Loving your body before, during and after pregnancy
A woman who feels well will
celebrate the changes that occur in her body during pregnancy, look forward to
childbirth, and happily embrace the physical and emotional changes of the
postpartum period.
Love your body image even before you got pregnant
Loving your pre-pregnancy body
image can help you get through the physical and emotional changes of your
pregnancy. A positive self-image does not depend on how you look, but on how
you feel about yourself. This is critical during pregnancy as there will be
bodily changes that you cannot control. It's also helpful to understand why
your body is going through these changes.
Love your body image when you're pregnant
Knowing that changes in your
body are necessary for your child's development is reason enough to accept
those changes!
Understand what your body is doing for your baby
Once the egg is fertilized and
implanted in the uterus, your body begins to undergo changes. These changes are
the result of your child's growth and development. Your baby has a fetal
survival system consisting of the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac.
The placenta produces the hormones needed for a healthy pregnancy and
childbirth.
These hormones help prepare
the breasts for lactation and are responsible for many changes in the body. You
will have an increase in blood circulation, which is necessary to support the
placenta. This increase in blood is responsible for that beautiful
"pregnancy glow" you can have.
Your metabolism will speed up,
so you may experience food cravings and a desire to eat more. Your body needs
more nutrients to nourish you and your baby. Your uterus will grow and the
amniotic sac will fill with amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is designed to
protect your baby from any bumps or falls.
Here are a few things you can
do to love your body during pregnancy:
Exercise
Exercising during pregnancy
will help you feel fit, stronger, and sexier. Pregnant women are advised to
exercise for at least 30 minutes a day throughout their pregnancy, unless
otherwise directed by a doctor.
Be sure to check with your
doctor before starting any exercise program.
Pamper yourself
Pamper yourself with a body
massage or make-up. Go shopping, take a hot bubble bath, or take a walk outside.
Focus on activities that make you feel healthy and make the most of these
wonderful 9 months!
Have a good support network
Surrounding yourself with
positive people is a good idea. During pregnancy, you may be more vulnerable to
negative self-talk and this can affect you negatively. If you feel like you're
not getting the support you need, share it with those around you.
Loving your body after pregnancy
After your baby is born, your
body needs to adjust and return to a non-pregnant state. Your uterus will take
time to shrink, so don't expect a flat stomach after giving birth. Remember
that your body went through a lot during childbirth and needs time to recover.
Give yourself time to rest and get some sleep. You can ask your family and
friends to help you with your baby so you can take a nap.
Exercise can also help you get back to your pre-pregnancy body. Sign up for a gym with babysitting or load up a stroller and take a walk around the neighborhood. It will also help you get out of the house so you can feel refreshed.