Pregnancy, much like women themselves, comes in diverse forms and dimensions. Some expectant mothers showcase perfectly rounded bellies while others may have more irregular shapes. Some carry their babies high, others low; some gain weight all over while others appear barely pregnant. Regardless of which category you fit into, you likely received your fair share of unsolicited “advice” and comments about your journey. I was a slim expectant mother during both of my pregnancies, gaining about 20 pounds with my son and just over 30 pounds while expecting twins. Trust me, people had plenty to say! Here are 10 revelations I encountered as a slender pregnant woman:
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Skepticism about Your Size
It seems many people doubt the authenticity of slim pregnant women. When I mentioned I was eight months along, the usual responses included disbelief, such as “Really? You look more like three or four months!” or bewilderment like “You must be mistaken!” Just to clarify, I was definitely not fabricating my pregnancy timeline. I happen to be naturally tall and slim. -
Weight Gain Expectations
After clarifying my stage of pregnancy, comments often shifted to weight gain recommendations: “You should be gaining more weight. I gained 50 pounds with my second baby! What does your doctor say?” While I’ve never told another expectant mother how much weight to gain, it seems everyone feels qualified to offer their opinion on what’s healthy. -
Assumptions about Health
Being a slim pregnant woman led others to assume something might be wrong with my health or my baby. Just because my weight gain was modest, it didn’t mean I wasn’t healthy. I regularly visited my doctor, who had no concerns about my weight or health. I was thriving, and so were my babies. -
Jealousy Among Pregnant Women
I understand that pregnancy can be uncomfortable, especially in the heat of summer. When other expectant mothers spotted me in a tank top with a small baby bump, it’s easy to see why they might feel envious. However, I was just as uncomfortable and sweaty as anyone else. -
Horror Stories Galore
It’s curious how non-pregnant people seem to relish sharing scary tales about others who didn’t gain enough weight during pregnancy. Even if these stories are true, sharing them with someone who is expecting can be distressing and unhelpful. -
Random Advice from Strangers
Strangers often believe they know better than your healthcare provider. “You’re too skinny! You need to drink this super-duper-protein smoothie twice a day!” they might say, as if a stranger’s opinion holds more weight than my doctor’s. -
Misconceptions About Symptoms
People frequently assume that slim pregnant women have it easier. Trust me, I experienced my share of leg cramps, sleepless nights, and frequent bathroom trips, especially while expecting twins. My pregnancy was challenging, just like anyone else’s. -
Encouragement to Indulge
If a slim pregnant woman eats unhealthy foods, people might give her an approving nod, thinking it will help her reach a more “acceptable” pregnancy size. -
Unwanted Advice Persisting
Even when I reassured others that my pregnancy was progressing well, the advice kept pouring in. The easiest way to navigate these conversations? Just nod along and thank them for their input. -
The Belly Touch
Lastly, many people still felt entitled to touch my belly, regardless of my comfort level. Enough said.
For more insights on pregnancy and all things related to home insemination, check out other resources like this article on intracervical insemination. Also, Make a Mom is a fantastic source for essential tools and tips. If you’re looking for expert advice, Kindbody offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Navigating pregnancy as a slim woman comes with its own set of challenges, from skepticism and unsolicited advice to misconceptions about health and comfort. It’s crucial to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and the most important thing is that both mother and baby are healthy.