Will my belly be any smaller right after giving birth?

tinydancerpammy

I know, I know. This is a really strange question, but hear me out because it has nothing to do with appearances.

I had the perfect PJ set picked out to take to the hospital with me. It's a really cozy 2-piece PJ set with a top that buttons up. It had always been way too big on me, so I thought it would be perfect!

I tried it on the other day and the top is just the teensiest bit too small now. I still have 3 weeks 'til my due date. Is there any likelihood that my belly may be a bit smaller after giving birth and I'll be able to wear them, or should I just give in and buy a bigger pair?

Mufflerlove

Some people say there belly is back down to 6 months pregnant when they leave the hospital but others say its the same or they weigh more because of the IV fluids. Tough call but myself i wouldn't count on it.

lkobriant

Idani:

It probably will if it's just a bit snug.  Honestly you will feel like you belly is completely gone after giving birth but in fact you will still look about 4 months pregnant right after.  I remember with my first thinking that I was so skinny again when I got home.  Tried on something pre-preg and realized how silly that was.

This made me laugh!  I'm a FTM but I've been told this exact thing by other people.  

ASmallWonder

It will almost definitely be somewhat smaller (assuming no out of the ordinary medical issues).  Yes, your uterus will still be enlarged and things will still be stretched out and lumpy but you won't have a solid little person in there stretching it to the max.  How much smaller you really can't say though.

BelhurstBride

i imagine for most people it's smaller, just not pre pregnancy smaller. 

I was in some of my pre pregnancy jeans within days of giving birth, but only the ones that were on the large side to begin with.  

RumbleLina

You aren't going to have this hard ball anymore so you will most likely feel smaller but things are still going to be a little squishy and larger then pre-pregnancy.  And, if you are going to BF, a top that buttons up may be a PITA(just a thought).

sparkymcgeee

I wore my pre pregnancy jeans home from the hospital. So from my personal experience it was quite a bit smaller. Not completely gone or anything but smaller. I didn't have a person inside me anymore. 

They were my fat jeans to be fair. Lol. 

caramia582

Idani:

It probably will if it's just a bit snug.  Honestly you will feel like you belly is completely gone after giving birth but in fact you will still look about 4 months pregnant right after.  I remember with my first thinking that I was so skinny again when I got home.  Tried on something pre-preg and realized how silly that was.

LOL, ditto all this.

I remember feeling like my stomach had a deflated sensation, like it was still there but was all soft and wrinkly.  Sexy huh?? 

tinydancerpammy

RumbleLina:

You aren't going to have this hard ball anymore so you will most likely feel smaller but things are still going to be a little squishy and larger then pre-pregnancy.  And, if you are going to BF, a top that buttons up may be a PITA(just a thought).

Oh! I thought that the button-top type was supposed to be better for breastfeeding. Is it more difficult?

sparkymcgeee

tinydancerpammy:

RumbleLina:

You aren't going to have this hard ball anymore so you will most likely feel smaller but things are still going to be a little squishy and larger then pre-pregnancy.  And, if you are going to BF, a top that buttons up may be a PITA(just a thought).

Oh! I thought that the button-top type was supposed to be better for breastfeeding. Is it more difficult?

I prefer the button ups for this reason. Maybe it's personal preference. 

A37licia

I bet it'll fit, especially if you get a belly binder to put on ASAP, which is a good idea anyway. Your belly will be smaller, and squishy. Expect it to be the size of 6-7mo pregnant.

I think the button up should work fine for nursing, assuming you're going to unbutton the top several buttons or have it completely unbuttoned when there are no visitors, for the greatest ease. 

kathleen02

meimsx:

tinydancerpammy:

RumbleLina:

You aren't going to have this hard ball anymore so you will most likely feel smaller but things are still going to be a little squishy and larger then pre-pregnancy.  And, if you are going to BF, a top that buttons up may be a PITA(just a thought).

Oh! I thought that the button-top type was supposed to be better for breastfeeding. Is it more difficult?

I prefer the button ups for this reason. Maybe it's personal preference. 

I prefer the button up tops too.

OP I think if it's snug now you'll be able to wear it post baby right away.

[Deleted User]

meimsx:

I wore my pre pregnancy jeans home from the hospital. So from my personal experience it was quite a bit smaller. Not completely gone or anything but smaller. I didn't have a person inside me anymore. 

They were my fat jeans to be fair. Lol. 

I'm not even going to try this.

I have a flowy dress that's mainly red with some other colors running through it, and I plan to wear that home.  If I bleed through it...maybe no one will notice;)  Plus I won't have to worry about stuffing a ginormous pad in my pants!

kje120

With DS my belly was significantly smaller right after giving birth.  I know everyone is different, but mine deflated pretty quickly.  I would guess that they'll fit fine.

Sam Buttons

Even if your stomach fits, your boobs may not. Last time I walked into the hospital with a small C cup at 41 weeks and left with double Ds. It's insane how much your boobs can grow when your milk comes in!

ssemovsk

I am wearing my skinny jeans right now that i bought pre pregnancy (they arent buttoned obviously), so i think it really depends on the person. I didnt really start showing until i was 6 or 7 mths and even then it was a smaller bump. I think you have to look at ur body and figure out where you gained the most weight. If it is all in your belly then you may be good to go. Pack a backup just in case!

kducharme

Yes what is a belly bender? And is this something I need to get!? Tell me more!!