When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2016, the typical “baby bump” didn’t appear until my third trimester. This was due to a variety of factors, including my tall, broad-shouldered build and my muscular core. After all, I had trained for a triathlon when I was eight weeks pregnant—I wasn’t about to waste that hard work or the $100 entry fee! However, the main reason was that I struggled to eat.
Like many expectant mothers, I dealt with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy nausea that extends well beyond the usual “morning sickness.” It felt like being on a tumultuous ship at sea, battling relentless waves with no relief in sight. Even the faintest whiff of certain foods could trigger intense nausea, making it almost impossible to eat. The exhaustion was overwhelming—just a car ride could send me rushing home to vomit until I collapsed.
I lost weight during this challenging time, my eyes sunken and my energy depleted. It’s not uncommon for women experiencing this condition to be hospitalized for IV fluids to stay hydrated. In extreme cases, some mothers even feel compelled to terminate their pregnancies due to the unbearable discomfort.
I share this from firsthand experience; I faced hyperemesis gravidarum with my daughter and am now navigating it again, expecting another baby girl in the summer of 2021. While I experience the typical nausea and fatigue, I have already lost 2% of my weight and have received concerned remarks from friends and family.
I wish I could carry a card that explains my situation whenever I share the news of my pregnancy. Almost every time I mention it, people look at my flat stomach and sunken cheeks and ask, “How is that possible?” Some comments can be downright hurtful, like “Are you starving the baby?”—particularly from older generations who were taught to “eat for two” during their pregnancies.
The unsolicited touching and probing questions about my belly can be overwhelming. One male relative even lifted my shirt in public, exclaiming, “Are you really pregnant?” Yes, I am pregnant, but my illness means my body is open to scrutiny.
Another male relative insisted on ordering extra meat for my meal, even though I have a strong aversion to it. As expected, I had to rush to the restroom to vomit and texted my husband to return the dish. When I returned to the table, I was scolded as if I were a misbehaving child about how essential it was to eat for my unborn child.
From a sociological perspective, this is understandable. When someone is pregnant, the community tends to feel a stake in the unborn child’s wellbeing. However, this often translates into policing the pregnant person’s body, overshadowing their experience and autonomy. This societal pressure extends to issues like abortion rights and reproductive health, where women’s choices are frequently scrutinized.
When I told those close to me about my pregnancy, I faced shock that I was taking a medication prescribed by my OB/GYN for my condition. I broke down, explaining that this medication was helping me eat and sustain my pregnancy. Thankfully, the comments have lessened, and I’ve managed to eat a bit more and gain weight. Most importantly, my second baby is doing well, just like her sister did before.
So, if you know someone who is thin and shares they are pregnant, please congratulate them and remind them they’re doing their best. But above all, avoid commenting on their weight.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this other blog post. Also, for further information, visit Make a Mom for expert guidance. Additionally, NHS offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, experiencing weight loss during pregnancy can be alarming, especially when compounded by conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s crucial to remember that every pregnancy is different, and the focus should be on the wellbeing of both mother and child rather than on external appearances.
Keyphrase: Pregnancy and weight loss
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