"You're ALREADY wearing maternity clothes?"

[Anonymous]

So I went to my OB yesterday for my 16 week checkup with #2. When the midwife went to listen to the heartbeat, she saw I was wearing maternity pants. She seemed really surprised and made the above comment in a really snarky way. Is this unusual at 16 weeks? I've gained about 8 lbs total and still fit in some regular pants but I just switched over this weekend because the stretchy waist is so much more comfy. Now I'm feeling really self conscious!

[Anonymous]

No, it's not unusual. At all. There are a ton of threads on DCUM with women saying they wish they'd started wearing them sooner. Disregard the snark and revel in your comfy waistbands.

[Anonymous]

I think maybe you need to thicken your skin a bit.

[Anonymous]

No clue if it is common, but I would just shrug it off. Be comfortable!

[Anonymous]

What an awful, awful thing for her to say. 16 weeks is totally normal for maternity clothes--especially pants for Pete's sake. Plenty of women switch over much earlier than that.

You have nothing about which to feel self-conscious--focus instead on being angry at that jerk of a midwife! Seriously, I'd complain to the head of the practice. She has no business being so critical and unsupportive. Douche.

[Anonymous]

How obnoxious that midwife is. And how bizarre her observation. Has she ever been pregnant?

Signed, someone who has gained more weight than you and is still desperately trying to squeeze into clothes that no longer fit. Only because I don't have maternity clothes yet. If I did, I'd be wearing them. I look ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Thanks ladies. To the PP who suggested toughening up, I'm sure you're right but I also think it's a particularly sensitive time for not feeling very cute so any remarks in that regard are hitting a little closer to home. I don't have much of a bump, more of the round all over stage. I assume this midwife sees mamas all day so I thought maybe there is something unusual about maternity pants at this point? And yes, that stretchy waist is fantastic.

[Anonymous]

I didn't wear them until much later, but only because they didn't stay up very well and I didn't think they were comfortable, and didn't want to spend the money on them yet. I used a belly belt to expand my regular pants. However I definitely would have worn them if they were more comfortable, and may wear them earlier with #2.

[Anonymous]

Fire the midwife. Seriously, does a second-time mom wearing maternity clothes during 2nd trimester surprise her? She's either a total newbie to pregnancy OR she's a bee-yotch and wants you to feel self-conscious.

[Anonymous]

I was wearing them at 8 weeks - for whatever reason I started showing very early and my regular clothes were not comfortable. At all. By 16 weeks, I was pretty big and now, at 21 weeks, I look like I am about to give birth. It is what it is. I have not gone up a size in my leg area or backside, it is solidly in my stomach area and chest (boy is it in my chest!) I think it was pretty tasteless for your midwife to make that comment. Every person is different and every person shows/gains differently. I do not agree that you need to toughen up. Next time just give her a blank expression and say, "Wow". Hopefully she will understand that her comments were insensitive. If not, maybe it is time to rethink the relationship. Bottom line, OP, is that you are a beautiful person! Good luck with your pregnancy!

[Anonymous]

With my first I wasn't in maternity gear until 20 weeks or so. With my second I was in it at 8 weeks. Pregnancies and bodies are different. Don't fret.

[Anonymous]

I'm 13 weeks an in maternity pants. I've only gained 4 pounds but I'm uncomfortable in my regular pants and my belly is expanding daily. I would be offended and I would ask to see someone else the next time. I'm sure she may not have meant any harm but I'm pregnant, cranky, and tired - I'm not taking anyone's bullshit or attitude this time around!

[Anonymous]

lawd no. First, mat clothes at 20 mo. This one, #2, maybe 8 weeks. My belly is sore and bloated.

I'm 13 weeks now so feel legitimate. I"m wearing a tight not mat dress today and frankly, looking damn sexy. jacket covers most of bump.

[Anonymous]

Um, I'm planning on starting at 8ish weeks. 16 weeks with my first. Ignore her!

[Anonymous]

That's so funny. At 14 weeks, my midwife was surprised I was wearing normal pants (that I'd had from when I was 10 pounds heavier - they were my "fat girl" pants, and the only thing that was comfortable!) I took from her that I should go out and get some maternity pants, and I am SO GLAD I did.

I never bothered with the Bella band/BeBand. It always seemed like a dubious proposition anyhow, and struck me as not very comfortable.