Being a mother is a beautiful and miraculous experience. However, for Eliana Rodriguez, her joyous journey was tainted by hurtful comments about her “big” baby bump. But she refused to let pregnancy stigma bring her down.
Now 29 years old, Eliana recently gave birth to her second child, Sebastian. Although her pregnancy and the health of her unborn child were perfectly fine, people couldn’t help but comment on her larger-than-average stomach. Words like “You are gigantic,” “Are you expecting twins?” and “Is there another kid in there?” left her feeling self-conscious.
However, Eliana wants everyone to know that having a huge baby bump can sometimes be perfectly normal and even a sign of good health. Both her children were born weighing 8.3 pounds, and her 3-year-old daughter, Sofia, was 19.5 inches at birth. Her new boy, Sebastian, measured 20.5 inches.
While Eliana could ignore online trolls, dealing with nosy people in person was a different challenge. Despite the curiosity, she always responded with grace. She acknowledged the struggle of carrying a big baby bump and simply said, “Yes, I am huge, and it’s hard.”
As a business entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Nevada, specializing in health and wellness, Eliana was determined to understand why her tummy was bigger compared to other women. Her doctors explained that her petite frame, standing at 4’11” with a shorter torso, contributed to her larger baby bump.
Eliana proudly shared her pregnancy journey on social media, excited to welcome her second child. However, she also experienced the extra challenge of carrying a lot of amniotic fluid, a condition called “polyhydramnios.” Although this occurs in only 1% to 2% of pregnancies, Eliana’s doctors reassured her that it was not a concern.
Excess amniotic fluid can have various causes, including maternal diabetes and fetal structural anomalies. However, polyhydramnios was not the primary reason for Eliana’s large belly. Factors such as fetal macrosomia, maternal obesity, or Diastasis Recti (when abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy) can create the appearance of being further along in the pregnancy than one actually is. Thankfully, Eliana remained free from these complications.
While enduring intrusive questions, Eliana is determined to spread awareness about the impact of pregnancy and body-shaming remarks. She emphasizes the importance of refraining from making hurtful comments, as they can deeply affect women experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression. Eliana, being a religious woman, feels compassion for those who use cruel words, as they fail to show empathy and understanding.
In the end, Eliana’s story is one of strength and resilience. She refused to succumb to pregnancy stigma and embraced her journey, celebrating the miracle of life within her. Let us all learn from her experience and support every mother on their unique path to motherhood.
