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?
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.
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Thank you for posting this. This pregnancy is #5 and I gained about 40 lbs a year after my 4th was born while dealing with health issues.. Ive worked so hard to release that weight and have had zero luck. I was surprised with another pregnancy… Ive worried and worried over the bump, because I look 6 months pregnant already. . and Im like 14 weeks haha. This made me cry and eased a burden. Thank you.
Oh, I’m so glad this article helped to ease your burden! Wishing you all the very best with your pregnancy Sara.
Did anyone feel the tummy or under the muffin tighten or harden at 9 weeks?
Slight changes for sure but if you have any concerns be sure to bring them up with your care provider.
This makes me feel so much better. I’m 17 weeks pregnant with my first child and I can kinda feel my bump if I press above my pelvis but since I’m overweight it isn’t visible. It’s been really hitting my self esteem to watch my other pregnant friends who have later due dates already start to show. I’m just super impatient but I want my bump so bad.
When did you actually startet to feel pregnant…
Thank you- I know we shouldn’t compare “bumps” – but I’m 20 weeks and been wondering this… when will I look pregnant and not just my usual chubby self. I felt changes to my stomach and shape- but it’s not really noticeable to others. I’m also trying so hard to stay in the recommended weight gain- so I’ve only gained about 7 pounds so far. Which, for me – is “HUGE” since before this I could go up and down 10 pounds in a week or 2 regularly. Thank you again.
Hi, thanks you for this. I’m 4months pregnant and all I get is “wow Joy you’re losing weight” and when I know it’s not meant badly It bothers me alot everyday I look at my tummy in the mirror and it’s getting smaller like I’m on a weight lost journey. I just want to have a little bump so I can be a bit happier. My happiest moments are when I go to check the heartbeat because then I’m assured he’s still in there and growing well. So this have eased my worries a bit thank you 😊 ps: I’m Dutch so my english might not be very good 😅
I was right there with you, Joy. You’re not alone!
@Joy, what did you to get pregnant and how did it work
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.
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.
It’s so nice to read this and maybe I am late on the post. I am 7 weeks and gained ten pounds already but was on a big diet before this surprise pregnancy. I think I just gained the weight I lost but I feel sad about weight. I know I should not because I am growing something inside me. Weight is always such a big topic when I go to the dr!
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 🥰
I’m so glad, and massive congrats with your pregnancy!
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!
You sure aren’t alone!
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!!
Sending love! You’re not alone.
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 😌.
I’m so glad, Sara. And congrats on your pregnancy!