Think the younger you are the more likely your body will bounce back. I was older and had a big baby, and a c-section. Didn't do the abdominal binding although I wish I did now. Doing core exercises on own and now added a personal trainer...(who said I had a strong core! thanks RTR pilates and Emma Lowell Crush your core on Peloton, hahahha and solid core a few years ago...) but still have a pooch and definitely extra skin... soooo not ruling out a tummy tuck!

So sad that you are "terrified" of this. I blame the "body after baby" media BS

I am petite and began pregnancies with a normal BMI. Had one kid at 34 and one at 36. I gained 40 lbs with the first, no stretch marks. Gained 30 with the second, tons of stretch marks. Losing weight after the baby was hard both times -- they are exhausting and it is hard to find the time! I didn't "bounce back," it took me a year. C-sections both times and minor complications during pregnancy that barred me from exercising beyond walking. It sucks but... you find wayyyy bigger stuff to worry about, like the health and safety of your kids. You'll still think about your body, but your mindset will likely shift. I should note that I ate for two the first time around and definitely was more mindful the second time. Don't eat for two!!!! You'll pay for it big time.

Everyone is different and every pregnancy is different! You signed up for this OP (I say this lovingly), so just take the ride.

I’ve had two kids. Lost the 35 pounds I’d gained with my first by 7 months postpartum. I lost the 30 pounds I gained with my second by two months postpartum. I want to have a third and I don’t know what will be in store with #3, but I suspect my body will change slightly (again) but will still basically be the same.

Focus on what you can control: workout, eat healthy, gain an appropriate amount of weight (for most that’s 25-35 pounds) and do what you can to have a healthy pregnancy, baby, birth, and postpartum experience. Worrying about losing your body isn’t a good use of your time/energy.

Ah, so nice to have always had saggy boobs and a thick waist. Even as a teenager. 2 kids later, body looks the same

Making peace with the body changes that come with pregnancy and birth is just one of many sacrifices you will make as a parent. You are going to change and evolve as a mom. Embrace the evolution of yourself. You are more than your body and we will all lose our bodies one day to sickness, aging, and illness. Best to make peace with this constant changing reality now.

Anonymous wrote:Age is more likely to affect your body than pregnancy. If you’re concerned, start exercising- it’s healthy for your heart anyhow.

That’s the best way to look at it in my opinion. everyone loses their looks but at least you have kids!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% if you have more than one your body will suffer. Once you are holding the baby you really won't care.

Not true. I have two and got no stretch marks on my stomach. I have a ton from puberty in other places. Just gain weight evenly. I lost all of the weight by 3 months and was even skinnier than before. No exercise.

I've also had two (first at 33, second at 34) and body is the same, except boobs not as perky after 4 years of breastfeeding. No stretch marks, no loose stomach. I'm also petite.

You are more than your petite body.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% if you have more than one your body will suffer. Once you are holding the baby you really won't care.

Not true. I have two and got no stretch marks on my stomach. I have a ton from puberty in other places. Just gain weight evenly. I lost all of the weight by 3 months and was even skinnier than before. No exercise.

I heard you don’t get stretch marks as easily later if you already had a bunch. Your skin loses its elasticity. So good/bad.

Op, you’re not going to “lose” your body. If your alive still, it’ll be right there with you. Don’t talk nonsense. Work out anyway, it’s super unhealthy not to.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was petite and trim pre-baby and now I’m petite and trim with a fantastic rack! Not all change is bad

Just wait the sag is coming

My mother and sister don’t sag and we have similar body types. Going from an A to a C results in less sag than, say, a C to a G

Oh sweetie, unless they had breast implants, your mother and sister sag. Neither of them still has the boobs of a 25 year old when they take off their push-up bras.

My mother sags appropriately to a 75 year old woman, sure. My sister doesn’t any more than someone who hasn’t had kids would at 40. A lot of this is genetic.

Anonymous wrote:100% if you have more than one your body will suffer. Once you are holding the baby you really won't care.

Not true. I have two and got no stretch marks on my stomach. I have a ton from puberty in other places. Just gain weight evenly. I lost all of the weight by 3 months and was even skinnier than before. No exercise.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was petite and trim pre-baby and now I’m petite and trim with a fantastic rack! Not all change is bad

Just wait the sag is coming

My mother and sister don’t sag and we have similar body types. Going from an A to a C results in less sag than, say, a C to a G

Oh sweetie, unless they had breast implants, your mother and sister sag. Neither of them still has the boobs of a 25 year old when they take off their push-up bras.

Age is more likely to affect your body than pregnancy. If you’re concerned, start exercising- it’s healthy for your heart anyhow.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I got my body back almost immediately without much effort. If you're younger, it helps.

I will add, OP -- a lot of this feels outside your control, but there are practical things you can do. Don't lift heavy things or do crunches/any ab exercise on your back. Don't give yourself permission to eat for two. Counterintuitively, don't rush back into exercise soon after birth; focus on healthy eating.