Any other plus-size mums to be?

longcat07 · May 2014

i was debating posting in this thread or not, because i'm kind of borderline. i AM overweight by a good 30-35lb, but i'm only technically plus-size on the bottom (and even then i'm usually a size 14, sometimes 16 depending). i have struggled with weight gain for the past 8 years or so and it's kind of frightened me, because obesity is a big problem for most of the women in my family. my OB doesn't seem terribly concerned because i'm still in the low area of the BMI/mortality U-curve, but it still bothers me. with DS i only gained 26lb, but i had a bit of life-trauma midway through the 3T and actually lost a few pounds because i wasn't eating much, and then just gained that back before the end. if that hadn't happened, my weight gain probably would have been more like 35-40lb. we'll see how this one goes.

binklesss · May 2014

Hi ladies! I'm in the 14-16 range starting out as well... 5'4 and upper 180s. I was around the same when I became pregnant with my daughter but let a few pounds initially because I didn't feel like eating much (I still ate, just smaller portions). I'm hoping the same will happen this time around, but so far I'm not having any trouble eating.

I actually loved my body while pregnant because it was the one time I felt I was supposed to be round and I found myself less self conscious than normal. Lots of people told me I looked great as well, so that certainly didn't hurt. I hope I (and you ladies) have a similar experience this time around!

MrsLaurynBrook · May 2014

I am so thankful to see a thread like this. I'm 5'3 and starting this pregnancy at 250. I carry my weight well, but I'm worried I won't have a cute little bump. I'm afraid I'll just look swollen and gross.

I'm worried people will look at me like I'm showing too soon or only showing because I'm chunky. I'm ready to have a true bump instead of just looking pudgy. I actually took a pregnancy test because I was starting adipex 2 days later. Well that went out the window! lol

chappys613 · May 2014

I love this thread!! I'm currently 5'9 and 220. I was 212 before I got pregnant, and I'm only 6 weeks, even though I'm eating fruit and salad and healthy stuff. This is my 3rd, and I gained 40 lbs with my first that I never lost. I've always been chubby, but this is my heaviest, and I'm definitely worried about when people will be able to see I'm pregnant and not just fat. But I'm really glad to see I'm not alone.

rmpar29 · June 2014

MrsJStewart said:

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for you responses, I am happy to be in such great company!

I'd like to propose that we form a little group (perhaps someone can offer guidance on this? I'm as newb as it gets)

And I'd also like to propose that we make that space one which is free from self-criticism. Our bodies are currently engaged in something that I imagine will take a lot from us - so perhaps we can give ourselves the permission to treat ourselves well in the bodies we currently have.

Just because fat pregnant bodies are absented from pregnancy books, and popular culture in general doesn't mean that they aren't cute or beautiful, or perfectly functional.

I think we're all interested in maintaining health during our pregnancies, we can be a resource for each other while we navigate this journey.

So, who knows how to start a new group?

I haven't tried them yet, but there are the new social groups that we could create a group in. Or, just create a weekly check-in here for plus-size moms to talk about the issues and post our bump pics.

ladyprof · June 2014

I never really lost my baby weight with the twins and started that pregnancy high because of the fertility treatment. I started working out this summer and BAM got pregnant right away. I'm still working out and hoping to maintain a healthy pregnancy and keep losing after the baby is born. It's a struggle.

aerotigergirl · June 2014

@LadyXaverian I think cyber-training together is a great idea! I waited too long after DS was born to get back into a healthier diet and exercise routine as well. I remember being very fearful about exercise and dieting affecting my milk supply at the time, but in the end that turned out not to be a problem for me (thankfully). Eventually I did get back on track, and I lost all of the baby weight plus a little extra, only to gain most of it back before getting pregnant with this little one. 8-| As excited as I am to be pregnant again, I'm also a little terrified of where I could end up this time around if I'm not more careful with my diet than I was while pregnant with DS.

CanukMam · June 2014

astridz077 said:

I have struggled with my weight my whole life and recently found out I was pregnant. The funny thing is I feel myself getting less self conscious. I wish I had been thinner and maybe I won't have the most beautiful "mommy-to'be" pics but I am truly focused on just having a healthy baby right now. I am probably taking better care of myself than I ever have in my life and it's the first time I'm not on a diet. I don't care if I turn into a big fat blob as long as it's good for the baby.

totally this. Prior to DS1 I was self concious and embarrassed of my body. After going through pregnancy/c-section, yes I don't like my body and would love to be thinner, but I don't give a crap who sees it now. I'm not embarrassed or ashamed anymore.

MrsL8487 · June 2014

I am plus size, too. I weigh 240 and I am only 5'2. I weighed 250 about a month ago. So I lost 10 lbs and then got pregnant lol I am going to try not to gain over 20 lbs this pregnancy.

12chachacha · June 2014

I like the idea of a weekly check-in.

Bigboneded · June 2014

I just started a social group for us. Called Plus size Mums, am trying to invite all from this thread now :-)

Bigboneded · June 2014

Okay, got the group started... cant figure out how to open a discussion, may be a mobile challenge?!? :-?

aerotigergirl · June 2014

@Cera311 I was diagnosed with hypothyroid (elevated TSH) about 7 months after DS was born, and I've been on medication for it since then (about 2.5 years now). I've had my blood checked often (probably once every three months or so) to make sure my dosage is correct, and so far I've had no known complications from my thyroid problem with this pregnancy. It can be very serious for the baby, though, so it's good that your OB/midwife is keeping an eye on it and sending you to an endo to follow-up. I doubt your endo will try to weight-shame you. An underactive thyroid can cause your body to hold onto any extra weight, but I don't think (maybe I'm wrong about this) that carrying excess weight can cause your thyroid to go kaput.

I'm headed for an ultrasound on my thyroid on Friday because, while my TSH and free T3 and free T4 levels were fine at my first appointment, my thyroid seems enlarged to my midwife. So, we're just being cautious and checking everything out thoroughly.

Good luck with your appointment, and keep us posted!

JVLaura23 · June 2014

Could you add me to the Social Group?

I would love to be involved and get that extra support!

MahriM23 · June 2014

I love this. I am also overweight. I wasn't always but after my first 3 kids I am 50 lbs heavier than before and worried about what I will look like after this baby is born. It doesn't help that I'm in a wedding party with 4 other bridesmaids that are a size 2. Seriously cannot wait until this wedding is OVER. I eat well and exercise ( I totally recommend the "Just Dance" game for wii or xbox to anyone who likes dancing) and my mom is extremely thin as are all of the other women in my family. It's hard for me to exercise while pregnant though, because my usually very mild asthma gets way worse. On the plus side I've lost 5lbs or so since becoming pregnant and I plan on exercising as much as I can and will hopefully only gain the recommended amount. Good luck ya"ll!

thompnia · June 2014

At 5 foot tall and 182 pounds, I'm obese. I carry a lot of weight in my belly, and I worry about when I will start to show and not just look fat.

I weigh similar to where I was when I got pregnant with my son, and then my mom sat me down and told me to ask my doctor whether I should gain any weight at all.

I have worked so hard to lose over thirty pounds since last August. I really don't want to put that back on.

Can I join the social group as well?

Edited because only partially posted the first time.

joansie27 · June 2014

I feel like I may be one of the bigger of the group. I am 5'2" and starting this pregnancy at 272. I weighed 214 when I got pregnant with ds1 and gained 50 lbs ... I never lost any of that so when I got pregnant with ds2 I weighed in at around 260 and worked really hard to only gain 13 lbs with him. This time starting at 272 I had lost 2lbs at my first appt but then gained a lb back yesterday when I went in for a emergency appt for some light brown discharge. I am heading in this afternoon for my first ultrasound and I am at 7 weeks 5 days or so buy we are thinking it may be more than one. I can tell you even with as much as I weigh and it all sitting in my belly I showed a lot for my first and even more for my second. I am excited to see this time around.

thompnia · June 2014

@Bigboneded‌
Hey, just checking on the social group. I requested to join both here and at the group... Do you just not want me as a member or am I missing something else?

NatureLovers · June 2014

How do I join the social group?

AggieMom0809 · June 2014

I was never overweight until I gain 70+lbs with my first. I'm still plus sized now and technically have been for years. It does pose more physical challenges and my goal is to try to gain only about 10lbs this time. (Highly unlikely. lol)

Find some local new or soon to be new moms to connect with that you can go walking with and encourage to eat well. We will support you, but it is easier to have someone local too.

Don't let others comments get to you. There will always be someone to complain even though they aren't perfect either!

AggieMom0809 · June 2014

HappyMonkey817 said:
I'm 5'11" and 220. I carry the weight well, but I still wish I had been able to get in better shape before I got pregnant. We were trying, but had no idea it would happen on the very first try. I'm almost 35 years old, and this is our first baby.

I already have a very difficult time finding clothes that fit me, so I don't expect that to be any easier once the belly starts growing. I already went up a cup size and can't find a comfy bra (G cup).

I'm also kind of terrified that my feet will get larger. I've read that happens to a lot of women during pregnancy. I'm already a size 12 shoe!

I am right with you. This time last year I was 5'11" and over 200lbs. I was some how able to lose 20 lbs over the summer and keep it off, but I'm still well over where I should be. Since having my first my feet flattened out to a size 12 from an 11.

While it is easier to hide our size, it's so hard to find clothes. Lmk if you are able to find long maternity wear in plus sizes!

As far as bras, a custom bra shop is the place to go if you can afford it. Motherhood was the biggest and they only went up to EE the last time I checked ours.

kayham12 · June 2014

I have also struggled with weight since high school. My sister and I are both just built a little bigger. I was slimming down when I finally got pregnant. I have lost of really thin friends who are further along than I am and I look way more pregnant just because I've always had a belly. I worried about gaining too much weight although I haven't gained any yet. (9weeks) and before my family knew this weekend they all asked if I had lost weight. I'm glad that there is a place to talk about this. The bigger women in my family don't really like to talk about it and I wouldn't feel comfortable talking about pregnancy weight with them. My sister is really excited about this baby and made me take a picture on the beach yesterday. Thought I would share. I know it's not bump yet, just bloat, but she insisted!

mommy5point0 · June 2014

I was over 250lbs for pregnancies 2&3. I have had WLS since then, so while it doesn't apply anymore, I can identify. Sending you love and empathy. People can be very mean when you're already overweight. I still feel 300lbs on the inside.

nmrd · June 2014

thanks for starting this thread and thanks to those who posted pictures!

I'm overweight and tend to carry most of my weight in my belly. So I've had that wonderful experience more than once of strangers assuming I was pregnant when I wasn't. Now I'm even more paranoid about strangers thinking I'm pregnant since at 8 weeks I'm not really "supposed to" be showing, and I'm not ready to tell the whole world I'm pregnant yet.

This is my first pregnancy and previously I couldn't understand why some of my pregnant friends were self-conscious about their weight. This is when you're supposed to be fat! Embrace it, I thought. Now I realize that starting out overweight means you have to worry about looking more pregnant than you are, etc.

Previously I was really excited about taking bump photos. Now I don't know when to start since I technically already have a bump! And I'm worried about how big my bump is going to get if it's already so big, pre-baby expansion--I'm going to break my back!

So in other words, solidarity, ladies.

caraleeb · June 2014

I would love to be added to the social group. I recently just lost all my weight but am in the midsize M/L section, but i've also gone through my last pregnancy overweight so can relate or give advice!

Want a personalized experience?

Any other plus-size mums to be?

Re: Any other plus-size mums to be?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards