24 years old, First pregnancy
I have been coming to this site for a few weeks now, and everyones stories have been very encouraging. When I got pregnant, I was 5’5” and 158 pounds. I am currently at 180 pounds. So only gained 22 pounds. But I have always really like my body, especially my stomach. Ive never been a “skinny” girl, But I embraced my “Hour glass” figure proudly. I put off pregnancy, and was planning to put it off as long as I could because I was so afraid of what would happen to my body. But then I got married and knew I wanted a child with my amazing husband as soon as possible. Seems so selfish and stupid now, but Im still fearing how my tummy and breasts will look postpartum. My breasts went from a small c to a double d in about a month.. they dont even look like my own anymore. My husband tells me everyday, about 10 times a day that Im still a “hottie” and still beautiful, but of course it doesnt sink in. I plan on breastfeeding, and working out as soon as my doctor gives me the ok, and eating well has never been a problem. I have a few stretchmarks so far… Im not too concerned with them, as long as I dont erupt in them terribly in the next two – three weeks. I know I will never look exactly the same, but its scary NOT knowing how my body will look the weeks, and months following my sons birth. Does/did anyone else feel this way? . (The one in the bikini holding hands is pre baby, the one on the bed is 2 months pregnant, animal print is 28 weeks, bare belly is 38 weeks.)
Hi Georgia,
I know exactly how you feel. However, unlike you I actually DID put off pregnancy for a long time because I was so afraid of what would happen to my body (I’m currently 33 and am just now starting to try and conceive). The fear of the unknown is SO daunting. For whatever it’s worth, you look to me like you’ll likely be one of the “lucky” ones with few stretchmarks and a figure that bounces right back. Because you were always curvy it seems likely that you’ll just retain those curves. Perhaps your boobs will be less perky, but then again, maybe not. I’ve seen it go both ways. You also look like you were really fit ahead of time so you may regain your abdominal tone quickly. Whatever happens, I’m guessing that your figure wouln’t be of such huge importance immediately after the birth. Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy baby and have a little rest period before starting to focus on your figure again. Wouldn’t that be a welcome relief? Anyway, wishing you a great and easy birth and hoping you will absolutely LOVE your post-partum bod. Please update your story at some point!
It’s definitely scary the first week (especially the first day!!) My baby is a month old tomorrow, and in the first month, you will probably have good days and bad, (I know I did,) but you will bounce back quickly I think, judging from your pictures and the fact you only gained 22 lb. If you start having troubles, just vow to only look in the mirror once a week to start, and the difference will boost your spirits. Also, just remember that even if you can’t work out, you’re breastfeeding, and you can start walking as soon as your body tells you that you are ready! Good luck with your little one!!
You look if you weighted A LOT less than you actually do, also pre-pregnancy. I carried similar to you and my tummy was back in shape in no time! As you haven`t gained so much weight you are going to be at a confortable size in no time – just relax right now you can ve very sure that you figure is nothing that you will need to worry about!
If you eat well and work out a bit your body should do fine. I have had 2 kids and im 28. Ihad my last baby 8 months ago and my stomach is just as good as it was pre kids. I still have a toned flat belly, I ate well and did LOTS of walking. Sure gentics sometimes play a role but whatever, kids are worth it.
I also know how you feel…i never wanted kids because of my body changing.. and cuz i dont like kids so when i found out i was pregnant 2 years ago i was mortified!! BUT now she is my sunshine everyday and my body looks better than before i was pregnant!! didnt think that would ever happen but it did!! So try not to worry too much cuz you have a miracle inside you almost on its way out and yur body looks amazing so far with only two weeks to go. Its gona be awesome Im happy for you!! :)
sorry I just have to say as well!! try to focus on how lucky you are to have yur baby! cuz the first year flies by so fast and i miss it. I was too worried about how my body would bounce back. and now i look good but its two years later and i miss her being 1 month old :( so take every moment of yur baby!!!
You are soooo darn cute! I love the bump and your tats!!! I pray the rest of your pregnancy goes well and so does the birth! ;) Good Luck!!!
It’s interesting–I never thought much about how pregnancy would affect my body. I figured whatever happened–as long as I was healthy and not gaining crazy weight–was fine.
If you want to start excersing within 24 hours of birth, consider babywearing! It’s an awesome way to tone up and burn more calories (which you certainly won’t need to, with only 22lb weight gain, you probably didn’t gain the 5lb of ‘storage’ fat! LOL).
Thank you all for the comments, I will be sending in my update today!