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Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time of change. You can wake up every morning and notice something new and attractive about your body.
Everyone knows that it is perfectly healthy to gain weight and experience some physical changes while pregnant. You may face swollen feet and hands, enlarged breasts, and other changes you’re not used to. Although this is all normal, some people may feel self-conscious about their body changes.
Even after the birth of your child, you may struggle with your self-confidence if your body doesn’t “bounce back” right away.
So, what can you do to embrace body positivity during and after pregnancy? How can you love your body no matter what? Having a body-positive mindset is a great way to manage your mental health during this time of change, so let’s cover some tips you can use to love the strong and amazing body you have during pregnancy you and immediately after .
Find Out Unrecognized Changes
While weight gain and swelling are common, there are some lesser-known body changes that commonly occur during pregnancy. Sometimes, knowing what to expect can help you prepare mentally and emotionally. Among some of the most common changes
- Skin tags
- Acne
- Stretch marks
- Changes in skin color
Pregnancy is one too risk factor for spider veinswhich can be uncomfortable and cause small red, blue, or purple veins to appear on the surface of your skin.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved naturally. Keeping it clean and using a face wash to take care of acne, natural remedies for skin tags, and cocoa butter for stretch marks can help prevent them. You can also talk to your doctor about potential treatments for spider veins.
However, it’s important not to become too focused on “fixing” these issues. These are signs that you are a growing child and your body is changing and adapting. While it’s important to take care of yourself and your well-being inside and out, don’t let your focus consume avoiding blemishes or “flaws” in your days.
Embrace Your Growth
Mostly women gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. Watching your “baby bump” shape can be exciting, but there are days when it’s not easy to look in the mirror and see the drastic change in your body’s appearance.
Some women struggle with the weight they gain more than others. Maybe you had issues with your weight before becoming pregnant, or maybe you’ve always been self-conscious about staying fit and slim. While maintaining a normal weight during pregnancy is important for you and your baby’s health, there are things you can do to change your perspective if you struggle with it.
First, take your measurements.
Now is not the time to weigh yourself every day. Visiting your doctor for regular prenatal checkups will keep you informed of your weight and how it’s progressing. If you check your home scale every day and start freaking out over a pound or two, it’s easy to become obsessive.
Additionally, consider buying maternity clothes early in your pregnancy. The last thing you want is to try to put on your favorite pair of jeans and struggle to zip them up. Buying things that are bigger will ensure that you are comfortable, and you are less likely to think about your weight while wearing them.
Again, instead of focusing on the number on a scale or how you look in the mirror, try shifting your focus to being healthy. Adopt a light exercise (after talking to your doctor) and prioritize healthy food. When you feel good about what you put into your body and how you stay active, you’re more likely to see your body as strong and powerful rather than overweight.
Bouncing Back After Baby
Some women feel great pressure to quickly get back to their pre-pregnancy bodies after giving birth. However, you have to accept those things will not immediately return to normal. You may suffer from things like:
- Sore nipples
- Hemorrhoids
- Genital tears
You may also feel weak for a while, especially if you have a complicated pregnancy. Even if things are completely normal, there’s no doubt that you don’t get much sleep with a newborn at home. Don’t force yourself to jump right in. Your body needs time to heal, and you need time to appreciate and embrace motherhood. Trying to force yourself to get back to your pre-pregnancy size and shape will add too much stress which can affect your mental health.
There are ways to get your body back in shape, but it takes time and requires dedication to health, rather than strictly worrying about looks. Focus on losing weight slowly through a healthy diet and exercise, and start reintroducing the aspects of your life that were normal before you got pregnant. Spend time with friends and family for support. Get back to your sex life. Things that make you feel like “yourself” again can do wonders for your mental health, and allow you to embrace your body at every stage.
While the changes you go through during pregnancy can put you on an emotional rollercoaster, the best thing you can do is remember how amazing you are. You grow human life within you and give it everything it needs to live. Yes, there are changes along the way. However, recognizing your strengths and all that your body is doing with those changes can change your perspective and make it easier to love your body during and after pregnancy.
About the Author
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the beautiful “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. His love of writing parallels his passion for social activism and the search for truth. You can find more of his writing on him Content.
