I am now 25 years old. I had my first son in January 2008 when I was 23 years old. I am now 14 months postpartum.
Hey, I had my first baby at 23. A few month before I got pregnant I was 154 pounds. I am quite tall so i was a nice normal size then when i just found out I was pregnant i had put on a bit of weight 180lbs. By 12 weeks ( with morning sickness and everything) I was down to 167lbs and feeling great wasn’t worried about my weight etc. right from the start people thought i was having twins my stomach was HUGE and the rest of me was fairly thin. From 34 weeks i noticed I had put on alot of weight around my face but didn’t think much of it, the rest of me was still normal except for my belly, by this stage HUGE HUGE belly.
Anyhoo I went into labour naturally but ended up having a emergency c section after an hour of pushing as my baby was posterior and quite large. I gave birth to a 9lb 5 oz baby boy he was beautiful. When people came to visit me at hospital towards the end of the first week they started making comments politely about my stomach still quite large and that it hadn’t gone down much. Friends kids started asking me if I had another baby in my stomach and by the 4 week postpartum when I was out shopping a lady asked me ” How long I had to go?” I gave in another month or two and came to the conclusion i had put on soooo much weight during my pregnancy on my stomach and no where else and after the baby was born my stomach kept that pregnant look, it didn’t look like a fat belly it looked like a pregnant one!
The week i gave birth to my son I was 226lbs. I lost a few lbs after the birth but stayed around 204 lbs. for the first 11 months of my sons life, I just couldn’t get motivated. Then I read that if you haven’t lost all your baby weight in the first 10 months you never will.. Rubbish I thought. so I started eating right and just walking 3 times a week from the time my son was 11 1/2 months. By the time my son was 13 months I had lost 28 lbs My son is now 15 months and I am still hovering around that weight and getting ready to push my exercise up a notch to get rid of those extra pounds.
I have a lot of stretch marks, my stomach looks like a prune but hey I’m working on it and feel fantastic with the weight I have lost and so grateful I now look like I have a flabby belly not a pregnant one. lol
Oh also if you notice some scars on my pictures i also had my gallbladder out at around 4 months post.
I hope you all enjoy my photos. I know this website has been fantastic for me in realizing not everyone goes back to a supermodel body after pregnancy.
Wow, what an amazing transformation! You may not notice it because you are hard on yourself as all women, but your stomach now is quite nice for still only being 14 months out! It takes a long time after those muscles have been stretched out! In my case, I have diastis (4 inch muscle seperation) therefore I will never have a tight stomach, it will always look like yours now.
You are doing great, keep it up! :)
Wow! Look at those abs under that extra skin! I know how it is to get huge during pregnancy and have a jelly-belly afterwards. You’re looking great! I’ve started a pilates dvd and was really sore after just 10 min of ab work. Keep working at it and you’ll be amazed what you can acheive! I love the 2nd picture of you pregnant. It’s a beautiful shot!
I know how you feel, my babies were 9 pound 5 and 10 pound 1 and I’m quite small and have always been skinny so I had massive bellies that people used to comment on all the time – they also made the same comments after the babies were born about having another one in there, it’s extremely insensitive. Congratulations on looking so amazing – I think you look great and can only aspire to losing the belly :) BTW you look super hot as a pregnant mama too! Well done on your journey and thanks for sharing it with us. You’ve inspired me!
You are looking so good!!
I like the preggo shot too! I have the similar problem of the “saggy belly”. :( You have come a long ways though, I often tell myself I have come a long ways too and I can’t be too hard on myself. It is hard though since we are young and have friends who look good and don’t have kids…or look good and have. Whenever you feel down go for a walk or eat something healthy and look at ur lil baby! …thats what I do and it helps! Keep up the amazing work tho! :)
wow…you look exactly like me.
I still get “when is your baby due?” a few times a week and my daughter is 15 months. so comforting to know im not the only one.
I feel like I am looking at a picture of myself. My son is also 14 months old. I run and lost all 60lbs of baby weight but now I’m thinking ot pilates to strengthen the abdominal wall. I don’t think the flap is going any where though.
I just read this article because I was trying to find different methods as to what I can do to change the appearance of my stomach. I am not so much concerned about the stretch marks, but my stomach sticking out. I don’t JUST have stretch marks and fat rolls, my stomach still looks like I am pregnant and I constantly get the “when are you due” questions! I have tried almost everything that there is out there to get rid of this, aside from becoming anorexic or bulimic… You would think that with today’s technology, anyone’s body could look good… Problem is, I don’t have the MONEY for that!
Your story is so similar to mine right down to the gallbladder surgery and big baby(my son was 9lbs 9oz). Your pictures are so similar to mine. You’ve inspired me, I can see your amazing progress and it gives me hope.
This is EXACTLY how i have been since my baby (my first preg and son was 20 days overdue). I started to really swell up after 34 weeks but told myself it was water retention and it would all come off. I have cried and cried and cried when looking at my belly as it still looked pregnant… i think it was worse as all the other new mothers has snapped back into their jeans pretty pronto and they are taller- i am only 5’2″ and often felt like a human bean bag… i am 2 dress sizes bigger then before the preg and am still in maternity jeans 8 months later. Some of the sticky-outiness has gone down now, but big bit extra skin still there and i can’t hold my tummy muscles in at all, especially the ones at the top, under the ribs. I don’t like any of the photos of me and my son as i don’t feel it looks like me, but i’m just glad i saw your pics as i can see how much improvement can happen- yoiu’ve done amazingly well. Well done and keep going. I am inspired!
Wow I am so happy to hear that I am not the only one that has been going through this. My son was 9 lbs. 1 oz. when he was born and is 22 weeks old and I have gotten at least 10 pregnant comment just this month alone. I can’t beleive people even have the nerve to comment that in the first place. Now I know that if I work it enough I will have results reading your post and seeing your photos.
Cannot tell you how encouraging this was!! I am not the only one!!! I have a 3yr old a 2 year old and a 7month old and have never really been able to get the baby weight off. So glad you posted the pics and your story!!!
this gives me hope. i have had three children now, with my first two i noticed it coming off within a year. my 3rd child is 2 1/2 yrs old and i am barely seeing a change in my shape but with minimal weight loss. This really has encouraged me though. I felt like no matter what i did i could get this pregnant to go away.
This is very inspiring to me. It has been over a year and with being a full time mom and head of the household I don’t have time to work out and care about me as much. A body takes a lot to make a person and even though I get upset comparing myself now to before I would never take it back. I love my child more than my vanity before but it is important now to take care of my health for him too. Thank you for your post!
this story has really lifted my spirits. i was so depressed about my tummy. my baby is 19 months old, and i still look pregnant.
Thank you for posting these pictures. I had my second 9 months ago and was feeling bummed that someone asked when I am due today. It helped my body image to see your pictures and wow that last picture is way encouraging.
Thank u for sharing ur story and giving me some hope. Its 9 months after my third prego.. C-section ..
.baby girl 10.2 pounds and im having the same issue. Im now motivated more than ever to excersise and lose the weight cause is bringing me down physically..wish me luck! ;)
Wow, thanks for posting this. My first baby was 10.5 and second one was 10.2. They have 20 months age difference. My second one just turned 12 months and I have had plenty of questions if I am waiting for a 3rd one. I hate people doing this. A month ago I started cxwork classes at our local gym and I am also going for zumba classes. It looks like it works, I hope it will go away. I am so glad I am not the only one. Girls don’t give up! Let’s take this bellys away! If we gave birth to our lovely giants, then we definitely can cope with belly) thank you for posting this dear!
My daughter still looks pregnant after her last baby 5 years ago…(polyhydraminos)…why is this?
Only a doctor or perhaps a midwife could give a reason for sure, but a common suggestion to look into is diastasis recti.
what kinda workout have u been doing i have the same problem but ive had two c sections and three children i lose weight everywhere but my stomach
Wow! Isn’t the human body amazing! Thank you for posting your photos. It’s wild to see that transformation. You’re doing an excellent job!
I had a similar transformation- now I’m training for fitness competitions. This is great motivation for everyone who wants to look great after having a baby. You CAN do it, your stomach WILL go back. Just eat more natural, fresh foods, no sugar, and get sweaty- gym or otherwise- work your body, get your heart rate up, and sweat EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Good luck all!
I’m only 8 weeks out but I’m freaking out already. I put on almost 40 lbs, went from 150 to 186 during pregnancy left the hospital at 170 and now am at 175. So depressing but I feel healthy just don’t know when I’m going to exercise now I’m back to work! I have a theory that I’ve got a lot of stuff my body is waiting to detox until the baby is a little older. I’m using fractionated coconut oil to try to help the process. Plus it’s good for your skin!
I think you are doing great! I was a 5.1′, 115 lbs before my first which was 2.5 yrs ago, he was 8.11 lbs had a big head so I suffered for about 2 hrs. They were about to do a c-sec when they decided to try the vacuum to get him out. I was so beat up and had a big tear that it took me about 6 wks to get well. I was a new full working mom so I was tired all the time and I stayed with that belly for a yr, when I finally decided to get back in shape I got pregnant again. I ate better with my second and did a bit of more exercise. I also decided to have a c-sec with my 2nd which I recuperated in 1 week from and lost all the weight I had gained with the 2nd in 4 weeks. But I still had that pregnant looking belly from my first. I read about my 3″ diastisis recti being the corporate of this so I researched and worked out so many things for 6 months and got no where. Then 2 mos ago I found The Dia Method and I started losing the weight fast and in 1 month I saw a 2″ difference in my diastisis recti. And since I am not a patient person a month ago I added some free waist 10 min workouts from You Tube Tiffany Rothe and YES I’ve been getting back in pants I haven’t worn in years and my diastisis is at 1″. Everyone is different and has to find a method that works for them but I was a couch potato before baby and now I can’t stop working out. If I don’t get a chance to do the dia method which are super light and non-stressing workouts, I do the Tiffany Rothe ones which leaves you feeling like you worked out that waist like crazy. I hope this helps a bit for some desperate moms. I also use skin tightening creams and exfoliate my belly in the shower, something about attracting blood flow to that area helps the skin and so far its true.
Did you lose the weight doing workout? If so, what type of workout did you do?
Hi. thank you for sharing your story. My daughter is about to turn 1. after having two babies back to back, my stomach still looks pregnant if I dont suck in. I am struggling with motivation to get to the gym or work out. Having a 2yr and 1yr old has taken all of my energy and I can’t believe I am already a year postpartum. But reading that quote about losing the baby weight after a year really motivates me. Seeing your journey makes me hopeful I can loose the belly as well.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for this post. I find great comfort in it, it’s pictures and the comments. We are not alone. You are beautiful and you body did a beautiful job carrying a life. I wish I could tell myself the same thing. Thanks again, everyone.
Thank you for your story …. I also had a beautiful 9 lbs baby girl and it’s my 3rd c section she’s 11 months and I lost my motivation but after reading your story I will start walking again ……
My son turned 1 in Dec and I am so overweight that I can’t get on scale because of the fear of the figure i would see on the scale.We had a 3 – weeks fast in my church this January and I had lost some weight. I work 7am till 10pm, Monday to Saturday so I don’t have time to workout. Seeing your pics and reading all your comments have inspired me. I am deterdetermined to get rid of this extra big belle but what do I do to get rid of all the stretch marks please….I feel awful when I see myself in pictures.
Hey my story is the exact same I alway been big I lost a lot of weight in college from 215 to 160 and that’s when I got pregnant with my daughter at age 22 gave birth at 23. I was huge people thought I was having twins. In my ninth month I was 223 after I had her i was 200. I got down to 190 but when I started working 2 jobs one being subway the only time I could eat was before I laid down and I drank plenty energy drinks next thing I know I was 205. I’m 24 now I started walking 1 1/2 mile at least 3 times a week and started eating much healthier I have relapsed on the sweets and I been slacking on the walking every week and I drink alcohol :-( so it took my two months to get to 197 but I’m glad I’m there even though no one can tell I still look like 5 months pregnant but it’s more of saggage then roundness. My daughter is soon to be 14 months I’m glad to hear someone has a similar story it’s a stuggle but I’m trying.
Over 9 months after my baby and still look pregnant in the stomach. It just won’t leave. It’s hard to be a work out person with a baby full time. It’s very discouraging and depressing to be left with a big stomach after a baby. I have a really hard time looking at myself with happiness. Your story is inspiring me. Thank you
Hey tommorow I have an abnominal ultrasound because I am now eleven month post I had two kids back to back fourteen months apart both eight pounds I havnt been Prego for eleven months now but people still think I’m pregnant is it because I dont excercise right what else do u think they might find in the ultrasound help me to feel better very nervous for my ultrasound tomorrow
I too look pregnant still at 14mos pp. However, I realized that I, like many women, have diastasis recti or a separation of the abs. I found a great exercise program that is helping me to heal the issue by carefully rebuilding my core and pelvic floor strength. I am commenting mainly to encourage women to do a little research and determine if that is your issue. If so you will find a lot of great information on how to heal your tummy no matter how long ago you had your baby(ies). Good luck!
Thank God I read your posts! I am seriously down about my ‘pregnant look’ after three kids. Twice a week at least I get asked. ? Ironically the more I diet and exercise – 3-4 x a week the more pregnant I look as I lose it everywhere else first. Very sad.
It gets better loose skin like that takes years to tighten. My first baby was 9.5 my belly didn’t tighten up until he was about 2.5. Mind you I was at the gym 4 days a week working my Ass off. I should of done more weight lifting because I had tone arms and legs but still lose skin. So that’s what I did for a year straight. Skin tightened drastically. Then I got pregnant and gained 40 pounds with baby #2 she weighed 10.5 pounds, skin is loose again. Going to the gym now for a year and both weight lifting and cardio my stomach is still big compared to my toned arms and legs. But I will continue in sure the skin on my stomach will tighten here soon
Any suggestions im still breastfeeding my 2yr old. An i haven’t lostmy stomach. Just too keep the milk flowing i have to eat an drink plenty of fluid however im about ready to stop nursing. I think thats the only way i will be able to lose my stomach remind yu it still looks like im pregnant after 2yrs. It seem asthough the food going to my tummy . it look like im about 4months pregnant ughhh any help thoughts.
I look like I’m pregnant.i try so hard to lose my big tummy and now my daughter she is 4and half,please I need help
I also find it hard to loose my belly I was 67kg before pregnancy after giving birth I was 81kg now I am 75kg my baby is 10months
Wow! I can relate to you so so much! Just like u I was always skinny and then at the age of 37 when finally got prego with my daughter I ended up gaining 50 pounds, exactly 184 when she was born. A big baby, 8.8 pounds and just like u ended up with a csection. I lost my first 35 pounds in the first 4 months but my last 15 pounds are still there, all around my tummy which makes me look still prego. I too cut bad foods lately and started to excercise more but I feel like is sooo hard to loose these last 15 pounds and get my stomach flat again:( your pictures are so motivating and inspiring!! Such an amazing transformation and I hope I can be there too soon!!
I feel bad, my hubby tells ne am fat, I dont like my stomach evryday I look at myself in the mirror and get disappointed. will this big belly ever go away.
Love the pictures especially the second and last! I can totally relate. I had an emergency c-section and I’m 16 months posypartum and still working away at my stomach. Even with tons of running and yoga and good dieting I have the excess skin and belly fat, but it’s improving like you and so I’m working with it! The beginning postpartum comments and questions like “when are you due?” were so hard to handle. While I still have a lot here to work on I feel great from just working out and being healthy and being able to exercise hard again and that’s the most important thing. Plus these babies are miracles and make life much fuller and more colorful.
wow…this is amazing! I had a csection with baby #2 and baby is now 19 months and i am still trying to get rid of my csection pooch and that is the only thing bothering me! do you have more tips on what I can do? I do exercise and omg i really am struggling.