Eliana Rodriguez, a 29-year-old mother, recently gave birth to her second child, Sebastian. Throughout her pregnancy, Rodriguez faced unpleasant comments about her “big” baby bump. People would say things like “You are gigantic,” “Are you sure there’s not another kid in there?” and “You must be really uncomfortable.” Despite the hurtful remarks, Rodriguez remained resilient and refused to succumb to pregnancy stigma.
Health and Happiness
Rodriguez wants everyone to know that both her pregnancy and her baby were perfectly healthy. She proudly shared, “I had large pregnancies; both of my children were born weighing 8.3 pounds. My 3-year-old daughter Sofia was 19.5 inches at birth, while my new boy was 20.5 inches.” Rodriguez reassures everyone that she and her children are in excellent health, dismissing any concerns about her bigger baby bump.
Dealing with Curiosity
While Rodriguez found it easy to ignore trolls on social media, she realized that people are often nosy in person as well. Instead of responding with rudeness, she chose to respond with kindness. “Yes, I am huge and it’s hard,” she calmly replied. Despite being aware of people’s curiosity, Rodriguez never let it dampen her spirits.
Understanding Her Unique Journey
As a business entrepreneur specializing in health and wellness, Rodriguez began to wonder why her baby bump was bigger than other women’s. Her doctors explained that it was perfectly normal due to her height of 4’11” and shorter torso. Rodriguez started showing earlier than others, which she eagerly embraced. She shared, “I am an open person, so I was delighted to share. We had been trying for a second child and hoped for a boy.”
The Science Behind the Bump
During her pregnancy, Rodriguez carried a larger amount of amniotic fluid, which protects the fetus and allows for movement. This condition, known as “polyhydramnios,” occurs in 1% to 2% of pregnancies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although it can sometimes result in preterm labor, Rodriguez’s doctors assured her that everything was fine and she did not have polyhydramnios.
Avoiding Potential Concerns
Excess amniotic fluid can be caused by maternal diabetes and fetal structural anomalies, as explained by OBGYN Dr. Kiarra King. Fortunately, Rodriguez did not experience any of these problems. Her bigger belly was attributed to fetal macrosomia (when the baby is larger than average), maternal obesity, or Diastasis Recti (the separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy). Thankfully, Rodriguez remained unaffected by these conditions and had a healthy pregnancy.
Spreading Empathy and Kindness
While dealing with intrusive questions and comments, Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of refraining from making pregnancy- and body-shaming remarks. She acknowledges that such criticisms can take a toll on women experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression, pushing them into a “terrible place” mentally. As a religious woman, Rodriguez expresses sympathy for those who use cruel words and hopes for more compassion and understanding from others.
