How can I feel confident graduating while heavily pregnant and showing?

[Curioussgurl13]

To put it simply, Im 24 and pregnant with my first child. Im not married yet but in a committed loving relationship. I’m graduating university in a few short months but by that time I will be almost full term with a huge belly. Nobody in my graduating class knows I’m pregnant except 1 close friend. I’m just feeling very self conscious having a big belly and walking across the stage, especially since I already look almost too young and naïve for my age. My gown drapes to the side so it won't even slightly cover my belly, unless I position myself to the side in pictures. I don’t want to feel self conscious about my body on one of the biggest days of my life - I will be the first person in my family to have a degree so it’s a huge occasion. My worry got to the point where I hoped to go into labour early. It might be a weird thing to worry about, so I’m seeking advice on how to deal with the inevitable.

[Calyptomaniac]

Your concern is what other people will think about you being pregnant while "looking young? You won't be able to hide it at that point. I'm more concerned you seem somewhat ashamed of being pregnant. Even if you don't look 24, you are. That was when I had my first. You're focused on the wrong thing. You are graduating and giving birth. Pictures and what random people think are so irrelevant compared to the things that actually matter

[Anonymous]

Stop being ashamed and embarrassed for being pregnant. It’s something to be happy and proud of. I promise there will be people who see that and are happy for you or jealous because they also want kids and thinking you have it all - a degree and a family. I would have been. There will always be people who don’t want kids or are judgmental but that’s irrelevant to your life. Be happy and proud of your baby bump. Not everyone can even have children.

[jahaims]

You get your confidence from unhealthy sources if this is an issue.

[shortster]

Your appearance has nothing to do with your education.

[MasterKS]

be bold and walk openly, your body your choice.