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Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I'm not quite ready to break the news yet, but I'm starting to show. Any tips for hiding my belly a couple more weeks?

Re: I'm not quite ready to break the news yet, but I'm starting to show. Any tips for hiding my belly a couple more weeks?

The Bump Expert

Not that we're into deceit and trickery or anything, but... of course!

[  ] Start complaining. "I'm so fat" ... "There's just no time to work out anymore "... You get the idea.

[  ] Try to curb the cravings. While pickles with peanut butter may sound sumptuous to you, a. it'll raise some eyebrows, and b. it's really kind of gross. No offense.

[  ] Put a lime in whatever you order (try clear beverages or watered down cranberry juice) and it'll look just like a cocktail.

[  ] Hold off on the maternity clothes just a little longer... or at least find some cute ones.

[  ] Keep the "doctor's appointments" to a minimum. Try the old plumber/electrician/cable guy/whatever excuse instead.

Paula Kashtan | May 15 , 2009 3:31 PM

re: Q: Hiding Pregnancy?

Layers do wonders!

Megatron | September 18 , 2007 9:37 AM

re: Q: Hiding Pregnancy?

Unless your officemates would find it weird for you to wear these items, here's another suggestion that worked for me. Wear a silk scarf knotted where a v-neck would "v"--masks your growing chest size and draws attention up to face instead of down to belly. Also, wearing a suit jacket (open) works well, especially wearing black underneath. Not only do you look and feel more professional, people can't see your belly.

BackBayGrrl | February 04 , 2008 5:06 PM

re: Q: Hiding Pregnancy?

I was 20 weeks before I told clients! I wore long jackets with always a black top underneath and black trousers and wore kind of draped scarves/ pashminas- I often carried a notebook in front of my belly too!!

missjane | February 04 , 2008 10:27 PM

re: Q: Hiding Pregnancy?

You can try to hide it but you KNOW all the ladies in the office are gossiping about you!

Mitzie | February 16 , 2008 2:17 AM

re: Q: Hiding Pregnancy?

I work in an er and wear a white coat, no one knew until i started telling them! also get maternity clothes that look like your regular clothes...

lisaanj | March 31 , 2008 7:37 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I work in retail management and a bit surprised that no one has said anything to me yet, I haven't really popped yet at 17 weeks. My chest is much bigger than the A cup I was before, I was wearing the super wonder bras and no wear the nonpadded style. At least in my mind there is no diff....we will see what they say when I make the big announcement at work. Hopefully not too many will say they already knew:)

noguminbed | December 17 , 2008 9:36 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

...and, as far as pesky questions go (like why am I not drinking?) I have been going with the good old "I am still too hung over from last night" lie...

hipchykk | December 23 , 2008 2:57 AM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I was wearing my regular shirts with maternity pants underneath. I thought I just looked hefty....this week though I am 18 weeks and I went to a new client's office. When I introduced myself they looked at my face, then my belly, then back at my face. Then there are the comments: "oh, aren't you going to lunch yet? You should really take care of yourself." I think the cat is out of the bag- although no one has said anything specific, they know. I'm telling my boss on Friday. I just hope he hasn't already noticed....

liongish119 | January 20 , 2009 2:53 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I've been going with the I'm letting my self go, and that's why I am always wearing stretchy pants and loose fitting tops excuse. Also when I am feeling especially green I just go with the hung over excuse. I get out of drinking cause I blame the newly gained pounds for my aversion to the added calories.

sveldey | February 06 , 2009 9:35 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

It's funny because as much as you try to hide it, most people already know. People pay attention to details more than you think. I waited a while before I told anyone on my job or in my family, but when I did, they wasnt surprized, they were very excited and actually relieved that they can ask me questions without seeming like they are making assumptions. It did feel good when I didnt have to think so much about what I was going to wear and how to hide it. The anxiety was finally over.

shatinabrn1 | February 18 , 2009 2:11 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I def do layers and the whole bella band thing. Though my office is really cold I get away with wearing a small bubble vest. so that helps in hiding the bump. Only 11 weeks but I'm so bloated I sometimes look like i'm 5 months.

valencia124 | March 10 , 2009 12:10 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I'm sure they all know here, but I'm trying my best to hide it. One lady told me I look pregnant in the face lol. I can surely say I look pregnant in my tummy too, but my jacket covers that a little bit. I'm just not a loud person. For me this is our last child and I want it t be private and intimate. I don't want my co workers asking fifty million questions. We have two preggos as it is. I'm happy with them hovering over them lol. I will hide it until I can hide no more. My boss knows and that is all that matters!

SunshineDiva09 | April 06 , 2009 9:12 AM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and I am still the same weight and size pre-pregnancy..Actually I lost some weight and went down a size during the first trimester. I am actually excited to get a cute bump.

russianbride08 | May 20 , 2009 6:52 PM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I am only about 5 weeks along and we want to wait to tell family and friends until after the first dr. appt. in a few weeks. We are seeing my whole family this weekend for Memorial Day, and I don't want them to get any ideas. My family likes to have cocktails with dinner, and I normally have them too - but this weekend I obviously can't, so I'm thinking that is going to raise some eyebrows. I'm going to have to find some creative ways to avoid the drinks or make n/a drinks that look like the real thing!

SmileyStella | May 21 , 2009 11:46 AM

re: Q: Hiding pregnancy?

I'm in the military so we all wear the same exact uniform. I'm 18 weeks now and you cant tell. I work in an air conditioned space so i wear my jacket all the time. Once it comes off, it's quite noticeable that im expecting. As the weeks go by i will have to wear a maternity uniform which is so embarassing cause it's literally 3 times bigger then what it should be. I got about another month until i gotta make the big switch to it. I think i will be more comfortable and relaxed once everybody knows and i can stop trying to hide it.

kwhite81 | June 03 , 2009 10:43 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

Hiding your pregnancy by "fake drinking" isn't too hard. If you like beer, go for a non-alcoholic brand that you would normally drink and just peel the label off where it says "non-alcoholic". Or go for a watered down cranberry juice, clear drink (like Sprite) or sparkling juice. It did wonders for me to hide the fact that I am expecting! :)

lematthees | July 27 , 2009 10:29 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I see no reason to hide anything. Even if you weren't pregnant and were just getting fat it's nobody's business but your own. Besides, if they think you're fat when you do decide to break the news they should feel guilty for gossiping about you in the first place.

vstapleton2006 | August 19 , 2009 12:13 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I'm still trying to hide for two more weeks but it's getting more difficult. I have been telling people, which is true but it wouldn't have to be to use it, that I'm having thyroid problems. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) makes you gain weight. I've been wearing tops one size larger and using a BeBand to cover up my pants not buttoning. For casual, I wear a maternity t-shirt. The shape doesn't look that much different on but you can't see the bump. I'm trying to pull this off for two more weeks (until after the 13 week ultrasound). Good luck, girls!

Silvermaille | August 27 , 2009 7:57 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

So far I've been able to hide it with my normal trendy clothes.. they are sort of "flow-y" around the mid area anyway. I'm also an aerobics instructor and that's the only clothing that I've had to modify to not "give it out yet"....-yoga maternity pants are great and comfi!!!! And last but not least.. my hubby and I have a plan, every time we go out with our friends... we delay to order drinks, then he goes to the "bathroom" which means he goes to the bar and ask for a fruity martinit with everything but the vodka.. these "fake" martinits have been a HIT!

jennielopez | September 04 , 2009 11:07 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

button-down shirts/blouses with stretchy skirts is working pretty well for me. When I wear my old clothes people can totally figure it out. When I wear button down shirts, especially with a little pattern to them, it hides it well enough, although my fourth grade students already asked me twice if I'm pregnant - kids tend to sense these things, I guess!

Pocket879 | September 18 , 2009 5:09 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I had a small beer belly before I got pregnant, and now the pregnancy bloat has made my little belly look big! I'm not ready to tell people yet, so I've been using a small Bella Band under my clothes like a girdle. It's comfortable, and keeps your waistline smooth. Plus, since it's under my pants, you can still see the belt loops, etc., so I haven't gotten any questions about "maternity pants". Also, thank goodness for the flowy tops that are in style now. They really help hide a growing midsection.

Brannan | October 31 , 2009 8:41 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

This is my 2nd pregnancy and my co-workers are patiently waiting for when I am going to announce - they know I want another. The holidays are no good for hiding this - too many parties with drinking! I told one co-worker who is a good friend of mine. She is going to help me at parties by pouring my non-alcoholic drinks and keeping them a secret. She is also doing some heavy lifting for me around the office. Feels good to have that safety net and not stress so much about it. Although, she did tell me that one of my younger co-workers is keeping track of how many times I go to the bathroom each day to see if she can figure out when I get pregnant. Sorry, not holding it just for that!

toteair | November 25 , 2009 2:03 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I have found the long, flowing cardigan-type sweaters to be a great layer to camouflage my growing belly. I'm only 14 weeks but it's my second and things are popping out much more quickly this time around!

JenOP | November 26 , 2009 6:32 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

The scarf idea, long cardigans, carrying notebooks, and flowing tops are great. I am heading into my 14th week and FINALLY have an appointment with my supervisors to tell them. I got called out by someone at work when i was only 8 weeks (i had actually just gained 15 lbs before i even got pregnant - embarrassing), but i was mortified. We have a lot of "restructuring" going on, so I was in no way ready to come out yet! I still do not want it to be a big deal. When people are loosing jobs, you don't want to be "the weakest link". I wish I could have hidden it longer, but it really isn't very hide-able anymore, and i am sure since my co-worker first noticed, the rumor mill has already been at work. I wish people did not have to be so nosey.

acswjpc | January 01 , 2010 8:27 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I was married in August last year and am 11 weeks pregnant. I work at a small school where there are 20 women and one male employee. I have had many recent comments by my co-workers about when/ if my husband and I were planning on having a baby.. When I left work early one day because of a back ache my boss even asked (jokingly) Are you pregnant? I suppose when your workforce is full of moms they will all figure it out eventually. I'm happy to say that I will be telling everyone in a week or two, but I'm sure they all know already. Now I have to decide when to tell my class of elementary students- I think that will be even harder then telling my co-workers.

acmonkie | January 01 , 2010 12:01 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

A great way to avoid alcohol is to say "i have a headache/migraine and drinking will only make it worse." We're waiting until the end of the first trimester, which i really hard - I want to tell everyone how excited I am (its my first) and explain why I gained weight (going off the pill and onto prenatal vitamins I gained 15 lbs before conceiving).

lindsayroc | January 16 , 2010 10:12 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

Shirts with ruching on the side, empire waists and "boyfriend" cardigans are my go-to.

clandersny | January 28 , 2010 9:18 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

Oh, I have used the migraine excuse, too! It's helpful to get out of drinking. As for the clothing - I have found my jeans hide things better than most of my nice work pants. I am layering since the weather is still cool.

CrazyToast | January 29 , 2010 1:44 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I have found it really difficult to keep a secret. Everyone just seems to know and I'm not showing yet. My best friend guessed simply because I ordered decaf coffee. Several friends guessed when I wasn't drinking wine with dinner. I even had a friend I haven't talked to in six months call and say she had a dream I was pregnant! Ugh! I can't wait until the first trimester is over!

heidi_eric | February 03 , 2010 10:17 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I agree with the posts that say most people probably already know and pay attention to detail more than you think. Plus, if you're feeling sick, you are looking sick, and the women in your office will pick up on that. That being said, I was just at a work coctail party and no one knew. I didn't drink just saying I had to do more work later on. I am wearing a black wrap and it just looks like I'm cold. Blazers are good too

Sunnyk | February 15 , 2010 1:33 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I've been wearing lots of long scarves - hides the boobs and the belly!

AllisonG2010 | February 22 , 2010 11:07 AM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I had a UTI early on... Which worked as a great excuse "I can not drink with the meds I'm on" ... at least it worked for a little bit.

dsurvis | February 23 , 2010 3:24 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I am only 9 wks and I have lost about 6 pounds but my tummy looks more obvious. I think I lost the weight because of this strict diet the doctor and my husband have me on... no sugar, tons of water (I feel like a walking water balloon). I think my tummy looks a little bigger than I am used to and I am having trouble hiding my tummy at my office. I would wear more blazers but it really doesnt go with my work environment. I will try the scarf thing though. Thanks for the advice. I just think it is hard because the shape of your body changes.

strikinglyme | April 07 , 2010 1:46 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I dont mind showing off(: I just look fat right now, anyway.

Breeanaa | May 05 , 2010 5:08 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

I've noticed when shopping for maternity clothes online that models who wear prints aren't as noticeably pregnant as the models that wear solid colors. Something with a black background and flowers or geometric shapes seems to always hide the bump, even in the really big bellies.

sexysica | May 10 , 2010 9:02 PM

Q&A: How to hide my pregnancy?

Alright ii got this down, ive helped friends when they didnt want people talking about them, saying there to young, alright where lose fitting sweters, not too lose, and wear jackets and hoddies open, then wear shirts that are longer, so you can leave your top jean button open.

xoLyraxNicolexo | July 20 , 2010 12:32 PM

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