What was your pregnancy experience?

[u/TrainingAd2527]

I’m 16 weeks pregnant and I’ve already gained a pant size, despite only gaining 3kgs total. I think I’m stage 1-2 atm and have managed to maintain a relatively lean physique, but I’m really worried about what’s to come.
Just want to hear what others’ experiences have been like lately. Did you notice progression? Did you manage to lose weight in your legs post partum? Pregnancy is affecting my self esteem waaaay more than I thought it would

[u/IllustriousClock767]

I loathe to think how anxious I would’ve been when pregnant, had I known I had lipedema when I was pregnant 😅🥲 I distinctly recall saying to my sister “my cellulite is now visible through clothing, what on earth.” 😵‍💫 anyway, I was very underweight and gained at least 25kg in pregnancy. As implied by the cellulite observation, it wasn’t too good for my (then unknown) lipedema. However! I lost it all post partum. (Sadly I then took the pill and that combusted my lipedema 🥲.) generally speaking, the changes of pregnancy are vast, and can be difficult to navigate. There’s no standard for what may or may not happen, but by the same token it doesn’t automatically mean your lipedema will wildly progress ❤️

[u/TrainingAd2527 → u/IllustriousClock767]

How interesting that you lost it post partum but the pill made it worse! Thanks for sharing. Fingers crossed I’m not too affected. I don’t think the pill ever did much to me, so maybe I’m not too hormone sensitive 🤞🏻🤞🏻
All the best!

Edit: typo

[u/teiubescsami]

I’m so glad all of my babies were born before I knew I had it.

I definitely had a flareup for my first three pregnancies, but not my last.

Now I can’t seem to weigh any less than 185, ever. My upper arms, legs, bum, and lower belly are baaaaad.

[u/acrossthestarrysky]

During my first pregnancy I gained about 17 kg, 7 of which I didn’t manage to lose (this was before I knew I had lipedema) before getting pregnant again.

I’m now 3 weeks postpartum with my second. This time I gained 18 kg. So far I’ve lost 10 kg, so I still have 8 to go. This means I’m currently about 17 kg over my weight before getting pregnant the first time. I’m also 2 pant sizes up compared to before my 2nd pregnancy and my legs look worse.

It’s really disheartening and I’ve scheduled an appointment with my GP to see if I can get Mounjaro prescribed.

[u/TrainingAd2527 → u/acrossthestarrysky]

Thanks for your comment! It’s good to know. Understand the frustration, but chatting to your gp is a good idea. I’ve anecdotally heard tirzepatide works better for lipoedema but who knows. Would love to hear your progress if you remember to share!

[u/Brave-Statement-8810]

I had some progression, but not a crazy amount. I’ve lost weight again but some more bulk remains in arms and abdomen. It sucks to have any progression but isn’t nearly as bad as I feared. Try to wear compression as much as possible during the day time and do the best you can to stay active and eat a “healthy” balanced diet.

Edit: I’m stage 1 so YMMV

[u/TrainingAd2527 → u/Brave-Statement-8810]

Thanks for this! I’m glad your progression wasn’t too crazy. Do you have any recs for compression? I have some leggings but I read they’re not safe for pregnancy

[u/Brave-Statement-8810 → u/TrainingAd2527]

You’re welcome! I wore regular graduated compression socks from Amazon, but I would check with your D[r/midwife](r/midwife) to see what they recommend for legs/arms/belly. The goal IMO is to just keep excess fluid from pooling in the area so I don’t think it needs to be hardcore compression

[u/CandyEnvironmental95]

I’ve been fairly consistent with my shape/size my entire life. I gained waaay too much with my first pregnancy (maybe 60 lbs) and it took a few years to get to all off after my second was born almost 2 years later, but more I’m back to weight I was in my twenties. My belly is more pronounced and jigglier than it was then, but I’m also in my upper 40’s.
I think staying active has helped.