Body image issues

[AP2016]

Hi. I'm 17 1/2 weeks and was wondering if anyone has had issues with their changing body? I am 5'00" and started wearing maternity pants at 14 weeks and still aren't needing to wear maternity tops yet, but I just feel more fat than pregnant... anybody else like this and, if so, how did you get past it? And when did you get out of the "feeling fat" stage? Thanks!

[Leabellallee]

I was in the "fat or pregnant"
Stage until about 25 weeks. I started wearing a belly band at
8 weeks (I know, I know) but it was so comfy and I was bloated- but not looking preg. Finally my belly popped and now I actually look pregnant and not just like a chunky monkey. Although with that belly pop I gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks. I can't win with weight!! Lol

[lucybooskie]

I have always had body image issues cuz I was an obese kid.  I lost weight as a teenager and my life changed a lot which only confirmed my self worth was what the mirror told me. Saddly I started using drugs to stay thin later on and along with the weight all my happiness left too.  Now I'm 8 months pregnant hoping I haven't cursed my bby for life. I can go crazy w self blame at this point but that'll take me nowhere.  I have a lot of work to do to repair all the damage I have done.  All the ppl that have hurt me will know about my pain n c me rise above the ashes.  I never became them, I never put others down in order to bring myself up and I'm sorry but that officially makes me their teacher because I'm fearless and full of love n understanding while they remain blind deaf n dumb.

[kd7tyy]

Maybe I'm weird, but I get excited to see my body changing. You're creating life! It's amazing! Yes, you gain weight to do it, but without that your baby wouldn't be healthy. Be proud of your changing body. It's beautiful.

[Lee86lee]

I feel like that sometimes but my boyfriend makes me feel better. He would say wear ur hair like this today u look beautiful. I am 26 weeks and i started showing early. People tell me oh I didn't know u were pregnant and I'm like really. Half the time I think they just being funny. But its OK I say quotes in the morning to left my spirit.

[peasncarrots]

I think every woman goes through body image issues as she expands to nurture a baby.  It seems like with first babies the weight winds up being gained all over, which makes it even harder to accept the dramatic weight gain.  Just know you are not alone, it's very normal to have body image issues during pregnancy, and i'm "due" next week and still have cringe moments when I look in my mirror.  

[Hope561984]

I gained a ton of weight with my first pregnancy.  Like too much lol.  I'm 5'2 so I looked like a oompa loopa.  I was very self conscious. A little depressed and scared I'd be huge forever.  Thing is... I lost it all plus some after baby.  I gained 60 lbs!  And lost 67! I promise if you eat healthy and get a bit of walking in you'll be just fine.  Your not alone.  I was a mess with it and Just remember, our pregnant body isn't our real bodies :) .  You can do it!

[willtowin160]

Unfortunately I can relate. I'm almost 28 weeks and people tell me all the time that I don't look as far along as I am....but it doesn't matter how many people tell me this bc I just feel fat. And I just want to look prego and not fat, but I'm starting to realize this is normal and many women feel this way. Just keep it in your mind that pregnancy is a beautiful, amazing thing that is temporary and will be over before we know it. So although we may feel insecure at times about our bodies soon we'll get a beautiful baby that won't think we look fat, lol.

[dianaexoh]

I'll be 29 weeks with my second in two days. I've gained a lot less this time, but I still feel fat. I'm very obviously pregnant, but the bit of weight that I've gained shows under my chin a little and it's awful! The best thing you can do is maintain. I have to dress well for work, but I always make sure that my hair and make up are done, etc. It's something I wasn't as diligent about last time and it's made me feels loads better this time around.