Loving Your Body During Pregnancy can be challenging for many women – in today’s post I share some tips I found helpful for body kindness during pregnancy.
I wrote this blog post several months ago at 38 weeks pregnant.
Hi Friends!
I have been trying to put my words together for a post on Loving Your Body During Pregnancy for months now. I recently posted this photo of me about 38 weeks pregnant on Instagram and mentioned how it can be difficult to find body kindness during pregnancy. I was blown away by the supportive comments I received on the post.
Some women truly enjoy the experience of being pregnant. I would not consider myself one of those women. I just try to get through pregnancy knowing the prize that awaits at the end. During my first pregnancy, I was somewhat indifferent about the physical changes that accompanied my pregnancy. I felt comfortable physically and mentally with my body throughout the pregnancy.
The changes my body has undergone this pregnancy have felt much different. My feet are more swollen, I have more aches and pains, I developed a baby bump sooner, and overall gained more weight. I have never struggled with negative body thoughts, but all these bodily changes during pregnancy have certainly made me less secure about my body.
Being pregnant can make you feel like your body is constantly “on display”. For some reason, people feel its an appropriate time to make comments about your body. At 38 weeks pregnant, I get a variety of comments ranging from “you look great” to “you must be due any day now”. But the comments started early on during the pregnancy. Most people offer positive and congratulatory comments, but others offer an uninvited assessment of how far along in your pregnancy you appear. I have been rather surprised by the number of comments I received this pregnancy
Between the raging hormones, physical body changes, and comments made about your growing bump (or swelling legs) loving your body during pregnancy can certainly be a challenge. I know it has been for me during my current pregnancy. If you are like me (and many other mammas out there) and struggling with body kindness during pregnancy, here are five tips I found to be helpful.
Tips for Loving your Body During Pregnancy:
- Applaud yourself – Remember you are growing another human! Pregnancy is a pretty amazing thing most women’s bodies are able to experience. Acknowledge this special season of your life and enjoy it while you can. I often remind myself that there are women who struggle with infertility and would be ecstatic to have this experience.
- Stop comparing yourself – In the age of social media its hard not to compare how your pregnant body looks compared to other people. Several times throughout this pregnancy I have found myself making comparisons to other pregnant women, wondering why they had a smaller bump, didn’t have swollen feet or could do more physical activity than I could. When I find myself comparing my body with others I remind myself that this is only a season of my life, and pregnancy looks and feels different for every single woman.
- Practice plenty of self-care – Pregnancy is a time to love on yourself and body. Make sure to take time to check in with yourself and assess what would help make you feel love and confidence. Eat ample foods that nourish your body, find activities that help you relax, or surround yourself with people who offer positive energy.
- Participate mindful movement – Pregnant or not, participating in physical activity can help relieve stress and make you feel empowered. Physical activity can help decrease some common discomforts associated with pregnancy such as backaches, fatigue, and leg swelling. Rather than participate in strenuous exercise, try to do physical activity you don’t find a chore and enjoy such as walking with a friend, dancing slowly, or swimming.
- Wear clothes that make you feel confident – I know it sounds a little materialistic to mention clothing, but feeling comfortable and confident in your clothing can go a long way. Consider purchasing a few clothing items that excite you and help you to feel comfortable in your pregnant body. If you don’t want to spend too much money consider a clothing resale store or check out discount retailers such as Walmart.
There will definitely be a “loving your body after pregnancy” post coming soon!
Your Family’s Dietitian,