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Where’s My Bump? Plus Size Pregnancy Woes

I wondered, as a plus size woman, how my belly would look pregnant while having a plus size pregnancy. As months passed by I watched my friends’ bellies pop and couldn’t help but to question: Where's my bump?

plus size pregnancy bump

Where's My Baby Bump?

I typed “plus size pregnancy belly pictures” into Google Images and saw women I could relate to with protruding pregnant bellies.

This made me really hopeful since I wasn’t sure what my belly would look like as my pregnancy progressed.

I surfed around the Internet and found an inspirational site called The Shape of a Mother.

On this site women of all shapes and sizes had imperfections just like mine.

After seeing pictures of women I could relate to I no longer questioned if I would look pregnant, I just wondered when it would happen.

Every morning I’d look in the mirror and ask my husband, “Am I bigger yet?”  

What woman would ever ask their husband such a question let alone be hopeful his answer was yes?  

My poor husband was tormented by these daily inquisitions.

Thankfully he knew me well enough to always answer “yes” while displaying a loving smile.

While my husband continued to assure me of my increasing belly size, as the months passed my clothing (even though I still wore plus size maternity clothes) told the truth.  

I was attending water aerobics with a pregnant friend, Angela, who had a due date a month ahead of mine.

Within a few months, she needed to purchase a maternity swimsuit as her beautiful belly grew. I began receiving compliments from classmates when I was five months pregnant. Only instead of “congratulations” on my pregnancy, it was “Wow, you look great! How much have you lost?”

You’d think I’d be happy but all I could think was…where’s my bump???

Angela had always been a very supportive friend and never made me feel ashamed of being plus size.

Jessi was another incredible friend who amazingly had a due date just a few days after mine.

Jessi and I had a weekly lunch date during our pregnancies.

We would often do a belly show and tell in the restroom following our lunch dates.

Sure enough, her gorgeous belly popped while mine just flopped.

My friends were getting the random public attention pregnant woman often pine for. Angela even told me about strangers touching her belly.

I on the other hand never had strangers randomly come up and want to touch my belly.

I’d rub my pregnant B-shaped belly all the time but people probably just thought I was hungry. It bothered me a little but all I really cared about was…where’s my bump!?!

I finally caught up to Jessi and Angela around the seventh month of my pregnancy. It was as if all of a sudden this gorgeous bump showed up overnight.

The moment I had anticipated finally happened: my bump had arrived!!!  

I was so happy and absolutely loved my big round belly. I didn’t even mind the new stretch marks that came with its arrival.

Next time I’m pregnant I won’t question where my bump is but just look forward to when it finally shows up!

I’ve been amazed by all of the beautiful plus size pregnancy bumps shares on Instagram, and those who have posted their beautiful belly pictures.

Below you'll see a helpful poll sharing when community members started to notice their bump. Learn even more via our second trimester plus size pregnancy breakdown.

Plus-Size-Bump-Poll
Jen McLellan, CBE
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Sara

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Thank you for this article! I am 4 months pregnant with my first baby and have yet to see my cute bump. I see other pregnant woman and thought when will I get a bump. Now after this article I feel relieved 😌.

Jen McLellan, CBE

Sunday 12th of November 2023

I'm so glad, Sara. And congrats on your pregnancy!

kasey

Saturday 4th of June 2022

Hello my fellow plus sized mothers. I get so concerned because I am 15 weeks with my first. It took us 14 years to get pregnant so of course I am dying to see my baby bump. I haven't gained ANY weight so far but my belly is getting bigger. The problem is, is that it just looks like I'm bloated. I had gained thirty pounds before we conceived and my muffin top got bigger so I have been worried that I would never have a full round belly. So thank you for the stories because all mom bodies are beautiful and the most beautiful part is that I am finally able to experience this miracle no matter what package it comes in!!

plussizebirth

Thursday 14th of July 2022

Sending love! You're not alone.

S

Thursday 12th of May 2022

Im at 33 weeks and still have yet to have a stranger notice anything. I started at 207 and am now at 240 lbs and 5.5 ft. I’m trying to make peace with the idea no one will ever hold the door open for me or anything like that but I suppose it’s unexpected. Just writing to say thanks for the article and I relate!

plussizebirth

Thursday 14th of July 2022

You sure aren't alone!

Lisa

Monday 29th of November 2021

I didn’t expect to get all foggy eyed here but here we are. I’m plus size and very newly pregnant with my first and the bump is something I’m looking forward to. But now i know to take it easy on myself and be patient 🥰

plussizebirth

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

I'm so glad, and massive congrats with your pregnancy!

Quinn

Sunday 29th of September 2019

Before getting pregnant I lost 30lbs. I’m now in my 2nd trimester (18 weeks) and I swear I have hunger pains constantly. Since pregnancy I’ve gained 18lbs back, but I DO NOT FEEL PREGNANT. I just feel fat. I’m at ease when I go to my appointments and I hear his heartbeat the doctors tell me he’s growing at the pace that he should. My plan is to get back into the gym (starting today). I just wanted to say thanks for the article because I keep look for the pregnant stomach and my do says it’ll come be patient.

plussizebirth

Sunday 29th of September 2019

It's actually common for people to quickly regain weight if they lost a significant amount before pregnancy. No one talks about it - but so many people share the same experience when they open up about pre-pregnancy weight loss/gain. So know you're not alone and that belly of yours will pop. Just takes time.

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