Conquering Body Insecurities While Pregnant
You know those women who are all “I’ve never felt more beautiful than I did when I was pregnant.”? Yea.. I’m not one of them. Pregnancy can definitely be a challenging time for me when it comes to body insecurities. This is a pretty vulnerable topic for me, but I know so many other women are dealing with body insecurities-whether they’re pregnant or not so I wanted to talk about it. It’s so incredible how powerful it is just to know you’re not alone, so hopefully that’s the biggest takeaway you’re left with after reading this post.
My Pregnancy Insecurities
When I was pregnant with my son, Grayson five years ago I felt unattractive, and so uncomfortable in my own skin. I didn’t take maternity photos and have hardly any photos of myself from that time. I didn’t have a perfect round belly or adorable maternity style like other moms seemed to have. I felt awkward and it made me uncomfortable when people would make comments about my body-why does everyone feel entitled to do that when you’re pregnant?! Looking back on it now, I’m sad that I didn’t document that time more so I’ve been making sure to take more photos this time around. The fact that creating content (which usually includes photos of myself) is basically my part-time job kind of forces me to take more photos, and I’m honestly so grateful for that.
Gaining weight and watching my body change and grow is not something that’s easy for me, and pregnancy brings up a whole new slew of insecurities. When I was pregnant with Gray, I actually didn’t gain much weight, but I was so self-conscious. I pretty much started gaining weight immediately this time around, and it’s been ALL OVER-not just in my belly like it was with Gray. Now, I’m 24 weeks pregnant and I’m basically the size I was when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with Gray. That was definitely tough to come to terms with ,but I’m trying not to stress about it. Not weighing myself has been helpful, although it’s always a minor shock when they weigh me at my monthly doctors appointment lol. It’s something I’m at peace with at times, and at other times I catch myself starting to dwell on it. I think about the fact that I still have 16 weeks left (give or take) and who knows how much weight I’m going to pack on in that time. Everyone says “Enjoy this time and eat whatever you want!” which I do not understand. It’s not like the weight is going to magically disappear after the baby is born so I’m not sure I’m on board with that logic.
All of these things are constantly running through my mind, but like I mentioned in this post flooding myself with gratitude is the best way to shift my mindset. Since this will probably be our last baby (even though people are ALREADY asking if we’re going to try for a girl lol), so I want to try to enjoy every moment instead of being so hard on myself.
Conquering Body Insecurities
I recently went to the beach with my little sister and Gray to take some photos in our Kortni Jeane swimsuits, which doesn’t sound too unusual right? Well, during my last pregnancy I was also pregnant during the Summer ,but never felt confident enough to rock a swimsuit so it was kind of a big deal. My Kortni Jeane swimsuit fit so well, and I honestly felt so comfortable in it! Of course, the fact that Gray had the cutest matching retro shorties gave me even more incentive to wear my swimsuit (matching is my fav). It was so nice being able to play in the sand with Gray and enjoy the beach without being self-conscious about what I looked like. I’m not sure how I’ll feel about rocking a swimsuit when I’m 9 months preggo, but baby steps. Also, it is hard seeing everyone else with their tanned and toned beach bods, but at least I don’t have to worry about sucking my stomach in this summer.
Comfort is Key
I would definitely say that wearing clothing/swimsuits that you feel comfortable in is key. There’s a very good chance that your style while pregnant will be different from what it was before (mainly because none of your clothes are going to fit you anymore haha). Figure out your sizing during pregnancy so that everything fits correctly. I got the Kornti Jeane maternity bottoms in a size Small, and they’re super flattering with plenty of room to stretch in the belly area. With my first pregnancy I didn’t buy very many maternity items, so I pretty much just went one size up. I wore a lot of flowy maxi dresses and skirts so that I wasn’t spending a lot of money on things that I wouldn’t be able to wear post-pregnancy.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
When I was pregnant with Gray, I hadn’t started this whole Instagram journey so I didn’t really have a community of supportive women (I talk about how helpful it’s been in this post). Now when I post a photo and so many amazing women give me the sweetest compliments and are so encouraging, it honestly makes me feel more confident. I know so many other mamas through Instagram who are currently pregnant and due around the same time as me, and it’s been so helpful having women who I can vent to and relate to. Uplifting each other, sharing our struggles, comparing aches and pains and giving each other advice has been so nice.
Affirmations
I talk about affirmations a lot because they’ve been life changing for me. In this post I shared how me and Gray incorporate them into our daily routine. I switch mine up pretty regularly depending on what I’m struggling with at the time. I came up with a few that have been really helpful during the last few months so I created this pinnable graphic for anyone who’s interested!
It wasn’t easy for me to open up about my insecurities (especially when pictures of me in a swimsuit are involved), but I hope if you’re dealing with something similar it helps to know that you’re definitely not the only one. I also recently did a post on My Top 5 Tips for Being Confident While Pregnant if you’re interested!
As always, please feel free to reach out to me through Instagram if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to 🙂
12 Comments
jac
oh mama, I can so relate to this post. I always declined being weighed for three pregnancies, and I found this helped, and for what it’s worth you look lovely to me
admin
You can decline being weighed at the doctor?? I didn’t even know that was an option! lol I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks so much mama 🙂
Mama Writes Reviews
Oh gosh… I looked absolutely terrible during my pregnancies! I was sick, tired, overweight… blah!
admin
Aww I’m sure you looked great! I agree, it’s not always picture perfect though, especially when our bodies are going through so many changes!
Meagan
I love the positive affirmations. I’ve seen these used all throughout pregnancy, up until actual labor! The positive words really have an important impact on how we think. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure this will help so many women this year!
admin
Thank you! Yess positive affirmations have made such a huge difference for me! Aww thank you for reading, I hope so! 🙂
Rianna Stavrides
I am loving the matching swimsuits!! The affirmations are great and just what most women need <3 Thank you for spreading positivity!
admin
Thanks so much girl! Aww of course! I hope they’re helpful! 🙂
Chelsae
I love the matching swim suits! I have always heard such great things about these suits and how much they help with body insecurities. I definitely want to try them out!
admin
Thanks girl! I had always wanted to try them too and they definitely did not disappoint! I highly recommend them 🙂
Natasha
Ah I feel you girl! I never felt glowy and mother earthy while I was preggers! Love how you conquered 🙂
admin
I’m glad I’m not the only one! lol Thanks so much mama!! 🙂