My stomach makes me look pregnant.

Hi. I am 52 I have 2 major concerns my huge belly that makes me look 9 months pregnant- all my lif I have been thin & my belly is crippling my confidence my next concern is I can’t walk no more than 5 steps there is no pain ache or sore there is just no power or strength- I had the same thing with the walking earlier this year then went on HRT patches & it went then I broke my ankle then it repaired and then this no power in both legs has come back again for 4wks now- my doctors are useless I made the appointment 4weeks ago & my appointment is next week .

Hi @arlenemh, a distended stomach is one of those symptoms that can be a sign of a variety of different issues from gastrointestinal to gynecological to other issues. I moved your message to this existing discussion where other members have received several suggestions for a distended stomach. See here:

– My stomach makes me look pregnant https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-stomach-makes-me-look-pregnant/

You taken the first right step by making an appointment with your doctor to get to the bottom of your dual symptoms of distended abdomen and difficulty walking. Between now and your appointment, I would take notes of when these symptoms feel worse and what you were doing or eating at the time that may have triggered the symptoms.

Thank you very much Colleen for the quick reply & moving my stomach issue to the correct section - yes I will make note of what you have mentioned - I don’t have any pain - just discomfort bending forwards & I think the weight of my belly is the cause of my legs having no power - thanks for you advise xx

Hi there! I read you problem but first you should point out your age and whether your abdomen was always like this and if not when it started to be like this. Anyways I can give you certain information about the uterine fibroid. It is common in obese women, frequent in the middle and later reproductive years,can cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, urinary frequency and urgency. In rare cases, some fibroids may interfere with pregnancy. I dont think a uterine fibroid can be as big as to cause abdomen to be like a pregnant form. The ugly strech marks you pointed can be due to an excessive abdominal fat. I would suggest you to consult a gynecologist. I hope my answer will work.
Regards.

Three years ago, I was my normal weight 125 pounds, and a friend was visiting me, and I noticed I was getting a stomach. I showed it to her, and she thought I was pushing it out. (I always have a flat stomach). Six months later my weight went from 125 to 190 pounds. People commented I was pregnant, and I could not fit into ANY of my clothes or shoes. Bloodwork showed I had a Hypothyroid and was told this was the reason. Now for 2 years I have been on thyroid meds and my blood work has always been perfect. I live on the beach and wont dare go on it with all the weight gain. My doctor told me exercise would work. I have been exercising and eating normal meals have lost 20 pounds but not in my stomach. I just finished a belly 5 min workout and when I was done my stomach bloated like I was pregnant. Can I ever lose this weight. I can't wear any of my clothes nor even fit in my bra's. I see my Dr. in 3 weeks because I have been depressed and have been isolating.

Three years ago, I was my normal weight 125 pounds, and a friend was visiting me, and I noticed I was getting a stomach. I showed it to her, and she thought I was pushing it out. (I always have a flat stomach). Six months later my weight went from 125 to 190 pounds. People commented I was pregnant, and I could not fit into ANY of my clothes or shoes. Bloodwork showed I had a Hypothyroid and was told this was the reason. Now for 2 years I have been on thyroid meds and my blood work has always been perfect. I live on the beach and wont dare go on it with all the weight gain. My doctor told me exercise would work. I have been exercising and eating normal meals have lost 20 pounds but not in my stomach. I just finished a belly 5 min workout and when I was done my stomach bloated like I was pregnant. Can I ever lose this weight. I can't wear any of my clothes nor even fit in my bra's. I see my Dr. in 3 weeks because I have been depressed and have been isolating.

Hi, sorry to hear about your tummy.

Sounds like you might be experiencing some gastrointestinal issues.

When you see your doctor again ask him to check you for SIBO.

“Symptoms of SIBO are nonspecific and include bloating, abdominal distension, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, fatigue, and weakness. The frequency and severity of symptoms likely reflect both the degree of bacterial overgrowth along with the extent of mucosal inflammation.”

Since digestive conditions mimic each other it’s hard to diagnose. But at least this is a start to your proactive search to address your problematic digestive issues.

Take care and wishing you good health.

Just a thought, if the tummy swelling gets worse at certain times, you might want to check for SIBO. I had it for two years before I got a diagnosis. My stomach went from normal to 8 months pregnant-looking in a hour +/- after eating, horrific and painful. Specific antibiotics and a diet change. Not less food as much as just certain food avoidance.
If your doctor doesn’t do breath testing for that, I believe you can buy a home kit.
Good luck!