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How can I feel good about myself during pregnancy?

You are pregnant! You are probably feeling a combination of emotions; happiness, excitement, joy...fear of the unknown!
Once it has all sunk in you have to tackle the fact that your body is going to change enormously over the next nine months and this can be a little difficult accept. Especially if you have always been body conscious.
I have always been insecure about my body. I have never been overweight but that doesn't mean that there wasn't a time in my life where I would look in the mirror and hate what I saw. I tackled this feeling and learnt to accept my body by eating healthily, exercising reguarly (particuarly weight bearing exercises) and most importantly breaking the unhealthy habit of comparing myself to others. 

I am going to talk more about beating insecurity in other more health and fitness focused posts. I will say that even though I was in good shape when I became pregnant, I was quite concerned about how my body was going to look by the end of it.  I am now 39 weeks pregnant (plus five days) and I can honestly say it's not as bad as I thought! Have faith your body can do this and there are so many inspirational women out there who look amazing after multiple pregnancies. It's going to be okay.
This is my pregancy survival list! Just some tips that I found useful for the days where I felt like a human beachball!

1. Buy new underwear. This made a HUGE differency to how I felt. Your boobs change a lot during/after pregnancy and they need adequate support. I also found that my hips and bum have got significantly larger. Nothing makes you feel worse that when both your bra band and knicker elastic is digging in creating unsightly bulges and making you look like a joint of meat with that string around it about to be put in the oven.
Buy new, pretty underwear that fits your current size and feel okay about it. You wont be this size forever, this is temporary. But while you are larger you still deserve to feel sexy and attractive. So what if your knickers are a size or two larger, cut the labels out if it makes you feel better.

2. Fake tan. Not for everyone and pale is beautiful. But for me personally, well I felt better with a tan. It helps disguise my pregnancy cellulite and I think I look a bit slimmer with one. Plus if you are feeling nauseous and tired a tan can make you look a bit more glowy and alive. If you don't get a natural pregnancy 'bloom' then fake it! (I think you do have to be careful with the chemicals in some tans when pregnant so just do your research and use one thats safe).

3. Have a pedicure (and a manicure). I am a trained beauty therapist so I usually paint my own nails and toenails but there comes a point in pregnancy where it is impossible to reach your feet. Booking a pedicure and foot massage with a friend will make you feel relaxed and pampered. And you can relax in the knowlegdge that although you may not be able to see them your feet look beautiful!

4. Enjoy those pregnancy curves! Pregnancy is the only time some of us have boobs and a peachy bum. Enjoy it. Buy some new outfits that flatter curves and show off some cleavage. You can still be sexy while pregnant.

5. Do not let yourself go! We have all devoured an entire pack of Hobnobs in one sitting occasionally (I used to do this before I was pregnant). However do not spend your entire pregnancy eating for two fully grown adults. It would probably be a very enjoyable nine months but you will just give yourself a lot of additional hard work to lose the excess weight once baby is here. Eat healthy, nutritious foods and try and include gentle exercise throughout pregnancy for a healthy you and a healthy baby.

6. Do not neglect personal grooming. If you are anything like me sex is not a priority in pregnancy. Nope. No way. (Although now that I am nearly 40 weeks I am tempted to try anything to get this baby here!) but still remove access body hair, apply make-up if you wear it, even if you are just at home. Get your hair cut. Looking after yourself will make you feel good.

7. Be around POSITIVE people! I believe that this is SO important even when you aren't pregnant. Be around people that see the good things and that make you feel good. Don't be afraid to take a compliment either (or give one), if someone tells you that you are glowing then don't brush it off say thank you and allow yourself to feel good...you deserve to. 

8. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYBODY ELSE! Easier said than done, I know. But this is so so important before, during and after pregnancy. Do not compare yourself to celebrities or other pregnant women who put on minimal weight and snap back as soon as the baby is here. Everybody is different and every BODY is different. This is your unique pregnancy journey. Eat healthily, exercise if you can, dress well and look after yourself and most of all try and enjoy it. Your body is achieving something amazing and giving you the best gift!


Jx

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