Every pregnancy journey is unique—even for the same person. Our bodies transform in unexpected ways from one pregnancy to the next, and sometimes it can be tough to embrace those changes. One mom, Sarah Johnson, perfectly captured this experience with some side-by-side bump photos that really tell the story.
Sarah, who shares her insights on her blog, was frustrated by society’s expectations of what a “normal” pregnancy belly should look like. She posted two photos from her pregnancies: one at 14 weeks and another where she showed much earlier than expected. “I thought I was enormous. Like, HUGE,” Sarah admitted. “I felt so bloated that I wanted to hide my belly, even though everyone knew I was pregnant.”
At a public event, she felt so self-conscious that she even wore shapewear to a wedding, wishing she looked more like her pre-pregnancy self. Like many expectant moms, she felt pressure to appear “pregnant” before she could fully celebrate her upcoming arrival. “I wanted to reach the ‘right’ size before I embraced my bump,” she shared.
The Struggles of Body Image
Body image struggles are common for many women, especially during and after pregnancy. Our bodies can change so dramatically, and it’s often difficult to accept that they may not return to their previous state. Sarah pointed out how people often feel free to comment on pregnant women’s bodies, saying things like, “You’re so tiny!” or “You’re so big!” It’s as if a growing baby gives everyone a license to weigh in on our bodies, and that can be really overwhelming.
During her second pregnancy, Sarah was even asked if she was having twins, which was frustrating for her. “Yeah, for nine months that baby has been hiding, and no it’s not twins, but thanks for that lovely comment,” she quipped. It’s moments like these that highlight how insensitive some questions can be, especially during such a vulnerable time.
A New Perspective
In her latest photo, Sarah is now pregnant with her third child and feels more comfortable in her skin than ever. “I didn’t shed the baby weight after my first or second, and I won’t rush to lose it after this one either,” she said. “That bump may not look typical for 9 weeks, but I really don’t care.” And why should she?
Sarah emphasizes that it doesn’t matter what size she is. “I’m a great mom to my kids, and that’s what truly matters. I’m happy, and my kids are happy, and that’s all I need in life.”
Explore Your Own Journey
If you’re interested in exploring your own journey to motherhood, check out Make a Mom, a unique at-home insemination service offering the only re-usable option. You can also join the Make a Mom Facebook group for support and resources. For those curious about the process, here’s how at-home insemination works. And if you’re considering tools to assist in the journey, take a look at the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit or the At-Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit from Make a Mom, an authority on this topic. For even more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this WebMD resource.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, pregnancy is a deeply personal experience, and no two journeys are the same. Embracing your body and its changes, no matter what they look like, is part of the adventure.
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