where's the bump?

Being plus sized and pregnant has a unique set of challenges.  While some of the challenges are medical (higher risk for certain pregnancy complications), many are experiencial.  For example, because I'm heavy, it will probably take longer for me to feel my Lima Bean moving.  While normal sized women are lucky to have access to an increasingly broad range of attractive maternity clothes, the plus size choices are decidedly limited.  But perhaps the hardest part of being overweight and pregnant is that it looks less like I'm pregnant and more like I'm just getting fatter.  Instead of a bump, it's more like a bigger belly.

As someone whose biggest challenge has always been my weight, pregnancy is a constant reminder of that challenge.  I'm acutely aware of every bit of weight gain and am making a conscious effort to keep my weight gain within the healthy recommendations for overweight women, which is quite minimal.  Not that it stops me from enjoying the occasional BK Double Stacker (yum!).   My pregnancy has also renewed my focus on getting my weight under control with exercise and healthy eating habits.  But with the focus comes frustration, because I obviously can't embark on a weightloss plan while I'm pregnant.    

My intent is not to complain, but simply to share my observations and my pregnancy experience.