At 29 years old, Eliana Rodriguez recently welcomed her second child into the world. While she exuded joy and excitement, her larger-than-average baby bump attracted unwanted attention and harsh comments from strangers. From being called “gigantic” to hearing remarks like “Are you sure there’s not another kid in there?”, Eliana endured an unfair stigma attached to her pregnancy. But she remained resilient, refusing to let society’s expectations define her experience.

A Healthy Journey, Inside and Out

Despite the stares and comments, both Eliana and her baby were perfectly healthy throughout the pregnancy. She carried big during both pregnancies, with her children weighing 8.3 pounds at birth. Her newborn son, Sebastian, measured 20.5 inches, while her 3-year-old daughter Sofia was 19.5 inches at birth. Eliana reassured TODAY Parents that her bump size was completely normal and not indicative of any health issues.

The Curiosity of Others

While Eliana could brush off negative comments on social media, dealing with inquisitive people in person proved to be more challenging. However, she faced it with grace, choosing not to respond rudely but acknowledging their curiosity. She would often reply with a smile, saying, “Yes, I am enormous, and it’s hard.”

As the owner of a health and wellness business in Las Vegas, Nevada, Eliana found herself wondering why her belly appeared larger than other women’s. At just 4’11” with a shorter torso, her doctors assured her that it was perfectly normal. Her body was simply adjusting in its unique and beautiful way.

Embracing the Uniqueness

Eliana and her husband had been eagerly trying for a second child, hoping for a boy. When she discovered she was pregnant, she couldn’t contain her happiness and wanted to share the news with everyone. Little did she know that her body’s reaction to the pregnancy would attract so much attention.

During her pregnancy, Eliana carried a higher amount of amniotic fluid, which protects the fetus and allows it to move freely. This condition, known as “polyhydramnios,” occurs in only one to two percent of pregnancies. Although it can sometimes lead to preterm labor, most cases are not problematic. Thankfully, her doctors confirmed that she did not have polyhydramnios.

Dr. Kiarra King, an OBGYN from Chicago, explains that excess amniotic fluid can be caused by fetal anatomical abnormalities or maternal diabetes. However, these were not factors in Eliana’s case. In fact, her larger bump was primarily due to other factors such as fetal macrosomia (a larger-than-average baby), maternal obesity, or Diastasis Recti (separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy). Eliana was fortunate to avoid these issues, even though her baby bump appeared larger than expected.

Empathy and Support: A Call for Kindness

Throughout her journey, Eliana has encountered varying degrees of ignorance about pregnancy and body image. She hopes that people will think twice before offering unsolicited comments or body-shaming remarks. Such judgments can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s mental health, especially if she is already experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression.

As a woman of faith, Eliana holds no ill-will towards those who make harsh remarks. Instead, she wishes for more empathy and understanding from society, allowing each woman’s pregnancy journey to be celebrated in its own unique way. After all, every baby bump tells a story of love, growth, and the miracle of life.