Are you loving  your new mama body or are you wondering what have you gotton yourself into? New moms, especially those with first time pregnancies face multiple challenges including emotional and physical changes that can impact your self esteem and body image. How you perceive your body image during pregnancy is just as important as the way you perceive your role as mother, wife, partner and person.

Unfortunately society has become so obsessed with body image, particularly that of thin and underweight images of beauty that many pregnant women develop unhealthy body images during pregnancy. The world would benefit significantly from more images in the media of the glory and beauty that surrounds and encompasses pregnant women and the what you are creating within you.

Learning To Love Your Pregnant Body

The good news is you can learn to love and appreciate the changes in your New Mama Body. Body image during pregnancy is merely a matter of perception. The key is adopting the right perception throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnant women are among the most beautiful women on earth… Of course you knew that already! In ancient societies man viewed pregnant women as the ultimate sign of fertility. A pregnant woman represented all that is wonderful and bountiful about life. Why then do so many pregnant women today have so much disdain for their body image during pregnancy?

In my case, I LOVED being pregnant. I was constantly amazed at how my body changed daily… I mean EVERYTHING changes!!! Yes, I was concerned if my body would ever go back to at least 50% of it pre-preggo size (I went from a size 2 pre-pregnancy and after delivery I was a size 14!). Fortunately for me it did, it took 6-7 months and hours in the gym to lose the inches…. thank goodness for my supportive hubby! Through it all, no matter how “big” I became or felt, I made sure that I did maintain a healthy body image for not only myself but for my husband and baby too!! In today’s weight obsessed society it is often easy for women to fall into the trap of feeling negative about their body image during pregnancy. Self esteem and respect during pregnancy however are as much the result of a woman’s feelings toward herself as they are the way her body looks. 

 Developing a positive body image during your pregnancy

• Pregnancy weight gain is a normal and natural process. Your weight gain is as much the result of your increasing metabolism and caloric needs as it is your expanding uterus. As you put on weight you help shield your baby from disease and provide a warm and nurturing home for them to survive.
• Most women’s breasts grow and expand in addition to their bellies. Enjoy this newfound fertility symptom and revel in your womanly curves.
• You Glow Girl!!! Most women give off a unique glow during pregnancy. This is the one time in life people will remark on your beauty regardless of how much effort you put into your appearance.
• Remember that you are carrying the miracle of life within you. No matter how much weight you gain, whether you have acne or not and regardless of the  marks pregnancy can bring, your body is changing in a remarkable way because you are helping nurture and welcome a bundle of joy into the world.
• No matter what you think of your body, your baby absolutely adores you. Your baby is nestled deep inside your warm & comfy womb. Nothing could make a person happier than that close, intense feeling.
  Your body is changing to provide your baby the support he or she needs to grow into a healthy newborn.
• Exercise during pregnancy can help improve your body image and help you feel better about your changing shape.** please be sure to consult a physician before starting any exercise program
• During your pregnancy you should take some time to pamper yourself and your growing body. You can invest in a pedicure or take time out for a relaxing massage. You should also indulge yourself in one or two outfits you really love that make you feel spectacular. Show off your curves while you can. You’d be surprised in the grand scheme of things how quickly pregnancy passes. …even though it can feel like forever. Before you know it you’ll be longing for the days when your body was full with life and love!

Go ahead Mama and Love your beautiful body- not matter what changes unfold you are creating LIFE!!!

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Tags: body image, health, pregnancy