A mum-to-be has called out critics who dubbed her baby bump “too small”, by saying there is no “one size fits all” with pregnancy.
Daegan Coyne, an Australian fitness fanatic who is expecting her first child in September 2016, is fed up of the constant body-shaming she’s faced.
And she’s well aware she’s not the only one.
“I have had pregnant friends called out for being ‘too big’, others ‘far too muscly’ and myself, the ‘you’re way too small’,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of her own 30-week bump.
“Given I am yet to see one lady carry their pregnancy shape and size the same as another, I believe it’s safe to assume peeps that there is no ‘one size fits all’ pregnancy.”
Coyne continued: “I know heaps of the comments aren’t meant to be hurtful or upsetting by any means, but we all have enough to worry about being a new mum (omg scary) let alone whether you are the size you are ‘expected’ to be.
“I don’t think anyone even knows what this size is. I’ve been told one day I am carrying really high and the next ‘wow you are carrying so low’ haha.
“Bubba is in fact above average size for at 30 weeks, I am just good at hiding her.”
The mum-to-be’s post resonated with other pregnant women, who shared their experiences of being shamed for the size of their bump.
“I’m 30 weeks and people have told me I’m small, bump has only started appearing last couple of weeks!” one person commented.
“It does get upsetting and you worry something’s wrong.”
Another wrote: “All that matters is your baby’s health. Let the haters hate and keep on doing what you’re doing. Congratulations.”
Criticism surrounding the size of baby bumps is nothing new.
“That’s six months pregnant? Is it a gerbil?” one person commented on one of her photos.
“I do not take the negative comments to heart, especially when I know I am making informed decisions when it comes to nutrition and exercise in pregnancy and motherhood,” Polites wrote.
“For the record, doctors have told me bub is healthy. All women’s bodies should be celebrated, especially at a time of pregnancy.”
Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)
Open Image ModalYou might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)
Open Image ModalThis happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(03 of10)
Open Image ModalIt's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)
Open Image ModalIt's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)
Open Image ModalYou might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)
Open Image ModalIf you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)
Open Image ModalThere is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)
Open Image ModalYou've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)
Open Image ModalNo-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)
Open Image ModalYou will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )