Emily
Eliana Rodriguez, now 29, recently gave birth to her second child, Sebastian. Despite a healthy pregnancy and baby, Rodriguez’s larger-than-average belly attracted comments like “You are gigantic,” “Are you expecting twins?” and “Is there another baby in there?” Both she and her baby were perfectly healthy, but people often assumed she must be uncomfortable.
“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 son was 20.5 inches,” Rodriguez explained.
Rodriguez, a health and wellness entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Nevada, said she wondered why her belly was bigger than others. “My doctors told me it was typical because I am only 4’11” and have a shorter torso,” she said.
Understanding that some people lack empathy, Rodriguez shared, “I am a religious woman and feel sorry for those who use cruel words.”
A large baby bump can sometimes indicate health issues but can also be normal. Rodriguez assured that both she and her baby were in excellent health. She reiterated, “I had large pregnancies; both of my children were born weighing 8.3 pounds. Sofia was 19.5 inches at birth, and my new son was 20.5 inches.”
Rodriguez noted that while it’s easy to ignore Instagram trolls, people can be nosy in person too. She responded politely, saying, “Yes, I am huge, and it’s hard.”
Excited about her pregnancy, Rodriguez started showing two months in. “We had been trying for a second child and hoped for a boy,” she said.
During her pregnancy, Rodriguez had a lot of amniotic fluid, which can allow for greater fetal movement. According to the Mayo Clinic, “polyhydramnios” occurs in 1% to 2% of pregnancies, usually without complications, although it can cause preterm labor.
Rodriguez’s doctors confirmed she did not have polyhydramnios despite the high fluid levels. They carefully monitored the baby’s size and fluid amount.
Dr. Kiarra King, an OBGYN in Chicago, noted that other causes for excess fluid include maternal diabetes and fetal anomalies. A larger belly can also result from fetal macrosomia, maternal obesity, or Diastasis Recti, which is the separation of abdominal muscles after previous pregnancies. Fortunately, Rodriguez experienced none of these issues.
Emphasizing the impact of body-shaming remarks, Rodriguez urged people to be more considerate, noting that such comments can severely affect women facing prenatal or postpartum depression. “I understand that some individuals have less sympathy for others,” she said. “I am a religious woman and feel so terrible for people who use cruel words.”