Back from 3rd Childbirth Class

Hi everyone!

I came here because I know I am safe to ask questions.....

This is silly, but I have to ask.  My BF and I were walking out of the building and he asked me why my belly wasn't as big as the other woman who is due in October.  (There are only two couples in class)

I didn't know how to answer except to say that she eats and told me that she has gained about 25 pounds.  I have been nauseous and sick the entire time and have only gained, according to the dr, what the baby and placenta weigh.  But I got to thinking and by the time I got home, I started to get worried.  Since we all had WLS, I knew you ladies could relate......is it because I had excess skin that I don't look as big?  I measure right on track at the OB.

I guess I'm starting to worry about the baby's health knowing all the stuff that I have been going through related to my own health, as well as the pregnancy issues I have experienced.  The OB doesn't seem worried........but when I put to much thought into it, I begin to panic.

Thanks for listening!

No real answer here other than everyone carries differently.  I'm 30 weeks along, have put on about 30 lbs but I barely look pregnant.  At our first class I was the only one who didn't look like I should be there.  My OB told me she didn't even have a belly until she was 8 months along and not to worry about it.

Debbi

I wouldn't be concerned if you are doing your best and ur doctor is okay with your health. With my first dtr I didn't look pregnant to anyone...I literally scared the woman on the maternity floor when I told them my water broke...I had to explain it was my due date.  I am a reasonably private person- so there were people at work that asked where I had been when I came back from maternity leave- the one guy said- You were pregnant?  I sat in a meeting the last week before I left on leave with him- actually 3 days before I had my dtr. My u/s tech told me what a flat belly I had- someone asked me if I was sure 'we' were okay (that particular comment made me cry in my office).  They just told me they thought my dtr would be a small but healthy girl, and that she and I looked great.  She was over 8 pounds!  So just reassure him and yourself everyone is different. 

Everyone carries differently. It depends on how you are carrying, your body composition prior to pregnancy, extra skin, your height and torso length, if you had any abdominal surgeries prior to pregnancy, how much weight you are gaining during pregnancy, and etc! Your doctor should be measuring your belly. Also, at your anatomy scan they would be able to see if baby not growing properly or small. I am carrying a big baby and some carry small babies. I would discuss with doctor and only be concerned if they are concerned.

I'm due the first part of November and I think I just look like I'm getting fat again. Not really a baby bump. I have excess fat/skin in my lower belly too. Right where my baby boy is growing. When I lay on my back I feel like he disappears completely!! 

Also, if this is your first, (as it is mine) they say you won't show as much because the stomach muscles haven't been stretched by previous babies.

I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone's different and as long as your dr is satisfied, all must be okay.

DON'T PANIC!!
Kina

STOP THINKING SO MUCH!!! LOL Seriously tho, I just finished my classes on Sat and I was bigger than some of the women there. There was 3 of us due in October and everyone else was either August or Sept. It really does depend on your body. I read if yuo are short from waist to crotch you will show sooner. Are you having growth u/s? Those should be able to tell you what is going on better than your reg ob appt. I know it's easier said than done but try not to stress so much. Everytime I started to I would think about the abby and try to stop. *hugs* and good luck.

I worried about the same thing because i showed very late, and even still now consider myself very small.  The DR doesnt think anything is wrong because i measure exactly where i am suppose to measure - right at 35.5 weeks.  I am also 5'9 with alot of torso for the baby :)

As long as the docs say your good... dont worry.  i bet come august and september you will pop out majorly!