Pregnancy truly comes in a diverse array of forms and sizes. Some women flaunt perfectly rounded bellies, while others have more unique shapes. Some carry their babies high, some low; some gain weight in every part of their body, while others hardly show at all. No matter where you fit into this spectrum, you probably received a myriad of unsolicited comments and advice throughout your journey. I certainly did during both of my pregnancies, where I was on the slimmer side. In my first pregnancy, I gained about 20 pounds, and during my second, while expecting twins, I added just over 30 pounds. Let me share with you the ten lessons I learned along the way:
-
Skepticism About Your Size
One of the first questions people ask is, “How far along are you?” Upon saying “eight months,” I often got responses like, “Really? You look more like three or four months!” or even, “You must be mistaken.” I assure you, I’m not fabricating my pregnancy timeline. I simply happen to be among the fortunate few who don’t pack on the pounds during pregnancy. -
Weight Gain Expectations
Once the conversation shifts to how far along you are, it’s not long before someone mentions weight gain. “You should be gaining more weight,” they’d say, often referencing their own experiences. I’ve never told anyone they were too heavy or too light, so why do others feel it’s fine to critique my weight? -
Assumptions About Health
Just because I was a slim pregnant woman doesn’t mean I wasn’t healthy. Strangers seemed to think they were qualified to comment on my well-being. My doctor was pleased with my weight gain, and I was thriving. -
Jealousy from Other Pregnant Women
I completely understand that being pregnant can be uncomfortable, especially in the heat of summer. When you see me in a tank top and shorts, it’s easy to feel envy. But I assure you, I was just as hot and uncomfortable as anyone else! -
Horror Stories
It’s surprising how eager people are to share terrifying tales of pregnancies gone wrong. Why spread fear when it serves no purpose? This applies to all sorts of pregnancy anecdotes. -
Unsolicited Advice
Many people seem to think they know better than you do. Your doctor could be wrong, but a random person at the grocery store has the perfect remedy to bulk you up. Just drink this super smoothie twice daily, and you’ll be set! -
Misconceptions About Symptoms
If you’re a skinny pregnant woman, some may think you’re immune to pregnancy discomforts. Trust me, I faced my fair share of leg cramps, sleepless nights, and frequent bathroom trips. -
Justification for Junk Food
People often notice you indulging in less-than-healthy foods and cheer you on, perhaps hoping it will help you gain more weight. -
Advice Regardless of Assurance
Even when I assured others that my pregnancy was going smoothly, they still felt compelled to offer advice. The easiest way to navigate these conversations? Just nod and smile. -
The Belly Touching
This is something that needs no explanation. Just be prepared for those unsolicited belly rubs!
If you’re looking for more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on IVF. For those considering fertility supplements, this link might be useful. And if you want to explore more about home insemination, take a look at this other blog post.
Summary
Being a slim pregnant woman brings its own unique challenges and experiences. From dealing with unsolicited advice to misconceptions about health and comfort, the journey is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re navigating comments about your weight or the desire for unsolicited tips, it’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and everyone has their own story to tell.