Why am I so huge at 19 weeks?

Kitty0074 · December 2015

Hi all. I'm a first time Mom-to-be, I'm 5'3" & have always been fit & active. I'm 19 weeks now & I started showing at around 8 weeks (well, "showing" to those who knew I was pregnant). I have a friend currently 21 weeks pregnant who is barely showing at all (she's 5'6", which I think plays a role). Everywhere I read & everyone I talk to say it's abnormal how much I'm showing for 19 weeks, but it's "okay because it's all boobs & stomach". I've gained about 8 lbs & my OB says I'm at the correct weight. So WHY am I so huge?! Is it because I'm short? Is it because I have a small torso? Anyone out there go or going thru this? I'm trying not to get offended when people say how big I am but it's hard when I've always been in shape (I used to have an eating disorder when I was in college & I can easily get obsessed & depressed with how I look).
Side note: I am not mistaken about what week I am. I work in a lab, so I pretty much know the day I got pregnant.
I attached a picture I took last weekend of my hugeness.

LadySamLady · December 2015

Everyone is different. If you check out our HDBD thread from today you'll see plenty of us are the same size, myself included.

KidShrink · December 2015

I'm definitely around there as well (despite only gaining 6 lbs). Some people just show more than others!

Merciel · December 2015

I look almost the same and I'm only 17 weeks.

I got my first stretch mark yesterday. It's a small one, and I knew I was susceptible because my mom has them, but still. I wasn't expecting it so early -- I wasn't expecting to have this big of a bump so early, either, given that my friend is six weeks ahead of me and looks smaller bump-wise than I do right now -- but, well, this is what I've got, so that's that.

I suspect that having been very petite my entire life has made it harder for my body to adjust to this sudden specific size increase. There's just nowhere for the baby to go but out.

Bluejay3030 · December 2015

Maybe you're having triplets!!!!!

But seriously, everybody's body reacts to pregnancy differently. There is no "normal". Don't compare yourself to others or you'll go crazy. Be happy that your doctor is happy with your weight gain, and keep in mind that pregnancy is a temporary condition.

Also, congrats! It's an exciting time, but it can definitely be hard to adjust to all of the changes with your body. Try to shift your focus if you find yourself thinking about weight/shape all the time, especially if it makes you feel self-conscious. And get used to people being rude/jerks about it--that continues after pregnancy in the form of opinions about how you should raise your child.

Also, forgive me for being nosy, but what does working in a lab have to do with knowing when you conceived? Genuine curiosity here.

lalala2004 · December 2015

It's possible that some of it is bloat combined with your baby bump. I actually felt like I was larger a few weeks ago, and now that the bloating has gone down, my bump is smaller and firmer. Like PP have said, check out the HDBD thread. Some women have larger bumps that are even behind you, and some ahead of you (and me, I'm 19 weeks, too) that are so small, it makes me feel huge! Everyone is different.

kami09 · December 2015

I'm just as big at 15 weeks lol

AdorkablePixie · December 2015

Don't let people tell you that your size is "abnormal" there is no normal eight pregnancy. Every body is different so every. It'd will react differently. As long as you're not gaining a ton of weight, which you said you're not, you're fine. Also, you don't look abnormal. You look adorable with the bump.

angc4 · December 2015

You look great! I am on track to look just like that and am also short with a short torso. I felt like I started "showing" around 10 weeks as well. I would definitely look at hdbd posts because everyone is so different!

mmemartinez · December 2015

I don't think you look abnormally large at all. You are almost halfway through. It looks like a typical bump for where you are. I'm looking close to that (it's my 2nd) and I'm 3 weeks behind you!

sarawifenow · December 2015

I look to be just as big as you at 19w2d. Agree with PP check out the HDBD thread. Everyone is different!

doozer1345 · December 2015

You're not huge. Everyone's body is different. Check the HDBD thread. You're going to get bigger just so you know. In fact, just wait. You have no idea what huge is. Check back during your 3rd tri.

JennyS86 · December 2015

Being pregnant invites all kinds of unsolicited advice. Get used to it - let it go in one ear and out the other! I remember being 24weeks telling my husband that people really don't hesitate to tell me how they think I look. He didn't believe my until one person asked if I was about to deliver and then someone else said she couldn't even tell I was pregnant on the same day, dressed in the same outfit...

Kitty0074 · December 2015

I don't mind explaining at all! I'm a clinical laboratory scientist so I analyze human blood, urine, etc. When women think they're pregnant & get blood drawn it's to confirm with an HCG level. That's one of the tests I analyze. Therefore as soon as I expected I was expecting I did a little "behind the scenes" test in my lab. It was such a low level I know I "caught it" quite early (it doubles daily/every other day in the first trimester). Bonus: when we were trying to conceive I ran my hormone levels periodically to check when I was ovulating.

tripledaggerWed95976 · December 2015

You actually don't look that big for being 19 weeks. Yes I've seen smaller bumps at 19 weeks, but I've also seen bigger ones too. It's best to not compare your bump to others because everyone's different

Bluejay3030 · December 2015

Kitty0074 said:
I don't mind explaining at all! I'm a clinical laboratory scientist so I analyze human blood, urine, etc. When women think they're pregnant & get blood drawn it's to confirm with an HCG level. That's one of the tests I analyze. Therefore as soon as I expected I was expecting I did a little "behind the scenes" test in my lab. It was such a low level I know I "caught it" quite early (it doubles daily/every other day in the first trimester). Bonus: when we were trying to conceive I ran my hormone levels periodically to check when I was ovulating.

Gotcha, I was hoping the explanation was along those lines and not something weirder. Cool!

Edit: words

seasalt123 · December 2015

You look pretty normal to me. Just crosscreferenced bump photos from several fit friends' pregnancies and they all seem to have bumps around your size, particularly the ones at your height. None of them wound up particularly big in the end.

GoatSnakeMouse · December 2015

My bump is about that size, and I'm 5'10" with a long torso. My doctor has mentioned that my uterus tilts forward, so maybe that has something to do with it? The way I figure, the more it grows *out* the less it's pressing on my organs

mumbolino · December 2015

I feel you. That's me at 16 weeks. Bigger now!

FTM. 1.63 meters, and used to be small.

Nothing was comfy anymore very early on. I have been in dresses / mat clothes for ages now, and I put on a fair bit of weight already, although my diet hasn't really changed much.

People keep telling me either:

Is it twins?

or: It will be a HUGE baby.

Well. It is how it is, I suppose.... Some of my friends got HUGE and some only put on 7 or 8 kg..

I guess we have to just "ROLL WITH IT" ! LOL.

2.red.heads · December 2015

Try not to feel bad - everyone is different and for the record I don't think you're huge either!
But you would feel really dainty if you hung around me.

This is my 3rd pregnancy with twins - I seriously am huge! I am going to be a freak come spring! It's cute for now but .... yikes.

pelicanesque · December 2015

I'm 5'8", 19w, and have a decent torso length and have the same bump! It just popped like crazy in the last week or so. My mother said she showed early, though. Weight gain has been nonexistent or low, so my boobs and bump must be syphoning off of somewhere else in my body!

saraleigh2 · December 2015

I think you look great!!! You look like a healthy pregnant lady! I'm 5'3.75" and 16wks, I was a healthy/fit weight and BMI before pregnancy and would agree that my friends and husband could tell I was pregnant from the earlier weeks on. I've been self conscious too but I'm trying not to be... I had a rough first Tri (MS) so it was nearly impossible to exercise since I was already pretty dehydrated and I'm really feeling out of shape! I'm slowly adding exercise back in now, I hope I look as fantastic as you by 19 weeks!!! Girl you got nothing to worry about!!!

Missingchampagne · December 2015

I've gained just 6 pounds and my bump is bigger than yours! I'm sure the history of food issues plays a role but try not to beat yourself up or use negative words with yourself like "huge". It's your stomach getting big, because of a baby, not the rest of you. Really internalize that and tell everybody else where they can go...

pelicanesque · December 2015

GoatSnakeMouse said:
My bump is about that size, and I'm 5'10" with a long torso. My doctor has mentioned that my uterus tilts forward, so maybe that has something to do with it? The way I figure, the more it grows *out* the less it's pressing on my organs

the uterus tilting forward makes sense to me too, because my bump seems higher up than where the baby is actually sitting..? So does the "less pressing up against organs"...maybe that's why I don't get a lot of heartburn and I'm not having to constantly run to the bathroom..? I'm trying to look on the bright side here, because I have 4 weeks until my babymoon and I'm not looking forward to being huge on vacation. More from a practicality standpoint than vanity! (Don't want to have to buy a bunch of maternity clothes for tropical climate).

gampster · December 2015

@mumbolino I love that dress! So cute!!

mumbolino · December 2015

gampster said:
@mumbolino I love that dress! So cute!!

Thanks @gampster ;-) Asos maternity

MzRayLyn · December 2015

I know what u mean... this pic was me at 17wks... I'm 18 wks now...

Nicbert1214 · December 2015

@Kitty0074 I totally know how you feel!! I'm 5'5" and I've always been around 115-120. I will be 20 weeks on Monday and I feel huge too! I have gained about 20 pounds already (my doctor is not worried) but it's all in my stomach and boobs too. I agree with the other women on here- everyone carries different, but I'm happy you can relate! I attached a picture of my hugeness as well lol!

chottomotto · December 2015

I think height definitely plays a role. I'm 5'2 and 19 weeks, and I feel huge! I get really big during pregnancy so I expect it. Here I am at 8 weeks and 18 weeks

I am still down about 4lbs from severe morning sickness too.

LadySamLady · December 2015

@chottomotto love the haircut!!!! Looks great!!

saladflambe · December 2015

Everybody and every body are different

seasalt123 · December 2015

I wish people would stfu with making unsolicited comments on a pregnant woman's body. I understand that their intentions may be good (people perceive pregnancy to be a positive thing so the 'more' pregnant you look, the more of a compliment they think they are paying you), but they are not understanding that few people like to be told that they are 'huge'.

lalala2004 · December 2015

@Nicbert1214 I'm glad I'm not the only one who's gained that much. I'm up 18lbs from pre pregnancy weight, and I've been super bummed about it...

luckyone6131 · December 2015

Honestly, you're not showing an extreme amount! I'm just a little under you right now at 18.5 weeks. As long as your doctor says you're healthy, just enjoy the fact that your baby is happy & growing within you.

mumbolino · December 2015

seasalt123 said:

I wish people would stfu with making unsolicited comments on a pregnant woman's body. I understand that their intentions may be good (people perceive pregnancy to be a positive thing so the 'more' pregnant you look, the more of a compliment they think they are paying you), but they are not understanding that few people like to be told that they are 'huge'.

Especially not by your MIL and SIL who proceed to say you look"like a tub" and " I have only gained 7 kgs in total"

ARRRR!!!!!

Great to see I am in good company here.

prayingformybaby · December 2015

Don't worry. I think I look huge too and I am only 16 weeks 2 days. I have gained about 8- 9 pounds so far. I think I might be looking more than you..I don't know how I will look at 40 weeks ..lol

FYI- I am 5 feet 1 inch and I had gained little weight before getting pregnant (though normal BMI) so my stomach was little fatty before I got pregnant. I think all the fat is adding to the bump and making it huge

lest12 · December 2015

lalala2004 said:

@Nicbert1214 I'm glad I'm not the only one who's gained that much. I'm up 18lbs from pre pregnancy weight, and I've been super bummed about it...

@lalala2004 - 20 weeks tomorrow and I've gained about 17 pounds. I'm exactly on track for what I gained with DS. I stressed a bit about it during that pregnancy, but I was active and ate relatively healthy most of the time (but sometimes, I just couldn't). What else can you do?

If it makes you feel better, I gained 45 #s total and I lost every single one of them within 8 months. Most within 3 months, thenthe last 10 took some time (and TBH, I could have exercised a bit more but it was an awful winter and it was hard to stay as active as normal). But it went away.

Try not to be too hard on yourself about it

themattawedding · December 2015

I feel super huge too. People think I'm 22 weeks+
Everyone carries their baby differently. I'm only carrying one but he's a picture from 18+4

I'm up almost 30 lbs already. But honestly I'm not going to let others comments get to me.

codeeye · December 2015

I'm also pretty big (pic at 18weeks) I'm 5'1 and have only gained 3 pounds. My doctor says it's mostly because I have a short torso. You look wonderful! Don't let people tell you your abnormal! Normal is just a setting on your washing machine anyways!

Why am I so huge at 19 weeks?

Re: Why am I so huge at 19 weeks?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards