15 Weeks Pregnant (Second Baby) – Body Image, Guilt & Gender Surprise Anxiety

15 Weeks Pregnant (Second Baby) – Body Image, Guilt & Gender Surprise Anxiety

Guest Pregnancy Journal – Week 15

This incredible Mum of one generously shares her honest 15 week pregnancy reflections. While both of her pregnancies have been symptom-free physically, she has found the mental side of pregnancy far more challenging — especially around body image, guilt, and gender expectations.

If you’ve ever felt conflicted during pregnancy — grateful but struggling — this story will resonate.

15 Weeks Pregnant – Baby is the Size of an Apple

How have you been feeling?

I’ve been feeling apprehensive about baby’s gender. We’re having another surprise, but this time I REALLY want to know.

I have my heart set on another little girl — I don’t even know why, because first time around I had no preference at all. I’m trying to focus on the fact that baby is healthy and on the connection I already feel.

I feel happiest when…

I feel flutters. I was told it was too early, but I know it’s you I can feel.

I can’t wait to…

Set up your room! We had everything organised by this stage in my first pregnancy, so I feel very unprepared this time — even though there’s still so long to go.

When I see my body I feel…

I try not to look. I find other pregnant women beautiful, but I do not enjoy being pregnant or looking pregnant myself.

I already worry about how quickly my body will recover after birth and how long it will take before I can exercise again. Last time I had a traumatic birth and recovery was slow. That fear is still sitting there.

You say you hate your body — what is it you don’t like seeing?

I’ve always been quite fit and strong — nothing extreme, just someone who took care of herself.

And I feel guilty even saying this because I don’t have stretch marks. My body bounced back quickly last time. I didn’t get saggy skin. But things got bigger. Things jiggled more. It just didn’t feel like “me.”

This second pregnancy has been harder because I prioritise rest over exercise. I know exercise makes me feel better mentally, but some days I’m up at 4am with my toddler. It’s an internal battle.

My partner and I disagree on…

Finding out the gender! He wants a surprise. I don’t.

But I agreed to the surprise because so much of pregnancy and birth is outside his control. It feels important for him to have one decision that’s his.

Something that’s surprised me this time…

Our views have changed.

We’ll use a co-sleeper bassinet this time because we ended up co-sleeping anyway. We’re introducing a bottle of expressed milk earlier so we can share the load more evenly.

Second time around feels more practical and less idealistic.

How is this pregnancy different from your first?

Honestly, they’ve been very similar physically. My skin hasn’t broken out this time and I’ve “popped” sooner, but size-wise I’m probably similar.

I’m more tired — but I think that’s toddler life more than pregnancy.

What advice would you give other mums?

Take as much leave as you can if you’re able. I know that’s a privilege, but prioritising myself was so important.

Say no. Leave chores. Rest.

Advice is often given with good intention — but it doesn’t mean it’s correct. Do what works for your family.

And you truly do not need all the stuff. We bought everything first time and used a fraction of it.

Fresh air matters. Even walking to the letterbox.

The Conflicted Reality of Pregnancy

You can love your baby and struggle with pregnancy.

You can feel grateful and still feel uncomfortable in your own body.

Both can be true.

If you’ve been navigating complex feelings, you may also find comfort in:

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Want to Record Your Own Pregnancy Story?

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If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email us at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com.

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