You’re excited about your pregnancy, and you’re eager to meet your baby soon. But as happy as you are to welcome a new member of the family, you can’t help but feel frustrated with your physical appearance. Part of you almost feels guilty for thinking poorly of your body. Yet you’re struggling to muster any sense of “body positivity.” Instead, you feel uncomfortable with all of the changes going on. Some days, it can seem like you’ve lost control of your body, and you don’t have the same autonomy that you did before.
It’s perfectly natural to experience body image issues during pregnancy. However, sometimes it can be hard to talk about. Here are a few healthy strategies you can apply to cope with body image issues during these nine months.
Reflect on Body Neutrality
First, it’s important not to put pressure on yourself to feel a certain way about your body. If you can reach a place of body positivity, that’s wonderful - but if not, you aren’t “unappreciative” or shallow. Pregnancy is emotionally and physically challenging. It’s okay if you have conflicted feelings about your body.
However, constantly ruminating on negative thoughts about your body can be a detrimental mindset. If you can cultivate a perspective of body neutrality and simply accept your body as it is, you might be able to let go of some of these anxieties and negative thoughts. Remember, pregnancy is temporary, and everyone’s body will change in dramatic ways throughout their lives.
Practice Healthy Habits
It can be tough to keep up with healthy routines during pregnancy. After all, you might be exhausted or struggle with food aversions that discourage you from eating certain meals. Do your best to stick with basic healthy habits over these nine months. It’s also important to prioritize a consistent sleep routine, drinking plenty of water, taking any vitamins or supplements as directed by your doctor, and engaging in exercise with respect to your personal limits.
Focus on What Your Body Is Capable Of
Sometimes, focusing on what your body is doing, rather than what your body looks like, can be a great way to shift your attention toward gratitude. Creating a human being is a monumental task, and no matter how you feel about your appearance, it may be helpful to take a few moments each day just to thank your body for working so hard.
Pamper Yourself
It never hurts to pamper yourself — especially during pregnancy! You may want to invest in cozy maternity wear, luxurious products for the shower, or even a prenatal massage. This could be the perfect time to go to the spa and let yourself relax. If you feel stressed and harried, talk to your partner, family, and friends about things you could use help with. This might open up some more opportunities for you to unwind.
Consider Working with a Therapist
If you’re still feeling down about your body during pregnancy, you don’t have to struggle with this alone. Consider seeing a therapist who specializes in working with pregnant women. During sessions, you’ll be able to open up about anything that’s on your mind, including your feelings surrounding pregnancy, your body, your hopes and fears regarding parenting, and more. In therapy, you can get everything off your chest and share your honest thoughts about your body in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Your therapist will be able to support you as you process these complex emotions.
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Are you struggling with your body image during pregnancy? Talking to a therapist can help you regain confidence. Reach out to us to learn more about scheduling an appointment for women’s counseling.