In this article:
Why Can Changes in the Body Become Difficult to Accept?
As Dr Mythreyi puts it, pregnancy brings changes that are noticeable in terms of weight gain, abdominal growth, breast changes, stretch marks, skin changes, and swelling.These changes occur normally during pregnancy; however, emotional adjustment to such transformations might become challenging. Sometimes you can feel proud and secure, and sometimes you might doubt yourself; all of these are okay because it takes time for the body to change while the mind does not.
Does There Exist One Right Pregnancy Body?
No, there is no one right pregnancy body. Being a woman, you know very well that pregnancy is a beauty norm and has its unique looks that are not the same for every woman. For some women, it is high, and for others it is low; some women gain weight sooner, and others do it later.It becomes particularly challenging due to social media, which might create an illusion of what a perfect pregnancy is supposed to look like.
How Do You Tackle Comparisons on the Internet?
A few small habits can protect your peace of mind:- Always keep in mind that photos have been arranged, retouched, or are the result of several tries
- Don't follow those accounts that make you feel down once you finish scrolling through
- Follow only those pages that showcase authentic stories of pregnancy
- Keep your phone away at bedtime since this is where you might face the most comparison issues
- Chat with other moms-to-be and share your honest experiences
How Do You Focus on Your Health Rather Than Your Looks?
According to Dr Mythreyi, instead of focusing only on weight loss and physical looks, you should try to focus on what your body is doing. It is growing a baby, building the placenta, and preparing itself for delivery.Here are some ways to look after yourself and your baby:
- Eat nutritious food
- Exercise as and when recommended by your doctor
- Get enough sleep
- Go to your prenatal appointments regularly
You do not need to be disappointed at how your body changes; it is only responding to the needs of pregnancy.
How Do You Recognise Negative Self-Talk?
Negative self-talk may come subtly. It may be “I look awful” or “my body is not the way it’s supposed to look.” According to Dr Mythreyi, it is necessary to pay attention to it in case you:- Keep checking your body constantly
- Avoid pictures
- Compare yourself with other people
- Feel highly distressed about your body
How Can You Speak to Yourself More Kindly?
Some changes in the way you speak about yourself may help you to make your life easier. Here are some recommendations that you may follow:- Change your statement from “I look huge” to “my body is creating space for my baby”
- Show gratitude to your body for something that it does today: a walk, a good meal, and a good sleep
- Speak to yourself the same way as if you were talking to your best friend
- Write down at least three good things about your pregnancy without mentioning your looks
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Talk to your doctor or counsellor in the following situations:- The distress regarding your appearance persists for many days or weeks
- The distressing concerns regarding your body prevent you from sleeping or conducting everyday activities
- You miss your meals or alter your nutrition due to your body distress
- You feel depressed and want to isolate yourself from your loved ones
- You are skipping the prenatal appointments or other occasions as you do not like your appearance
Pregnancy alters the way your body works, and it might also affect your perception of your body. Always remember that there is no correct pregnancy body; care about what your body is doing rather than how it looks, treat yourself kindly and contact someone if your concerns seem to be too hard to bear.
FAQs on Coping with Body Image Struggles While Pregnant
- Is it possible to talk about body image issues during a regular appointment?
Yes, doctors deal with them regularly, and just mentioning your concerns during a regular visit will be enough. You don't have to schedule a separate visit. - How can your partner or family members make you feel better about your body?
Listening to you non-judgmentally and not making any comments about your weight and shape are two steps that can be taken by your partner or family. Also, you can tell them what words work and what doesn't. - Will your body return to normal after childbirth?
Your body is going to change for some time after childbirth, and each woman recovers differently. Your doctor can give you some advice on what to expect from your particular situation.
