Pregnancy and Weight Gain

Often when you go into your doctor’s office you are weighed and this intensifies with being pregnant. You are going to see your healthcare provider more frequently and have to step on the dreaded scale each time. As you stand in the hallway shedding as many items as possible using your partner or the medical assistant as a coat tree, you might be praying the number hasn’t gone up too much.

There is an intense focus on women’s body weight and up to 85% of women experience body dysmorphia (or the intense dislike of your body) during pregnancy. Rather than being amazed by the changes in your body, women often tend to scrutinize if they look pregnant enough, too pregnant, and why don’t I look like those women on the internet? Are you spending time googling what a belly SHOULD look like?

The truth is your body and pregnancy will be yours, just like your lifestyle. Rather than trying to fit a mold or make sure that you are “like everyone else” consider letting go and focusing on the positive aspects of pregnancy. I found that focusing on what is happening in my baby’s development during that week of pregnancy, using any of the multiple apps like baby center, was helpful to decrease my tendency to feed into my body dysmorphia.

And my bra size! Often you hear about women who are so excited because their boobs get bigger. SO NOT ME, I was mortified that my breasts grew past my pre-breast reduction size. I often found that I thought I was bigger than I really was.  Even my Materinal Fetal Medicine provider recommended doing a chalk outline to help with this issue.  Once my belly started to get larger than my breast, I started to feel like okay this is what is supposed to happen to help me nourish my baby. Maybe I can donate breast milk for other mamas?

During my pregnancy I also watch some real birthing videos, including Laura Clery’s birthing video. This was extremely helpful because I saw a real brith, saw the truth of labor, and came to the same conclusion I have come to multiple times: women are powerful beings. What our bodies can do and what the birth process can do to transform a woman is an honor to witness or be a part of. In the book, Giving Birth Like A Feminist,, Millie Hill talks about that birthing is a women’s choice and that labor can be a powerful, transformation. It is not to be feared but rather revered.

Millie Hill, also speaks of how watching a true labor, rather than the glamorized hollywood version, can decrease your fear. I found it also minimized my worry about being too loud, too naked, too me. This is often the cause of every woman I work with – fearful of who you are as a woman. I encourage you to be yourself. Find what you WANT and take no prisoners in getting this for yourself. 

The day you give birth is one of the most important of your life. Read our blog on Birth Plan which will help you take decisions of your life.

If you need help figuring this out, please book a FREE consultation today. It is your time to shine and let’s reach towards your future woman together. Go ahead, love your body.