When I was pregnant with my daughter, I felt like I was transforming into a human cow.
My bump was so big I couldn’t see my feet – which was a good thing because they swelled up something awful!
When I read about people who have had “easy pregnancies” I admit, I can’t help but roll my eyes.
But when I saw Reanna Stephens pregnancy pictures, I was floored! The mother-to-be showed off her tiny baby bump in a series of extraordinary snaps.
The 18-year-old is expecting her son in April. But she is so slim, strangers have accused her of faking her pregnancy.
The student, from South Carolina, has revealed that the secret to her flat tummy is her healthy vegan diet and gentle exercise.
Reanna is now sharing her story to show others that expectant mothers that bumps come in all shapes and sizes.
She said: ‘My baby is growing the perfect amount every month as it’s measured, just like everyone else’s, so it’s absolutely nothing to do with mine or the baby’s health.’
‘I have compared my bump over my pregnancy to people on different parent pages on Facebook, and it’s not as big as other people’s.’
‘But I love my small bump, it’s not big but I think it’s perfect in its own way and it’s my body and my bump, no one else’s.’
Reanna says she has been forced to speak out after a number of cruel comments about her figure.
‘People really affect me with their comments, I try to stay calm as I know both me and my baby are healthy,’ she said.
‘I have had people stopping me in the street and giving me nasty looks. It’s heart-breaking that instead of getting the ‘aw, look at your bump.’
‘I just get people being rude to me as soon as they realise how far gone I am.’
‘People have asked me: “You’re not faking your pregnancy, are you?”, “Are you sure your baby is healthy?,” as well as people telling me I need to eat more and see a doctor in case I starve my child.
‘I have also been told that I shouldn’t be having a baby if I can’t feed myself, but people know nothing about my diet or lifestyle.’
Reanna claims she has always had an active lifestyle and her vegan lifestyle has contributed to her invisible bump.
Reanna said: ‘I have done mixed martial arts for six years, including boxing, kickboxing, jujitsu, circuit training and weight training along with yoga and cardio.
‘Now I only do yoga and cardio, but this is part of the reason for my slender pysique.
‘I also consume a vegan diet, so I don’t have any animal products, and avoid unhealthy foods such as fizzy drink, sweets and junk food.
‘Luckily I have the support of my family, because my mother was in a similar situation when she was pregnant.
‘She was an athlete and she didn’t show until she was seven months pregnant. Although I’m much smaller than her, I believe being active has a part to play in the size of your bump.’
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