Pregnancy and body image?

MamabytheBeach · May 2014

Do any of you find it really, really hard to accept all the physical changes with pregnancy? I mean we all know that they're no walk in the park, but I mean I am having a really, really hard time smiling at the mirror, and I haven't even gained any weight yet; I feel depressed? Stressed? that my shorts are getting snugger around the middle even though rationally, I know I'm pregnant and this growth is necessary. I feel even crazier because this is my second pregnancy and I thought it would be easier because I'd know what to expect this time around, but I think I am worrying about my body image to the point of obsession. I worked really, really hard to lose all the weight that I gained from baby 1 (I am small but gained A LOT- like 75 pounds a lot- due to bed rest and water retention) and even lost some extra, which probably contributes to all this, even though now I exercise daily and eat an organic/low sugar diet, and there's no reason to think the same issues will strike again this pregnancy. I'll go ahead and add that I have an appointment to speak with a professional about this before someone else suggests it for me, lol. I am just wondering from other pregnant moms if I am alone in these feelings or if I should expect a confirmation that they're totally irrational.

IrishHoney123 · May 2014

Deep breaths! I think we all feel this a bit, making such physical sacrifices, but finding the beauty in all of it is really important. It's putting aside our vanities and accepting the changes-I personally think there isn't much more miraculous or beautiful than a woman growing a baby.

I had to work hard to get back in shape, too, and I just have faith in muscle memory and that I can do it again! The little one I'm growing is more important than my clothing size. Hang in there, OP!

imagine7696030614 · May 2014

I always chime in these types of posts because I have a really hard time with my body image and it gets so much worse with pregnancy because I always gain so much weight. Like others said we just have to focus on the beauty of what our bodies are doing. I do try to avoid mirrors and cameras whenever possible though

Sockgnome78 · May 2014

I have my freak out moments. I agree that we all do at one point or another. I am glad that you are working with a professional to get the help you need. Just know that what you get in the end makes up foreverything you are doing now.

golfingdarwinfish · May 2014

I suffered from an eating disorder for the vast majority of my life and pregnancy is an incredibly difficult time for me re: body images and triggers. A few weeks ago I was crying every single time I looked in the mirror, and when I had to buy new sundresses for a trip I found myself almost so upset I almost had a breakdown in a fitting room.

The fact that you made an appointment to speak to a professional is huge and commendable.

I think that a large % of women go through this to an extent as it's a period of time we don't have a huge amount of control over what is happening to our bodies and some of the changes aren't exactly pleasant at first. I think it's important to constantly reiterate and repeat to yourself that they are necessary, positive changes.

Leysin97 · May 2014

I think it's normal. I'm a FTM and having a really hard time. I was already a little over weight and had issues with my body image so that doesn't help. I've gained 10 lbs so far and feel huge. I was almost in tears the other day when we took bump pictures because I feel I look incredibly fat in them. My husband must have taken over 30 before I gave up. He was so sweet and supportive though. He kept telling me how this is the most beautiful I have ever been and how gorgeous he thinks I am, trying to reassure me that I don't look fat but pregnant. I keep reminding myself that it's more important to have a healthy baby and that gaining weight is not the end of the world.

MamabytheBeach · May 2014

Aw y'all are great. I'm glad I'm not the only one in tears, even if they are hormonal! Not that I am glad anyone else is in tears! just that it makes me feel less crazy that others can relate. I hope talking it through will help, and I agree lack of control probably has a lot to do with the anxiety. I just need to keep reminding myself with mantra of "it's natural and beautiful" or something of the sort. Thanks

ladolcevita25 · May 2014

I have had a severe body image issue, especially since I do teeter between a size 16 and 18. While I have only gained 3 lbs, everything is shifting, being pushed up whatever and I feel like I look so huge. It's come to the point where I don't want to leave the house, because I am afraid I will run into people who don't know that I am pregnant and will just assume I gained a bunch of weight. Typing this out and admitting it sounds so absolutely ridiculous and shallow haha-I am normally not one to think like this...I guess it's the hormones making me emotional. That being said, you ladies are all lovely and don't think negative about yourselves

nightowl1989 · May 2014

I've been stressing about it a little...especially considering I'm right on the edge of being overweight to begin with. I'm bummed that I'm going to end up over 200lbs at the end of this pregnancy no matter what. As a result, I'm neurotic about gaining more than 5lbs in the 1st tri (I gained 8 or 9, I think) even though I wasn't eating badly. I don't want to be that person who gains so much that I can't get back into shape and fail my PT test 6 months after I give birth.

The shifting up of my existing pudge is NOT helping, either. I have an ugly little B-bump forming and this does not make me happy.

Heartwood0519 · May 2014

You're definitely not alone. I've been struggling with an eating disorder for the past 7 years, with it being at it's worst a year ago. I've been doing much better since starting to try to conceive, but the thoughts I have are still there and a daily struggle. Looking in the mirror right now is not fun at all, plus I'm the heaviest right now than I've ever been my entire life. I try to tell myself not to worry because I'm taking care of myself for my baby and that is the most important thing, but it's still hard.

I think going to talk to a professional is a great idea. That really helped me when I was dealing with my issues. Good luck!

MrsL2B · May 2014

I wouldn't look at my naked self in the mirror for a couple of months. I put on a few pounds right away, and combined with the pregnancy bloat, I just looked thick. I normally maintain a fairly fit, muscular physique, and it killed me to lose my muscle definition so quickly. But now that I look more pregnant (and not just like I've let myself go), I'm a lot more comfortable with the changes.

glggirl · May 2014

I started bawling in the shower the other day, because I just felt so fat. I've always been tall and slender, and loved how my body looked. Even though logically I know all of this is a good thing, and I'm growing an amazing baby, for the longest time I couldn't handle it emotionally. I still have a hard time looking in the mirror occasionally, and I had a breakdown over the fact that one of my favorite shirts is currently too small.

fisk2005 · May 2014

It's hard for me as well. Especially when I see other women out and about who are not pregnant and they are dressed how I normally would be before the pregnancy. Seeing women in form fitting dresses and crop tops and shorts really depresses me! But I'm taking it day by day. Everyone says..."You're pregnant, you're suppose to be fat!" Blah! [-(

JessAnnJ · May 2014

Just wanted to send some hugs your way. Strangely I actually don't have a great body image but pregnancy makes me love my body. I feel at my sexiest because my body is doing what it is made to do. I hope you feel better soon.

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