Eliana Rodriguez, a 29-year-old mother, recently gave birth to her second child, Sebastian. Despite having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, Rodriguez faced derogatory comments about her “big” baby bump. People would say things like, “You are gigantic,” “Are you expecting twins?” and “Is there another kid in there?” But Rodriguez refused to succumb to pregnancy stigma and stayed confident in her body.

Having a larger-than-average stomach during pregnancy can sometimes be perfectly normal, though it can be a sign of health problems in some cases. Rodriguez assured everyone that both she and her baby were in excellent health. “Both of my children were born weighing 8.3 pounds,” Rodriguez shared proudly. Her 3-year-old daughter Sofia was 19.5 inches at birth, while Sebastian measured 20.5 inches.

While it is easy to ignore trolls on Instagram, Rodriguez found that people in person were often nosy too. However, she never responded rudely to their curiosity. Instead, she would simply say, “Yes, I am huge and it’s hard.” As a business entrepreneur specializing in health and wellness in Las Vegas, Rodriguez pondered why her belly seemed bigger than other women. Her doctors explained that it was typical due to her height of 4’11” and shorter torso.

Rodriguez started showing her baby bump around two months ago, and she was ecstatic to share her happiness with others. “We had been trying for a second child and hoped for a boy,” she revealed. During her pregnancy, Rodriguez carried a larger amount of amniotic fluid, which is normal for some women. This fluid fills the amniotic sac and protects the fetus while allowing it to move.

Although an excess of amniotic fluid, known as “polyhydramnios,” occurs in 1% to 2% of pregnancies, Rodriguez’s doctors confirmed that she did not have this condition. They carefully monitored the size of the baby and the amount of fluids to ensure her and the baby’s well-being. Other causes of excess fluid include maternal diabetes and fetal structural anomalies, but thankfully Rodriguez did not have these complications.

Dealing with the intrusive questions from others, Rodriguez emphasized the need for people to refrain from making pregnancy- and body-shaming comments. She stressed that women experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression could be deeply affected by these remarks and may find themselves in a terrible place mentally.

As a religious woman, Rodriguez expressed her sympathy for those who use cruel words. She urged for more understanding and empathy towards pregnant women, reminding everyone that every body and every pregnancy is different.

Now, let us all celebrate the strength of mothers like Eliana Rodriguez who stand up to pregnancy stigma and embrace the beauty of their bodies.