By Ruthie Prasil
I am extremely blessed. I am a mom of 5 children, all ages 9 and under and Iam thrilled to be pregnant with baby #6. I know I am blessed and I know there are women for whom pregnancy does not come easily. I am lucky, I know this.
As a 29 year old who had a little waist in high school and could wear size small with ease, it’s been quite a physical change for me to carry 6 children. Not an easy change. My chest? A full 3 and ½ cup sizes bigger. This might sound amazing, but they aren’t perky. They sag and are riddled with stretch marks and wrinkles. My hips will never fit into anything under a size 6 again, and that’s being generous. I haven’t lost each pound I’ve gained from each pregnancy (and it all adds up quickly) so my face is a bit fuller and my thighs most definitely rub together when I walk. And sit. And stand.
But my belly. Ah, my belly. It’s been through a lot. It’s expanded 5 ⅓ times to many inches over what it used to measure. My organs have been smooshed and moved around to accommodate that growing belly. My skin stretched. A lot. There is so much evidence of this stretching that I feel like my days of 2-pieces (even a tankini!) are over. After delivery, I reward myself with Taco Time and pizza and an occasional Big Mac and my belly suffers. It’s not what it used to be and it’s hard to feel comfortable, let alone sexy, when I want to.
But here’s the thing: that belly grew all 6 of my babies. It has been miserable and huge and then it’s been expected to shrink back to a somewhat normal size each time. It’s handled ultrasounds and belly rubs and various prodding and poking. And it does it beautifully. So while I may not be that size 2 I was when I was 18, I’m proud of what my body can do. I’m proud of what it’s done and how far it’s gone and how far it’s come back. And even though I may owe it a little healthier eating and a little more consistent exercise, I’m trying to embrace what I am, how I look, and how I feel — especially in this dreaded first trimester.
Here’s something people don’t tell you when you’re newly pregnant: you won’t look pregnant for quite some time. Even if it’s number 2, 3, or 4+, that round and cute baby belly will stay hidden until the 2nd trimester and for those of us with a little pudge to spare, that can really suck. For starters, you’re bloated. You feel gross and even though your belly might feel hard, it’s just bloat. Your uterus is barely the size of a grapefruit and knowing this along with the fact that you feel a solid 5 months pregnant can be depressing. Your uterus is definitely growing, but all it’s doing is pushing that pudge out a little further. How unfair is that?
Fear not, my pregnant friends. It’s definitely possible to look (and feel) great in the first trimester.
First, it’s important that you know that no matter your weight, height, width, BMI or pant size, there is something that you look incredible in. Once you know this, it’s so much easier to shop. I’ll be the first to admit that once it gets difficult to button my regular pants (and we’re talking week 8 here) I get sad and throw myself a pity party. I want to squeeze into those pants and will do anything I can to make it happen. This can result in a pretty severe case of muffin top. The only good muffin tops are blueberry and vanilla. So find those key pieces that you look great in! And once you look great in them, make sure they are comfortable, too. Shop around. Local consignment stores, department stores, online. Ask any friends who have the same body type what clothes they loved during their first trimester. Try them out and then follow these tips to feel and look your best:
(1) Invest in a few maternity bands. These are very stretchy and tight pieces of fabric that you wear over your regular and unbuttoned pants to help them fit. They have been a lifesaver for me. In these later pregnancies, I don’t gain weight anywhere other than my belly so my pants fit fine until it comes time to button them. I’m not shy about wearing these bands at any point in my pregnancy. I usually wear a long tank top over the top of them and then wear regular shirts. No one can even tell it’s on and I feel so much slimmer. Silly, but true!
(1) Invest in a few maternity bands. These are very stretchy and tight pieces of fabric that you wear over your regular and unbuttoned pants to help them fit. They have been a lifesaver for me. In these later pregnancies, I don’t gain weight anywhere other than my belly so my pants fit fine until it comes time to button them. I’m not shy about wearing these bands at any point in my pregnancy. I usually wear a long tank top over the top of them and then wear regular shirts. No one can even tell it’s on and I feel so much slimmer. Silly, but true!
(2) Empire waist. Originally only worn by pregnant women, the empire waist top and dress have become really popular for all bodies. This is good news for you! Cinched up under your chest and flowy underneath, it’s easy to hide parts of your body you want to remain hidden. ie: early pregnancy bloat! I’m really good at sucking in, but why should I have to? It’s uncomfortable and makes me tired (see earlier comment about exercising).
(3) Buy maternity. It seems to be a badge of honor some women wear to be able to say, “I didn’t wear maternity clothes until I was 20 weeks…” Here’s the fact, though – it doesn’t matter when you wear maternity clothes. If you look better, therefore feel better in maternity pants and maternity tops then by all means, wear them! Another fact is that no one will know they are maternity. As long as you buy maternity that fits you correctly (don’t buy too big or it will look saggy and dumpy) you can wear them all the time and no one will know.
(4) Do not buy maternity underwear. There are few things that will make you feel more matronly than having to buy special underwear to accommodate your extra belly. Feeling matronly is not sexy. I’ve found that certain brands of underwear are much softer and have a much looser waistband than others. And the kicker is that I don’t even have to size up. Ka-ching. Lace and microfiber aren’t tight and who doesn’t feel sexy in a thong?! I know it sounds crazy, but believe me. Sometimes what people don’t see can make you feel the best about your body.
(5) Remember that you’re growing a human inside you. Embrace it. Think of what a crazy miracle that is and that your body is making it happen. Know that you won’t feel this way forever and if 10 short weeks of this is what you have to endure in order to meet your tiny bug, then know that it’s 100% worth it.
The first trimester is rough but you can make it a little easier on yourself by not only accepting your changing body, but accommodating it with clothes and pieces that feel and look great. The next step is learning how to pamper yourself without breaking the bank (and driving your mate insane).
