Body after Baby...

Hi Moms,

Ava is 2, and I am still having issues with my post pregnancy body.

During pregnancy, I gained 42lbs- all in the front. I swear I never saw a belly as big as mine was. Within 6-8 months (can't remember), I lost all of the actual pounds (5'4 and 130lbs). I did not diet or exercise. I really meant to, but never did...

What is my issue? It's my stomach....It looks like a deflated ball. There are some strech marks and my belly button is weird looking- also it is paunchy. I know it's vain, and that I am lucky to have an amazing and healthy child, but, this really bothers me. I have a hard time wearing the clothes I want and it's just upsetting.

Has anyone had this problem? Can it be exercised or dieted away? How do all of you stay motivated?

Also, does anyone have issues with their shoes fitting or not being able to wear high heels?

Sorry to ramble/complain...

Re: Body after Baby...

I can't help you with the Belly since I have my own that I lug around. To be honest, I haven't tried to lose weight and really need to do it.

As for the shoes, you may have gone up a shoe size. Feet may spread during pregnancy. Also I've been told by a podiatrist that adults should gets remeasured because feet change with age. Makes sense.

Re: Body after Baby...

Re: Body after Baby...

I feel like I'm there with you too!

I gained in the 50's and lost all but 5, but don't fit into anything! (I love the deflated ball simile) and my shoe size went up a bit as well.

Re: Body after Baby...

I am having the same issues as well. I feel like other than a tummy tuck, this tummy will always be there.

Re: Body after Baby...

I think it has to do with the elasticity in your skin. some people have tighter skin than others, and more often than not women are left with the "baby pouch".
Exercise (cardio & abdominal) are important, but sometimes it doesnt matter how much you exercise, some of it will still be there.
Oh the joys of being a woman!!....

Re: Body after Baby...

I am having a hard time too. I gained 45lbs and it was mainly in my stomach, a little in my butt and thighs. I lost about 30lbs at the 6 week pp check up but then gained weight back so I back to losing about 20lbs. If people dont know they think I look great and can't believe that I had a baby 6 months ago and I try to keep my complaints to myself. I think it is more pyschological then physical for me. I wear a size 8-10 now and use to be a universal 2. I think I look good now when I dressed nicely in cloths that do fit but then I think about what I was that bothers me. I started to go the on eliptidcal this week that we have and I also try to go for walks everyday ( I have been doing that for a few months now). The worst thing I do is I compare what my body looks like to what my body looked like pregnant when I look at pictures so now I look like I did when I was about 18 weeks . But I do know that my body will kinda be back to shape once I continue the elipitcal. I dont think it matters what size you were before you were pregnant it is always an adjustment afterwards and I really never would have thought it would be this difficult one me.

As far as my feet. I dont think they grew because I am still buying shoes in the same size I was.

Re: Body after Baby...

same deal here. i'm still up 5 pounds or so, and my belly looks gross. i've always been thin and this is a rude awakening for me. i wish i was more motivated to exercise, but i only walk.

Re: Body after Baby...

Message edited 2/9/2007 4:09:25 PM.

Re: Body after Baby...

After gaining 50 pounds and then loosing it...I'm left with a belly button that sticks out like a tongue...gross. My stomach is not as tight as it used to be.

Re: Body after Baby...

Ahhh...I was just complaining to my co-workers this morning that my shoes are tight on me and I think I need to go up a 1/2 size. I'm 12 weeks pp and have only 5 lbs. left to lose but I'm definitely proportioned differently now and my pre-pregnancy clothing is not fitting properly. I'm slathering on the Palmer's firming lotion every morning in hopes my belly will tighten up!