Body image while pregnant/vent

Since having my surgery I've lost about 180 pounds. I was in a size 14, so clearly I was still a ways out from goal. I figured now would be the time to try for a baby with my husband. I'd rather do it while my body is still in progress than to reach goal, and balloon up. So I began tracking ovulation and such.

I found out at my six week ultrasound that I conceived twins. Initially I was shocked and had all kinds of emotions, but overall DH and I are both thrilled by both of them. When my doctor told me that twins mean double the weight gain, and overall hugeness, I was kind of bummed though.

Maybe it's hormones right now, but I am so depressed about my size. I'm 11-12 weeks and have gained about four pounds. Except I look like I'm 6 months pregnant and the rolls I had on my torso have fused into one big protruding single bump. I know this is natural, and I shouldn't be ashamed when people ask for pictures of my baby bump. It's just so odd to have come so far with weightloss and then have it celebrated as I get bigger.

We're moving 2500 miles away within the next few days, so I'm hoping the change of scenery will help me adjust, and adapt. For now I'm just holding out hope that I'll be able to breastfeed the twins, and burn calories.

I know plenty of post DSers have had great pregnancies...so if any could share their experiences, and if they had body image issues, how they coped- it would be so great and appreciated.

 

 

First of all, congratulations!  I have a couple friends here close by that have had perfect post-DS babies. No twins, but perfect babies all the same. One is still a pretty new mom and was waiting for plastics post babies, so she still is working on the body image. The other is a little further out from her last DS baby and she has returned pretty close to her DS goal weight. Sorry, I can't give you more insight into the body image thing while pregnant but just know it will be ok. Keep yourself and those babies healthy. Take your vitamins and keep your protein levels up. 

--gina

You may be surprised at how little you do gain. That 4 lbs is probably mostly increased fluids and blood. I was at a level weight, not to goal but comfortable when I got pregnant. I only gained about 11 lbs my entire pregnancy (both times) and was upping my carbs as well. Is your OB versed in the DS? Sometimes you have to smile and nod at their words. Within a few weeks of delivering I went down 30 lbs, the lowest I have ever been in my adult life was while nursing. Your body is now a baby machine, so I really wouldn't worry about the weight gain as long as you stick with water, protein, veggies and complex carbs. Another thing, being pregnant is a great excuse for not sucking in a pot belly, I LOVED being pregnant! Congrats to you and your hubby!

I disagree with the double weight gain. I had carried triplets to 35 weeks, pre-DS, and gained 33 lbs. I gained way more with my single births even when taking into consideration that I carried them full term.

I would make sure you see a specialist, a perinatologist, who deals with high risk pregnancies. From what I remember, your babies will take your food stores and give you whats left. I wouldn't worry about weight gain at all, and really wouldn't expect any issues with gaining too much weight if you eat well and take your vites. Your health needs to be your focal point.

My babies are now 14. They have been a joy. Congratulations!