Bellies of All Shapes and Sizes

by Kimmama | More from this Blogger

08 Nov 2009 10:28 PM

Does your belly hang low? Do you waddle to and fro? Can you put on your own socks? Can you paint your pinky toe? Do you grab your husband's shoulder So you don't go tumbling over? Does your belly - hang - low?

I've noticed a trend among women when talking about belly shapes and sizes during pregnancy. All women want this small, compact beach ball out in front of them. When they start looking "pregnant in the back," they become ashamed of the way they look! They assume they are putting on too much weight. Chances are it is not weight, though, it's baby.

The shape and size of your pregnant belly depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your body type and whether or not you have been pregnant before. If you are a tall woman, the baby has a lot more room and won't need to move so far out. If you are a short woman, there will be no other place for baby to go than out in front. Also, first pregnancies stretch you out so that in subsequent pregnancies, you'll appear to carry lower. You also have to consider what direction your uterus is pointing. It could determine whether your baby hangs out in front, hides up in your ribcage, or seems to wrap around your waistline. One thing is for sure: how you carry has nothing to do with the gender of the baby.

There is no right or wrong way to carry. There is no such thing as an ugly pregnant belly either. When you become pregnant, you have to stop analyzing your body by the same old standards and measurements. It's a whole new world where your figure doesn't matter - it's the baby's health that matters most. Pregnancy is never an occasion to go on a diet. If your changing shape makes you uncomfortable, look for maternity clothes that highlight what you like and hide what you don't.

If you have been pregnant more than once, did you carry the same way each time? What changed?

Learn more about Kimmama

Kim is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to her 8-month-old son, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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