In a world where pregnancy is a normal occurrence to procreate and bring new life into the world, you would think that seeing a pregnant woman on TV wouldn’t be considered “shocking.” However, it seems that in some places in the world, people cannot help but comment on a pregnant woman’s body.
As if being pregnant and carrying a life inside of you for nine months is not hard enough, people are incredibly judgmental and critical of pregnant women.
Many feel the need to speak up about women’s bodies and make snide remarks when individuals are pregnant. Especially, of course, if you are a public figure in the spotlight.
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Many women feel insecure about their bodies when pregnant.
Moms say that language such as “carrying heavy” and other phrases that are commonly used make them feel badly about their bodies during pregnancy.
Others feel that they are constantly scrutinized about how “big” they are in correlation to how far along they are.
Many women feel like they are shamed for being “too big” too early, as if it’s a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.
Regardless of the phrasing, many women share the sentiment that when pregnant, they feel extra “body-shamed.”
Whether it’s because they’re too big or not big enough, many women feel that they are under the spotlight when pregnant.
One Ohio-based meteorologist was “trolled” for her pregnant body while reporting the weather on-screen.
Ashlee Baracy, a meteorologist for WBNS-10TV in Ohio, was criticized after she announced her pregnancy to fans and viewers.
While pregnancy is such a beautiful and joyous occasion, Ashlee already knew she would be facing backlash.
“The sad part is the second I found out I was pregnant, I knew I would have to deal with criticism of my body by viewers.
“I’ve been around the business long enough, and I’ve seen colleagues go through that,” she told The Columbus Dispatch .
As soon as she began showing, many began writing into the station about her weight.
As most women do, Ashlee put on pregnancy weight. As any woman does when growing a whole human life, her body was changing.
Ashlee shared that being in the spotlight caused her to have “thick skin.”
The former Miss Michigan said that being in the spotlight forced her to have “thick skin” when it comes to critics, especially about her body.
However, she felt this was different.
“This time for me was a little different. I’m growing a miracle, and I have every right to have children. Yes, I signed up to be a public figure, but my family didn’t. My unborn child didn’t,” she said.
Despite pregnancy being a natural occurrence for many women, it seems that people had a lot to say about her body.
While Ashlee is a regular anchor on the news platform, some fans and viewers were not supportive.
People began to message and write in to Ashlee, complaining about her pregnancy.
So, to clap back at her trolls, she began exposing each and every single one of them. Every time she got a message from one, she posted it online for the world to see how ridiculous they are.
Ashlee felt that speaking out and standing up for herself was important.
“Now that I’m going to be a mom, I want my child to be confident in their skin,” she said.
Many began saying that she looked “unhealthy” and too big.
One person even wrote in an email that Ashlee was “really putting on the weight” and she should “watch her heart.”
Some even said that she was “failing at her job” to report the weather. Men began emailing her saying many ridiculous comments.
Some guys said they “couldn’t see the temps” because “her baby was in the way.” Haha, so funny…not.
Many even said that “her clothes” were wrong.
People even had the audacity to write in about her clothing being “too tight” and that “it’s too difficult to watch [the] news” with her being this way.
People online were supportive and proud of Ashlee for calling out her trolls in such a way. So much so, she landed the front page of a local paper.
Landing the front cover of the Sunday edition of The Columbus Dispatch , Ashlee thanked all of her supporters and said she was “proud” to advocate for other women around the world.
Ashlee also shared that she wants to set an example for others.
“Kids shouldn’t look at someone on TV and hear their parents say, ‘She looks fat,’ because what might they think when they look in the mirror?” she asked.
Bravo, Ashlee!
