Ok...I am feeling extremely self concious (SP). I know I'm not very far along (5wks) but my tummy fat is twice as bad as last months. I'm trying to watch watch what I eat and my clothes are still fitting fine (snug at the end of the day for some) but the middle part of me is quickly expanding. I don't remember this happening with my other two, but I was also younger by 7 years than. Am I alone in this? Does it ever even out where it's not so flabby as you start to show? Thanks for listening!

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Wtsparkle -going for 3!

I am plus sized (size 18-20) and at 23 weeks I still dont really look pregnant. My doc was direct with me about not gaining unnecceasary weight during my pregnancy so I have been very aware of what I am eating and trying to get plenty of excercise. So far I have only gained 3lbs and my doc is very pleased. I had one month early on where my blood pressure was high, but after i altered my diet by taking in less sodium the problem went away.
I do get flustrated when ppl tell me that I dont look pregnant and for not being able to enjoy all the attention of being obviously pregnant. But the experience has pushed me to realize that I need to get in better shape and loose weight. Not just for me but for my new little girl. I definetely want her to be a healthy, active child and the only way she will learn that is from me and DH.

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hi sparkle, i'm also a plus-size momtobe....

i suspect that the extra you feel on your tummy right now is just a little bit of hormonal-type of bloating....i'm a size 18/20, and just in the past month+ (at probably about 25 weeks or so) started showing enough so that it's obvious why i'm a bit bigger (earlier, it was only when i was in something really snug/form fitting, then it was still hard to tell if it was just being chubbier).....i was more happy once i grew enough to buy maternity shirts (just t-shirts, but cut differently) so that it emphasized the right spots ....

my doc/midwife has also stressed the importance of not gaining too much weight, especially since i want to try for a vbac... i imagine yours may be saying the same thing....i just watched what i ate (no 'just a little more since i'm eating for 2'), & tried to listen to my stomach, especially early on when nausea was a problem, so it was easier to not over eat than to pay the price later .....granted, i definately don't deprive myself of ice cream or pudding at least a few days a week (they have calcium ...but, i try to make it a proper serving size....eat more fruit/veggies...the usual stuff......

i hope you enjoy the whole process...even if it'll take some time for the 'look' to sink in ....

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have a happy day :0) Theresa

Me, too! I've been a bit self conscious, as well. I think the pooch everyone is referring to as my "baby bump" is actually the prePG pooch I already had going. Now I just slap on a smile and say thanks. It was hard in the beginning, but now I'm getting used to it. My regular clothes still fit at the moment. I guess when they stop fitting, then I'll know in my heart that my "pooch" is the baby. That's all that really matters. A side question: Is anyone comfortable with the idea of people touching your tummy? The whole idea really turns me off. DH's step sister's kids were getting ready to when we saw them on Sunday. I backed up and guess she got the picture cuz she told her kids to ask me first.

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Kristyann- I hear a lot of people that are really weirded out by people touching their bellies. I think it's pretty much normal to feel that way. I for some reason didn't care who touched mine. Only people I knew did but I always liked it. LOL

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it's kind of crazy how often people can start touching the belly once you're really showing!! at least once a day if not more, depends who walks by!...... for me, it mostly happens at work---it's kind of OK, since they are my nurse friends, most of whom have been there for me since i even met dh on match.com , and have been happy for me every step of the way....i don't mind too much for family either, since i know they're doing it cuz they're happy for me... so far, no strangers have dared


one day at work last week, i was concentrating on getting some meds ready, and someone patted my behind...i thought it was a coworker who 'missed', but when i had a chance to look up, i realized it was a patient's husband....ick!.....i was just a bit speechless.... i have the 'back off' speech prepared if he tries it again.....

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have a happy day :0) Theresa

I'm OK with DH (obviously), but I was just creeped out by SSIL and her kid. I don't know her all that well and DH doesn't really consider her family. We see her once a year if we're lucky. As far as other family, I think I'll be OK with it, but we'll see. Who knows, maybe I'll be OK after it happens a few times and when there's actually something to feel.

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I am a 12ish size and I swear I am so bloated I can't button my pants. I've already had to rubber band them and switch over to my bigger pants I have packed up when I lost weight. I haven't gained any weight but my waist is crazy bloated.

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