Pregnancy brings on a whirlwind of changes within your body. From hormonal to physical, these changes can be rapid, continually evolving, and at times quite stressful. You may find difficulty adjusting, and you are not alone.
6 tips to help you embrace your ever-changing pregnant body!
- There’s no perfect pregnancy. Give yourself permission to feel both positive and negative feelings about your body. Extend flexibility and patience to yourself. Feeling temperamental or uncomfortable does not relate to your ability to be a good mother.
- Talk it out. Speak openly to your friends, partner, family and healthcare providers about how your feel during pregnancy. Sharing your fears and worries can alleviate stress and help your support system be more understanding.
- Accept your emotions. While pregnant your body produces high levels of hormones, which can result in emotional extremes. You can go from feeling blissfully happy as a result of estrogen to teary, anxious, or irritable due to fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone in your bloodstream. If you find yourself crying during a sappy tv show or commercial, acknowledge that this is normal during pregnancy and cry it out.
- Get physical. Exercise not only helps you feel better and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, it can also improve your self-esteem, reduce fatigue, and speed up recovery post childbirth. When working out, drink plenty of fluids and stay mindful about how your body feels. If something feels wrong, switch to lower impact movement, or you’re nearing exhaustion, stop. Check-in with your health provider before starting an exercise routine while pregnant.
- Compartmentalize your to do list. Fatigue and brain fog are common during pregnancy. Compartmentalize your responsibilities and tackle them in bite size chunks during the workday or at home. This strategy can increase focus and concentration and help you feel more organized. Write down your thoughts and to do’s and return to them later once your task at hand is complete.
- Dress for comfort and appreciate your curves. Embrace athleisure wear. This is your time to live in yoga pants shame free. Stretchy panels and waist less jeans are your friend. And don’t forget the wonder of a maxi dress. They are effortlessly chic and oh so comfortable. Another perk of pregnancy is a boost and lift to your assets. Enjoy your newly invigorated curves and show them off if you’re so inclined.
Mental Health & Pregnancy
When it comes your mental health during pregnancy, we advise taking it seriously. Women often think that symptoms of depression are a result of hormonal changes and rarely consult their healthcare providers. If left untreated, depression can be a risk to both the baby and you, the mother. If you experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy for 2 or more weeks, we highly recommend that you notify your doctor and discuss possible treatment options.
- Heightened prolonged anxiety or sadness
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Dramatic change in your eating habits
- Loss of interest in your favorite hobbies or activities
- Intense feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Recurring thoughts of hopelessness, death, or suicide
Just as your body undergoes a multitude of changes to accommodate a baby during pregnancy, your body has the same incredible ability to bounce back after birth. Trust your body, try to minimize fear, and know that your body will not fail you nor your baby.
…most importantly –
Know that you are beautiful and enjoy the journey!
