Questions & Answers

I was talking with my midwife about my bump yesterday. She said that it really has to do with stomach muscles. If you're measuring normal, you're probably right on track, no matter how big you feel. I have a friend who has had a huge bump that started showing before 12 weeks. She is overwhelmed by the size of her belly and not being able to fit into old maternity clothes anymore. I think every woman is different and every pregnancy (even for the same woman) is different. You look beautiful and healthy in your picture. Sometimes second deliveries go easier than the first. I hope that's the case for you.

Lindsay - Sounds like we are on par with one another. I've gained 10lbs as of my last appt. My next appt is May 8th..we shall see what the scale says then! Good for you for still managing to sneak in 2 days of workouts! I hate working out lol. I started following you since we are so close in due dates. Would love to see your pic!

Tmhess - Good point. I agree that belly size isn't always an indication of baby size. I think I'm worried mainly because my first time around I wasn't even showing at this stage. I had hyperemesis until the 5 month mark and I think that contributed to my smaller belly size. This time around I haven't felt sick since week 12 so I've been eating up a storm! It's funny how such small people can gain a lot of weight and then lose it! My friend is also small like your mom, she's 5'3" and 105lbs soaking wet. She gained 64lbs with her first and something like 50lbs with her second. She lost it all no working out! I just want to be sure I'm not being too unhealthy. I cook a lot but even then my portions are large lol

I just checked out your bump pics and you look just like me! I'm 23+5 weeks, so just a little ahead of you and feel the same way! I didn't start wearing maternity clothes with my first until about 24 weeks or so - this time it was all I could wear (esp. pants) starting about 12 weeks. And I have only gained about 12 pounds so far! I've also dropped the ball with eating - last time I was so healthy and worked out all the time, this time I have really bad cravings for bad foods and literally only workout maybe 2 times every couple weeks - working full time, chasing a toddler around AND trying to sell our house makes for a VERY tired mama! Anyway, I wouldn't be worried about how big you are - I'm right with you! I'll try to post a pic!

I looked at your pictures and your bump looks completely normal and not abnormally large at all! I think you have an adorable baby bump. :)

I am on my first baby and I had to start wearing maternity clothes at about 13-14 weeks but even though I have a definite bump already I have only gained a few pounds total. My mom, a tiny little thing who is 5'1 and was 105 pounds when she got pregnant with me gained 60 pounds when pregnant and I was 7lbs 9oz. She lost every pound after giving birth and her doctor never said a word about the weight because she was healthy. I don't think that a huge belly always has a direct impact on the size of the baby.

This is your second baby so your stomach muscles are already weaker from your first pregnancy. This time around your uterus isn't being held back as much by your stomach muscles.

People don't think about what they say sometimes. I respect my elders but sometimes I think that older people are the biggest offenders.

Kitten - I also had 2nd degree tearing and my first baby was 7lbs 4oz. So I am starting to worry if this baby is bigger I may have troubles. The men in this family (but mainly the grandpa) treat their women like second class citizens. I see the way they talk to their wives and think, they wouldn't last ONE DAY with me! lol I keep my mouth shut at work because I need to get through til I have this baby. I will likely be looking elsewhere after my mat leave is up.

Omg they are so rude! I feel like older men do that way more than older women. It's like they all just have no brain-to-mouth filters whatsoever lol!
I do understand the worry though about having a big baby. My daughter was only 6lbs 4oz and I had to have an episiotomy and I STILL tore! =/

Thanks for the responses ladies. I've been looking at other bumps in the baby bump gallery and thinking I am big compared to others. I know it's not worth comparing as we are all different, but hard not to sometimes. I just posted my latest bump photo. Kitten - I am mostly gaining in my belly but I still worry! Maybe I'm being a worrywart. Bumpin - I agree. I said "oh thanks!" when he said it. Last pregnancy they were no easier on me. The grandpa (family run business) told me pregnancy was "taking its toll on me" that I "looked like an old hag"....these are old school men that don't watch what they say at all!

You are TINY & have a cute lil bump! Your boss is a jerk for saying that..

I just looked at your photos and I think you're worrying over nothing lol. You have a normal sized bump. And you still look quite thin everywhere else so I'd say you're fine =) Your doctor will definitely mention something if he/she thinks you are gaining too much too quickly. I was your size at that point in my FIRST pregnancy lmao! I was in maternity jeans by 12-13w and already had the start of a bump. And I only actually gained 18lbs.