I read a lot about plus size pregnancy even before becoming pregnant with this baby. ( I have had previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriages and this is an <a href="https://glowing.com/glow-fertility-program">IVF</a> baby so I’m no stranger to reading a lot of information online.)

I was so sure that I wouldn’t get to see many of the joys that “skinnier” people felt during their pregnancies, or at least not anywhere near when they do. But I’m here to tell you that is not always true.

I’m 5’9 and started at 335. Lost 5 pounds the first trimester,and have been stable at 330 since. I try to eat healthy meals but I still enjoy small treats almost daily for my sweet tooth.

Bump Progression Photos - I was hesitant to start taking bump photos because I carry a lot of weight in my stomach and I was embarrassed that I would just look fatter. I started at 15 weeks despite my hesitation, and I’m so glad I did! I wish I had started sooner! I can see the progress in the past 4 weeks and I’m loving seeing the growth. ( I wear belly bands or maternity leggings to help smooth my stomach.)

Ultrasounds - I was so afraid that when I started getting ultrasounds they would shame me for being fat, and not be able to see anything. But they found my baby boy right away without any problems. I hold up my tummy fat to make it easier but no one says anything or makes me feel bad. And I don’t care about having to hold up my fat when I’m watching my little man squirm happily on the screen.

Dopplers - The doctor found my baby on the Doppler in the office at 15 weeks, and when I mentioned that I was nervous about them maybe not being able to find it she mentioned that sometimes it’s hard to find them with women at any size, and that I shouldn’t be so worried it would be due to my size.

Complications - I assumed I would have gestational diabetes for no other reason than I am fat. 🤦🏻‍♀️ But I passed the first Glucose test without any problems. ( which I did have to take cause of my BMI) and I’m feeling confident that the next one at 23 weeks won’t be a problem either. I just assumed I would fail the first one but nope.

Fetal Movement - The most exciting surprise has been that I started feeling my son move at 16 weeks. Just little movements at first but starting my 17 week I feel him everyday. And not just little movements. He’s having a party in there! I was so sure I wouldn’t get to feel him until past 20 weeks cause that’s what I had heard on the internet but I’m so happy they were wrong for me! Even my husband has been able to feel some of the strong kicks/punches that pop out of my tummy. ( I wasn’t expecting him to be able to feel the baby until close to 25 weeks)

Maternity Photos - I was on the fence about taking maternity photos closer to my due date, but now I’m excited. I can’t wait to memorialize this magical experience!

Moral of this long post is that your starting weight does not define your pregnancy. So take the bump photo (if for no one but yourself) don’t be anxious about appointments due to your size. (If a doctor/practice makes you feel bad about yourself find a new doctor). Don’t put assumptions on yourself or your pregnancy due to your size cause complications can occur at any size, or you could have complications free pregnancy.

Don’t fall into the trap I did of thinking that my weight would dictate my pregnancy.

*Disclamer* my experience does not mean you will be the same, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be like mine either 🤷🏻‍♀️