Body Positivity During Pregnancy: Embracing the Changing Shape of You

4 mins to read

Explore body positivity in pregnancy, embracing every curve with confidence. Get tips, affirmations, and resources to celebrate and support your evolving body.

Pregnancy and preconceptionWellbeing news

Pregnancy can be such an exciting stage of life. What's even more special is that everyone's pregnancy journey is unique and can be filled with different challenges and surprises. Body changes occur internally and externally as the body progresses through pregnancy. You may notice changes to your body shape that may bring joy, but they also may bring completely normal and common feelings of uncertainty and discomfort, especially if it's your first pregnancy. You may have many questions about how your body will change or stay the same after pregnancy.

For many, feeling confident and beautiful may be important, and it can certainly contribute to a more positive mindset, which is important for you and the growing baby. Here is how you can embrace this period of bodily changes and ensure you feel great during pregnancy.

What are some changes to the body during pregnancy?

In addition to the changes you may be feeling emotionally and mentally, tiredness, mood swings, hormonal changes, and changes to the body are normal parts of pregnancy to make way for the baby to grow and for you to carry. There is a good chance these changes may bring discomfort, and it's likely you may wonder what is happening, why, and how long these feelings may last.

Physical changes during pregnancy

Varicose veins may appear in the legs due to changes in blood flow from increased pressure on the uterus and hormonal changes.

Abdominal separation, otherwise known as diastasis recti, is common and may occur due to the left and right abdominal muscles pushed outward from the pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy and to make way for the baby. A thin band of connective tissue (linea alba) is between the left and right ab muscles. Diastasis recti occurs when the linea alba is overstretched and doesn't come back together. The muscles may or may not return to their original position after birth, and the Australian Government's Pregnancy, Birth, Baby website notes that this affects core strength and the flatness of the abdomen.

Breasts will become larger to prepare for breastfeeding.

As digestion slows during pregnancy, this may lead to stomach bloating.

Fluid retention and swelling

According to the Australian Government's Pregnancy, Birth, Baby website, swelling occurs because of increased fluid in the body and happens more towards the end of pregnancy, so if it appears in the early stages, you should see your midwife.

Weight gain

Expect weight gain with the growing human you are carrying. You may not gain much during the first semester, but your weight gain may be more noticeable in the second trimester. Your waistline will also expand as the baby and uterus expand.

Skin changes

Weight gain, especially over a short period, means the skin stretches, resulting in stretch marks. Specialised creams for stretch marks may help reduce the appearance. Post-birth, they usually turn light silver or white. Your skin may glow because of the extra blood flow. However, other changes can include acne, rashes, and dryness. Some may experience a dark line running down the middle of the abdomen, called a linea nigra.

Tips for embracing body positivity during pregnancy

Focus on your positive achievements of motherhood

Focusing on the great responsibility and task of pregnancy and motherhood and what your body can do can be more helpful in fostering a positive body image, according to a new study in Body Image Journal, rather than thinking about the physical changes. Journalling, diarising or recording your achievements, experiences and baby growth was reported to be effective.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Eat according to your midwife's recommendations to ensure you are nourished and have enough energy, as well as enough nutrients to deliver to the growing baby. An exercise regime can help you maintain a healthy weight, stimulate the feel-good endorphins for a positive mood, and give you a sense of achievement and fitness levels to carry your baby while tending to your usual daily activities.

Some exercises may also benefit your labour by helping to reduce and relieve pain and discomfort and prepare your body for childbirth. See your midwife regarding these. Pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments

Engage in positive self-talk and affirmations

It might also help to catch yourself when you're in the middle of negative thoughts and engage in self-reflection to ask whether your thoughts are kind, compassionate, and helpful to yourself. Once you have identified any negative thoughts, try to reframe them into positive ones by once again focusing on your body's achievements and what it allows you to do.

Accept the stage you are in, be patient while you recover and recognise the fantastic achievement of carrying and birthing a child

Seek out positive support and influences

Avoid turning to social media, where there may be unrealistic portrayals of pregnancy. They may even prey on your insecurities, so beware of companies trying to sell you things that claim to make you look slimmer or more beautiful for your pregnancy.

Suppose friends or family make an unwelcome or hurtful comment about your body. In that case, UT South Western Medical Center advises that you can respond by telling them that you're focused on taking care of your pregnancy and baby and letting your body recover in a reasonable amount of time.

Speak to your midwife or GP early in your pregnancy about the expected changes, those you're experiencing when pregnant, and those that may lay ahead. Speak to other mothers about their experience and how they have handled body changes.

Wear comfortable clothing

Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and provide a sense of confidence. Many brands have a maternity line with supportive and comfortable clothes. Avoid tight clothing. You will encounter a variety of changes to your body during pregnancy and it may take some time to get used to.

Understanding what these are, why they occur and how they relate to your growing baby, can help you prepare for these changes, be more accepting of these and even embrace them. Learning how to take care of yourself during pregnancy can also ensure you feel great through these body changes and beyond.