Hey there, soon-to-be mom! As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, right? You’re likely doing everything you can to hurry along this tiny human’s exit from your body. We totally get it—carrying a baby is no easy feat, and at some point, you might just want to shout, “Get out!” It’s okay to feel huge; you’re not alone in this.
Recently, actress Jamie Collins shared a heartfelt photo of her pregnant self to connect with other moms who might be struggling with the changes in their bodies as their due dates approach. She expressed, “A friend reached out to me feeling disheartened about her weight gain during pregnancy. She wanted to know if I had similar feelings and what was considered normal for a first-time mom, as online forums can be overwhelming.”
Feeling a bit down about your body is completely normal. Just remember, this phase won’t last forever, even if it seems like it will! It’s okay to have a moment of self-doubt about your appearance—just don’t compound it by feeling guilty for feeling that way. You’re human, after all.
“I snapped this pic just a day before I went into labor. Within 48 hours, I became a first-time mom. As you can see, I felt quite large,” Collins shared. The water retention, increased blood volume, and, oh yes, the little one growing inside can make you feel a bit… substantial. But it’s all part of the journey.
“Don’t stress about your weight while you’re pregnant—cherish the experience as much as possible,” Collins advises. “The number on the scale isn’t what matters; focus on celebrating your growing baby! Whether the weight comes off quickly, slowly, or sticks around, once you hold your baby, those concerns will fade away. I promise you, it’s all worth it.”
She makes a solid point. Once your baby arrives, you’ll be so busy and tired that your pre-baby body worries will likely be the last thing on your mind. Believe it or not, you might even find yourself missing that beautiful pregnant belly.
If you’re looking for more insights on pregnancy or home insemination, check out this excellent resource at Rmany’s blog or learn about at-home options with Make A Mom. And for more tips on navigating pregnancy, visit our other blog post!
In summary, while pregnancy can bring about challenging feelings about body image, it’s essential to embrace the journey and remember that this phase is temporary. Enjoy the miracle of life growing within you, and know that you’re not alone in your feelings.