerable difference all over.I thought maybe i was just doomed to be large due to my age[49] and the associated hormonal changes etc.-but no.Also try some classes using weights and some resistance as these have been proven to help with weight loss in women.

Same problem, especially when ibs playing up. Big knickers with plenty of Lycra in them, cotton ideally for summer wear, yet to find the holy grail of hold it in comfy knickers that are cotton for the summer but maybe somebody else can enlighten us!!

OP, have you checked for diastasis recti?

I did look into diastasis recti but I couldn't tell if I had it or not. I tried the lying down thing and pushing my fingers into my abdomen but either I am too lardy to feel anything or I don't have it. It would explain alot though. I am getting quite depressed about it and have even started looking at surgical bindings just to hold it all in. Don't think the Spanx type stuff looks industrial enough for me .

Spanx are good, but you have to make sure you get the right ones. Often people will try to go as small in sizing as they can, then complain they keep rolling down.

Same thing with regular clothes too, it's better to go a size up than a size down (depending on the item.) Slightly roomy looks better than clingy.

Another tip I read was to wear large accessories, big bags, chunky heeled shoes, large sunglasses, etc. Apparently it creates a visual impression that you are slightly smaller.

Push 2 fingers firmly into your belly button lying down and then do a sit-up.Can you feel your muscles closing in either side?How big is the gap?
This works on me even though my stomach is fairly lardy.

Have a look on youtube for the MUTU instruction video on how to check for DR.

I suspect you might have it if your tummy is the only thing that is out of proportion.

I have the same problem, except I'm taller. I've always had a big tummy but after having DD it ballooned and is pretty hard to disguise.

Am fed up with people saying "I see congratulations are in order" .
Have tried really cutting down on sugar and carbs and hardly ever eat bread etc but living in the land of pizza and pasta, all that is pretty hard to avoid

Am going to check for DR now...

You won't find hold it in stuff made of cotton - it stretches and "gives" too much, especially after watching.

The Spanx high waisted shorts are very good - they go from under the bust to half way down the thigh and don't roll down.

Might be worth seeing your GP to rule out something medically - ovarian cysts and thyroid problems can cause barrel belly resistant abdominal fat (ask me how I know)

I was going to mention Diastasis Recti (DR) and MuTu too. Have a look at the information about the MuTu System and there's also a link to the test for DR, which I think is the one that showtunesgirl mentioned.

I started the MuTU programme but fell off the wagon a bit (newborns, preschoolers, work yada yada yada). About to get back on - the fb page for MuTu has some fantastic information and advice. I just need to stop procrastinating and do it ...

I have the same problem. Starting from today, whenever I think of it, I have been holding my tummy in as tight as I can. I did this on and off through my drive home from work. Imagine you have an invisible thread pulling your belly button in towards your spine (I hope that makes sense?) Its bloody hard, but apparently its one of the best things to re train the muscle. The muscle is a bit like a corset that holds all your giblets in, but after childbirth it gets weak and allows your bits and bobs to bulge outwards.
I hope it works. I am lighter than before I had my 2 kids, but my tummy looks dreadful nearly 2 years after my last pregnancy.

Giblets

Yes barrel belly. That's me that is. Please tell me more anotherworriedfriend.

FlanneryAnn Look up TVA exercises, I think that's what you're trying to do?