Just gave birth and still feel so, so huge

[Anonymous]

I literally look 7-8 months pregnant, with a huge pregnancy belly still. I always had this "light at the end of the tunnel" mentality towards my pregnancy weight gain, like "at least it will be over soon and my body wont have a huge protruding stomach". But it's been several days and my belly is still massive... I am starting to really dread the idea of summer and going out and realizing that this weight gain may very well stick around (I dont want to diet hardcore until I'm done breastfeeding). I would love to hear from others who have been through it. I was always small before pregnancy and this has been very difficult emotionally.

[Anonymous]

It takes several weeks for your uterus to even shrink down to its normal size! Hope you can give yourself some grace. I dropped about 18 pounds after 2 weeks, and I did not lose the other 10 pounds until after I stopped breastfeeding at 6 months (no dieting involved at any time).

You will get there! It takes time and that part is hard not having clothes that fit for another big chunk of time, but I hope you can buy some new things for this summer that you feel is flattering on your temporary postpartum body!

[Anonymous]

It took 9 months to gain the pregnancy weight and it will take 9 months to lose it. Be kind to yourself. It’s a good time of year to take walks with your baby vs being stuck in the house. Concentrate on healthy food choices and you will be fine. Congrats on the baby heart ❤️

[Anonymous]

Took me a full year to lose. And I didn’t gain much.

Your uterus will shrink but whatever is left after a few weeks or months is fat (unless you have diastasis).

Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones who loses a lot of weight during breast-feeding. Some hold onto weight when breast-feeding.

[Anonymous]

I remember feeling the exact way when I came home. Pps are right.

[Anonymous]

Pregnancy destroys your body.

[Anonymous]

Your uterus takes time to shrink. It's normal to feel weird in your body post partum, because everything changes so rapidly, I remember missing my bump.

I was back down to my pre pregnancy weight pretty fast (post partum anxiety, don't recommend it). Your hips will likely always be a bit larger, but your body is not ruined. Just be kind to yourself. You just had a very significant medical event, your body is recovering. It will be okay.

[Anonymous]

Give it time. Be kind to yourself and enjoy your new baby and your summer.

[Anonymous]

PPs are right. I actually missed my 9 months belly bc it was so obvious I was pregnant, while after it just looked terrible.

Buy 1-2 tops you actually like and some non-maternity pants that fit around week six. That helped me feel better about myself and feel more like myself when I was out and about.

[Anonymous]

Ugh I'm sorry OP. I gained 50 lb in my first pregnancy and really only lost 10-15 from the birth and in the weeks post-partum. I got pregnant again 9 months after birth and so really never lost it. Gained some weight during the second pregnancy, leaving me about 60lbs over where I am typically/what feels good.

Then, two months pp, I decided to go on an intense diet/workout plan - lost 70 lbs over ~6-9 months, which I have maintained for years since. However, it was a lot of work AND I had to give up breastfeeding my second early to do it. Was worth it for my mental health though.

All this to say, I can commiserate and your body won't necessarily bounce back on its own (which I feel like I heard from a lot of people!)

[Anonymous]

This is normal, you need to adjust your expectations considerably.

[Anonymous]

Totally normal. I wonder, though, why it was difficult emotionally to grow a baby. Seems like a normal process that is part of pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally normal. I wonder, though, why it was difficult emotionally to grow a baby. Seems like a normal process that is part of pregnancy.

Not OP but it’s really hard to feel like your body no longer belongs only to you and to watch it change so significantly. I think it’s pretty normal to feel that way.

OP, hang in there. Your uterus still needs to shrink. It takes a few weeks.

[Anonymous]

I hang on to 15 extra pounds until I’m done breastfeeding, and 10 extra pounds until I very very actively try to diet. Usually takes me 18 months to get back pre-pregnancy but I’m naturally very small and slender. It sucks, not gonna lie. Yet I keep having babies…

[Anonymous]

I experienced it too, but it always makes me so, so sad when women feel flawed somehow for not being pre-pregnancy weight size soon after having a baby. I just wish it weren’t part of the conversation at all. It will take time OP, I know it’s so weird and disorienting having a new baby and having gone through childbirth. You’re beautiful.