When I was pregnant with my son I absolutely adored it. I guess I was channeling some fertility goddess vibes because I was at complete peace with everything — with my appearance, with however things would turn out, things I couldn’t control, etc. It was awesome to finally have a break from the insecure voice in my head telling me things were never good enough! I rubbed on my belly constantly and marveled at what my body was capable of doing.
I am now 6 months postpartum and love being a mom… but my first pregnancy led to gaining 70lbs. I went from a size 6/8 to a size 12. I already have a tall, muscular build, so the fat on top of the muscle just makes me look so bulky — particularly my arms! I was JUST NOW starting to slim down in my legs (I’ve never been one to carry a lot of weight in my thighs until pregnancy… wow, they were jiggly!) and not pooch out in my belly as much… I was feeling good (not great) about how I looked. I could feel sexy and hit on my hubby; I refused to let insecurity keep me from seeing friends or feeling confident in public. I grimaced while I bought XL or XXL tops and size 12 bottoms, but once they were in my regular wardrobe it felt better to wear those than try to stuff myself into a medium and feel ashamed. I know y’all know what I’m talking about with muffin top shame.
Anyway, I haven’t yet verified with a test, but I think I am once again pregnant — and I’d be elated if I am! Except for the idea of gaining more weight on top of this weight. The swelling! The cravings! The health scares of being in an overweight BMI from the get-go! The granny panties!!! Am I just going to keep going up and up in sizes? Will I really have to wait a year and a half until I am once again even this size? I figured some of you have dealt with this anxiety, come through it or had some words of encouragement. I don’t want vanity and weight-worry to get in the way of what should be just another beautiful pregnancy.
~Age: 26
~Height: 5’10 Weight: 205lbs
~Number of pregnancies and births: 1 pregnancy, 1 birth, potentially pregnant for the second time by mere days
~The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are: 1 sweet 6mo. old boy
don’t worry about the muscle bulk, it’s a great base for getting back into shape. it’s an advantage a lot of people don’t have. and don’t worry about hitting on your husband, it’s a good thing. we marry YOU, not your body, and we crave YOUR attention.
also, yes to wearing the right size! at one point i went from ~220 to ~250 and wearing the same clothes was incredibly uncomfortable. went from L to XXL shirts and 33 to 36 waist but they fit much better while i procrastinate on my fitness.
as a male i cannot speculate on second pregnancy weight gain. my wife hasn’t fluctuated much through three pregnancies, other than her breasts have gone up (and down) 2-3 sizes… no clue as to her weight, we’ve never bothered with a scale in the house :-)
First, congratulations on your baby! Pregnancy is not always fun, but it sounds as though you relished it. Next, if you are indeed growing #2 as we write, congratulations again! You seem to be in a good place, mentally, which is very important during pregnancy and motherhood. Third, here’s my 2 cents: I have had 5 babies in 6 years. With our first son, I gained 50 pounds, went from 145 to 195, on my 5’7″ frame. It was physically tough to bear. When our 1st was 4 months, we found out I was pregnant with our daughter. I had only lost about 25-30 pounds at that point, and was nervous about putting on another 40-50 pounds. I ate more carefully, tried to drink copious amounts of water, and surprisingly only put on 35 pounds by the time I had our daughter. So, I was back up to 190 at the end of #2. Then, when she was only 3.5 months, we got pregnant with #3. I started that pregnancy weighing 168. Ended it weighing 190 again. #4 came 18 months later, and by that point my abdominal muscles were non-existent, but chasing after the 3, 2, and 1 year olds kept me from gaining any significant weight with #4 or #5. I am now 16 months post-partum from #5, and I am back down to 145, which is what I weighed prior to ever being pregnant. I can honestly say I love myself and my body, stretch marks, very saggy skin and all. Our bodies are amazing vessels, capable of miraculous things. Enjoy this time in your life, eat healthily, and be sure to be as active with your baby as possible. You can do this, Momma!
I had my first 2 children 18 months apart. It was hard on my body but so worth it! They are best friends, I wouldn’t change it for anything. Your body will heal, you will lose the weight when the time is right if that is what you desire :) It takes me a good 2 years after childbirth to fully heal. Give your body patience and love. I can honestly say though, you are sexy just the way you are! Enjoy your babies and the Goddess body that creates them.