Parenting
Being Pregnant Is Not ‘Giving Up on Yourself’
By Jessica Bennett
Updated: April 19, 2023
Originally Published: April 19, 2023
In a recent interview, actress Mia Thompson shared how she felt she “let herself go” during her pregnancy, later shedding 60 pounds after giving birth. Mia is featured on the cover of a popular parenting magazine, discussing her journey into motherhood. Like many celebrity stories, it’s filled with adorable moments about diaper changes and her husband strumming a guitar to soothe their newborn. Yet, the heart of the article revolves around Mia’s rapid weight loss post-pregnancy, and it raises some serious eyebrows.
The article kicks off with a cringe-worthy statement: “Mia Thompson is off to the gym—a place she has become very well acquainted with since welcoming her baby girl, Lily, just eight months ago.” The piece continues to highlight her dedication to regaining her pre-baby body, with Mia admitting, “I completely gave up on myself while I was pregnant. I indulged in everything and had an amazing time. Once the baby arrived, I thought, ‘Let’s get serious again.’”
Let’s set the record straight: being pregnant is not synonymous with “giving up on yourself.” This narrative fuels a damaging stereotype about pregnancy and the incredible transformations our bodies undergo. Almost every woman gains weight while pregnant, as our bodies are nurturing another life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with nourishing your body during this time. The notion that pregnancy is an excuse for reckless eating and lounging around in oversized clothes is not only ridiculous but harmful. It stigmatizes food as a guilty pleasure and perpetuates the myth that after childbirth, women must revert to strict diets and relentless gym sessions to reclaim their bodies.
While it’s great that Mia didn’t stress about her weight during pregnancy, fixating on weight loss after childbirth isn’t much healthier. Self-care during the postpartum period is crucial, and exercise and nutrition play significant roles—but they are not the sole aspects of recovery. Women encounter a multitude of challenges after giving birth, including navigating parental leave, emotional upheavals, and health issues such as postpartum depression. Yet, time and again, we see celebrities and media outlets emphasizing that losing weight and getting back in shape should be a top priority after childbirth.
Mia’s physical appearance is undeniably linked to her career as an actress, where society often imposes unrealistic body standards. She enlisted the help of a personal trainer, acknowledging her privileges. “I realize I’m fortunate,” she says. “Not every mother has that option. I struggle with motivation and often feel lost in the gym.”
However, shedding 60 pounds in just a few months post-birth sets an unattainable expectation for many women, especially when so many are simply trying to adjust to the demands of motherhood. Women endure significant challenges to conceive, give birth, and support their families. We deserve narratives that recognize our diverse experiences, moving beyond the simplistic cycle of “letting ourselves go” and “getting back on track.” Our bodies are resilient; they never truly left us.
For more insights on pregnancy and its many facets, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy. If you’re interested in exploring fertility options, consider boosting your fertility with reliable supplements. You can also read more about post-pregnancy experiences in another one of our blog posts here.
In summary, pregnancy is not about “letting yourself go” but rather embracing the journey of creating life. It’s a transformative experience that should be celebrated in all its complexities.
Leave a Reply