Pregnancy varies just like women do. Some women sport perfectly round baby bumps, while others have more unique shapes. Some carry their babies high, others low, and while some gain weight all over, others hardly show. Regardless of how you carry, you likely received a lot of unsolicited opinions about your pregnancy and appearance. I experienced this firsthand as a slim expecting mother. During my first pregnancy with my son, I added around 20 pounds, and with my twins, I gained just over 30 pounds. Here are ten things I learned along the way:
-
Skepticism About Your Size
When asked how far along I was, I often heard, “No way! You must be three or four months along!” or “Are you sure?” Yes, I’m sure! I’m just fortunate not to gain excessive weight during pregnancy. I’m tall and naturally slim, and my belly size is nothing to lie about. -
Weight Gain Opinions Abound
After discussing gestational progress, comments like, “You should really be gaining more weight!” would pop up. It’s baffling how people feel qualified to critique a pregnant woman’s weight gain. I’ve never told anyone they were too skinny or too heavy, so why is it acceptable for strangers to comment on my situation? -
Assumptions About Health
Being slim doesn’t mean I wasn’t healthy. Just because I appeared smaller doesn’t mean something was wrong with me or my baby. I followed my doctor’s advice and had regular check-ups with no concerns raised. My pregnancies were thriving, and that was all that mattered. -
Jealousy Among Pregnant Women
I understand that pregnancy can be uncomfortable, especially in the heat of summer. However, I often felt that other pregnant women looked at me with envy because I appeared more comfortable in my clothing. Believe me, I was just as hot and uncomfortable! -
Scary Stories Are Common
It seems like people love sharing horror stories about someone who didn’t gain enough weight during pregnancy. Why do that? It doesn’t help anyone to share frightening tales—it’s better to focus on the positive. -
Random Advice from Strangers
Many people think they know better than your doctor. A lady at the grocery store once insisted I needed her special smoothie to “fatten me up.” I appreciate the concern, but I trust my healthcare provider over random suggestions. -
Misconceptions About Symptoms
People often assume that if you’re a slim pregnant woman, you must not experience typical pregnancy struggles. I dealt with leg cramps, sleepless nights, and other discomforts just like anyone else. Trust me, my pregnancy challenges were real. -
Permission to Indulge
When people saw me eating unhealthy snacks, they often encouraged it, thinking it might help me gain weight. Apparently, it’s okay to eat junk food if you’re perceived as too slim. -
Unasked-for Advice
Even if I said my pregnancy was going well, people would still offer their opinions. The easiest way to navigate the conversation was just to nod and thank them, even if I didn’t agree. -
The Belly Touching
And yes, people still wanted to touch my belly. Enough said on that topic!
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this blog post, and if you’re exploring options, Make A Mom is a great resource. Also, for detailed information about procedures like IUI, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources.
In summary, being a slim pregnant woman comes with its own set of challenges and misconceptions. From unsolicited advice to the assumption that I wasn’t experiencing the typical struggles of pregnancy, it was an eye-opening journey. No matter your size, what truly matters is the health and well-being of both the mother and baby.