Possible to maintain/shrink hip measurement? How?

MSpradling18

I plan to ask my doctor at my first appointment but that's in 3 weeks. My sister is getting married in September and before I knew I was pregnant I ordered the bridesmaids dress in a 6 with the intention to lose weight (5-7 pounds). I'm a comfortable 8 right now and the dress fits fine everywhere but the hips and thighs. I needed to lose about 1 inch in the hips according to the size chart, or just get some spanxs. I will be 20-21 weeks for the wedding so not too far along that I might still be able to wear it. I'm not trying to lose weight anymore, just maintain so I don't gain too much. With my first pregnancy I lost some and then gained back so I was only up 3 pounds by 20 weeks and I'd like to do the same this time. So, is it at all possible/safe for someone to shrink their hips while pregnant? If it is how can I go about doing that safely? I'm doing the elliptical 3 times a week for 20 minutes and then leg lifts and other floor exercises on off days.

Thanks in advance for any advice! Best of luck in all of your pregnancies and deliveries!

freckledLeanne

I think it all depends on your body and baby. My hip measurement has gone down, but I also had some weight that I could afford losing. My measurements have all stayed the same or gone down by a few cms since I've been pregnant, by eating lots of healthy food and getting to the gym when I can to lift weights/do the elliptical. Definitely get your doctor's advice on healthy weight gain during the course of your pregnancy.

On a side note: I got maternity Spanx. I love them. They keep everything smooth and help support the belly (and keep thighs from rubbing together in the heat - ha).

MSpradling18

I did not know there was such a thing as marternity spanx! I will definitely be getting them, thank you! Where did you buy yours? Will they shrink anything/suck everything in or just smooth?

So far my weight has stayed the same but my hips have increased 1/2 an inch, so I'm guessing I will have to try to exchange the dress for a bigger size. Thanks for your help!

AsellusReborn

It will just depend how the baby grows even if your weight is stable; by 20 weeks I had gained no weight but was unmistakably pregnant because I am carrying this little guy straight out in front. You can't tell from the back I'm pregnant but I have the soccer ball look from the side.

kellykneppergrundy

I was just going to say that I had only put on a pound at 20 weeks and my hip measurements were the same as pre-pregnancy but my rib cage expanded big time (4 inches!). You may want to exchange the dress. I'm in the same boat, I'm a bridesmaid this weekend at 37 weeks! My friend ordered my dress before I found out I was pregnant and was hoping since it had an empire waist I might be able to fit into it, but the massive spread in my ribcage meant I couldn't zip it up even though I've only put on 17 pounds and it's all bump.

freckledLeanne

I found the Spanx at a maternity store, though I've seen them online and they may have them wherever Spanx are sold. They tighten up the thighs/hips a bit, but have lots of room for the belly. Definitely helps smooth everything else (and nice to have something to keep your legs from rubbing together in the heat... ha).