Age 24
3 pregnancies 2 births
Children- 4.5 and 16 months
It all started when I was 19 years old. I found out I was pregnant with our daughter sometime during the end of August 2005. I was around 140-145 before I got pregnant with her and gained 51 pounds during my pregnancy, she was 10 days early. It took me awhile to start to lose weight. My daughter was around 18 months old when I finally started to exercise, I don’t know why I didn’t start sooner. I manged to get back down to my pre pregnancy weight and also lost an extra 13-15 pounds on top of that, putting me around 125-127. I was really happy with were I was at weight wise and I felt wonderful. Mind you, my daughter was about 2-2.5 by this point so it took a little while. I basically just walked a lot, became a vegetarian and eat really healthy whole foods as much as possible. My husband and I decided it was time for another baby, it happened faster then we thought, 2 months after trying we got our positive test but I miscarried that baby at 6 weeks. In those 6 weeks I gained 5lbs. So I went up to about 130. I was determined to get pregnant again, the next cycle we got another positive. I was scared but excited. I felt better with this pregnancy, it felt different. I was able to eat a good diet and drank lots of water and continued to exercise. I really didn’t want to gain another 50 pounds. My pregnancy went really well! A lot easier then the 1st and 2nd. I only gained 37lbs. Putting me at 167ish. About a week after my son was born I had already dropped 20lbs. I honestly thought it would be easier this time but I was wrong. I exercised as much as a could with 2 kids. My daughter was only a 3 years 3 months when brother was born. She still needed a lot of my attention and I was still breastfeeding her. I tandem nursed for 3 months. Then she was done. So my son is now 16 months old and a little more independent, still breastfeeding. I managed to get down to 132 and was really happy about that, but my thyroid is acting up and I’m back up to 139-140. It seems that my waist line and other measurements are going up .5 inch as well. I’m going to see my midwife on Thursday to discuss some things. I have been exercising and eating well and gaining weight. Very discouraging! It all started to go downhill after my father passed away in November 2010. I just started to wear my pedometer yesterday and I will be trying to walk 10,000+ steps a day and see if that helps.
I have always been very self conscious, it is so hard. I love having children and watching my body grow, but hate having to fit for it back :) Our plan is for me to get back into shape and start trying for our next in a couple months if God is willing!
Photo 1- 7 weeks pregnant with 3rd pregnancy
Photo 2- 41 weeks pregnant day of induction
Photo 3- 16 months postpartum
Photo 4- 16 months postpartum
You look so great. I am sorry to hear about your 2nd baby. I hope you have a nice and easy 4th pregnancy! You honestly look awesome…smooth skin, tiny waist, nice hips…you look great mama!
WOW 41 weeks!! you look awesome!
You look awesome, and def. have your thyroid levels checked. Stress, pregnancy, and other factors have a lot to do with triggering throid issues. I said the exact same thing as you did when I had my second, I thought it would be easier because I didnt gain half the weight I did with my first, and I was wrong! I am 2 years pp with the first and just approaching my pre pregnancy weight! It is harder to find time, and honestly I havent felt the need to get in and sweat it out until the last month or so :) Good luck in your journey, your tummy looks so tight, Im jealous!
You’ll get there, don’t worry! You’re a very beautiful mama and I hope to look like you when I’m that far postpartum. Good luck with your babies!
You are so lovely!! I love, love the shape of your body!
I know it hardly ever matters when someone says that you shouldn’t worry or be discouraged because you look great. Well, I hope that it gives you some comfort to know that there is someone that things you look amazing. I’ve never had any children or ever been pregnant and I think you look perfect.
you look wonderful and your tummy looks great!!had my son at 19 and daughter at 21 similar things of our stories but I have not miscarried. Your healthy and that will carry on to your next baby. best wishes!!
Wow. You were made to have babies. You look unbelievable. So pretty! I’m sorry for your second kiddo. Congrats on two healthy babies. And congrats on BFing your DD for so long! Awesome!!! :D And for tandem nursing! Fantastic! :D
Thank you all so very much. Your words are so kind. I have been in a slump with my body and exercising. I’m getting back into it. But I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. It really brightened my day and made me feel better about myself. I do feel blessed. I can’t wait to have another!
Ashley!!! You look amazing! I just ran across this (this is Mo from our August due date group!) I think I’d recognize that gorgeous belly anywhere!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Losing a parent is so hard.
You look amazing, I was always envious of your amazing body shape, pregnant and post partum. Just gorgous! Also, remember, that with exercise comes more muscle mass which weighs more!
my daughter was born may 2006. i was 19 too. you look great and you’re doing awesome. i know dealing with a loss during/near pregnancy is not good. my aunt died when my daughter was 1.5
Im sorry about ur second baby. Congrats on getting healthy and tandem nursing! Awesome:) u have an amazing stomach!