I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for about 15 years, now. It started when I was 13. I’ve given birth to 2 beautiful girls, who are 5 and 4 now, and am pregnant again. I reached my lowest weight so far, this past spring, when I dropped to about 110 lbs. I should be 135-150. My BMI (which is a ridiculous way to gauge health) was only 16. It should be 20. I was severely underweight, and sick. I took ‘thinspo’ pictures of myself, one of which is posted below, and looking back now, I am amazed that I was so thin, and still able to get pregnant. I am now 18 weeks pregnant, and have gained a whopping 30 lbs. Bear in mind, if I was at my ‘ideal’ weight, I’d have only gained 10lbs.
Basically, i just want to say that there is hope, and that I am in recovery now, although my weight issues are not gone, and its a struggle every single day. I know I will deal with it postpartum, also, but I’m trying to take it one day at a time. I’ve gotten to about 160 with each pregnancy, so I’m assuming I’ll be there with this one too… But its okay. I just needed to share my story and my photos and show what a healthy, normal woman should look like.
Age: 28
3 pregnancies, 2 births (so far)
5 years, 4 years, and 18 weeks pregnant.
First picture: 16 weeks pregnant, 3rd pregnancy, 140 lbs
Second picture: April 2011, 110 lbs
Third picture: December 2011, 18 weeks pregnant
You are beautiful no matter what. Be healthy for your girls mama and way to go (:
Underweight women should gain more weight when pregnant. The good thing is that, in most cases, our bodies compensate for the extra fat we need to nourish both our growing babies and our babies after birth through breastfeeding. :) You have a beautiful pregnant figure. I hope for healing post-birth for your eating disorder – you need to be there for your children in the long-term by keeping yourself healthy. Good luck and congratulations on your third baby! :)
I also suffer from an ED. I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant and have gained a ridiculous amount of weight. I think part was my body compensating for starving for so long, and the other part was me going crazy on cravings. This is my second pregnancy. I hope not to relapse. I’m hoping this site will help with my PP body views. I think you look beautiful pregnant.