6 Ways To Stay Body Confident During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is such a beautiful thing in life. It really is one of life's greatest miracles and blessings. All of the changes a woman goes through is incredible. From the changes hormonally to our organs actually shifting to make room for this little life, you can't help but be in awe. With that being said, it is also extremely taxing on a woman mentally, emotionally, and obviously physically. For me personally, I have had a hard time staying body confident during my pregnancy. I have not felt like myself. I have been feeling stressed, tired, overweight, and of course emotional. I have dealt with unwanted advice and comments on how to look and of course social media doesn't help when I am constantly comparing how I look to other pregnant woman and feeling like I am too big or have too many stretch marks, etc. If you are feeling this way as well during this season, here are some tips I have found that have helped me gain my confidence back slowly but surely and have helped me to not listen to others or care what others think but focus on my body and baby and doing what is right for us.  

Stop comparing yourself to others

During this pregnancy, I have been constantly comparing myself to other women and how they look compared to how I am looking this pregnancy. I feel like my arms are too big, my face too swollen, my stretch marks too prominent, etc. Of course none of this is true. Pregnancy affects women in so many different ways. Genetics also has a huge part in this. Every woman is going to look different pregnant or have different symptoms. So it’s okay to embrace these differences and to be confident in how you look while growing a baby. Love yourself and enjoy pregnancy and how truly amazing and beautiful it is! Your body is performing a miracle so give it and yourself some grace.

Not worrying about the scale

When the doctor says to try and only gain a certain amount during pregnancy and you happen to go over that, by a lot, it can make you feel self conscious and down on yourself. But it’s okay! Stop worrying about the weight and how much you have gained while pregnant. Just focus on being healthy for you and you baby. Your body knows what you need so listen to it and stop caring about how you look or how much you gain. Also, in regards to losing weight after pregnancy, you will lose the weight! This has been my biggest worry but I just keep reminding myself to not worry about how long it takes or compare myself to others in timing or even try to get back down to my pre pregnancy weight. Our bodies just went through a massive transition. Just aim for healthy and throw away the scale. We’re doing amazing mamas!

Staying active during your pregnancy if you can

Staying active during pregnancy not only helps out physically but mentally as well! It helps you feel more energized and can help with any issues going on while pregnant such as back pain, pelvic pain, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, stress, posture, etc. Stretching is also helpful too! Take some time to go outside and have a nice walk to get some steps in and soak up the vitamin D! Swimming is another good choice of getting in some exercise that may be less harsh on the body. Other ways to exercise are: stationary cycling, aerobic exercise, dancing, water aerobics, etc. Listen to your body and know what you can handle and what you can’t! Even just 15-30 mins a day is beneficial enough to you, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well as exercise does boost endorphins and helps manage stress levels during what can be a stressful time. 

Dressing up in chic maternity clothing

Hey what I always say is “look good, feel good, do good” and boy is that true! Dressing up while being pregnant has definitely helped me feel better and more beautiful. We don’t have to be wearing sweats or baggy outfits to hide our pregnant bodies! It’s okay to embrace being pregnant and to show off our cute tummies! You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe but you can definitely buy a few items to help spice up your style and to give you a new glow and confidence while you are pregnant! And there are so many cute maternity clothes now that let us show off and to look beautiful during this time. 

Be in the moment! 

Stop worrying about what you looked like before pregnancy and comparing yourself to your pre pregnancy body and stop worrying about what you are going to look like post pregnancy. Just be in the present, love your body, give yourself grace, and focus being in the moment and enjoy this time! Don’t sub consciously wish it away by focusing on the next thing because we won't get this time back with our little ones! 

Treat yourself!

Take bubble baths, have a spa day, get a massage, get your nails done, go shopping, hangout with your friends, have date nights with your significant other, etc. Do things that make you happy and confident! Make yourself a priority and do things that make you feel good.

At the end of the day, have grace for yourself and enjoy this unique time! You are bringing life into this world which is a beautiful miraculous thing that not everyone can do. So walk in confidence, focus on yourself and your baby, and enjoy this time with the blessing that has been bestowed to you!