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How To Have A Positive Self-Image During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can affect women differently. While some women embrace the changes that pregnancy brings, others may feel unhappy about it. For a woman who has a positive self-image before pregnancy, it may not be so hard to adjust to these changes. However, those who have negative perceptions may have a hard time coping with the changes. You don’t really need a perfect figure, so that you can feel good about yourself. It’s really more about how you feel about yourself, in spite of all the imperfections.

According to recent studies, women who had misperceptions about their pre-pregnancy weight are more likely to gain extra weight during pregnancy. A woman’s body remarkably undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. The variety of changes can bring about mixed feelings in a woman. Dealing with these emotions may be hard, especially if the people around you are not at all supportive.

It is then essential for a woman to understand why her body needs to go through these changes. It can be difficult to adjust to all the physical changes and keep a positive self-image at the same time. It is a fact that the physical changes are normal. Without these changes, the body cannot support the needs of the growing baby. A woman may feel more in control of her pregnancy when she knows what to expect.

It is possible to work on ways on how you can enjoy your pregnancy and leave out negative thoughts. Hormonal changes may trigger nausea and vomiting initially, but as these symptoms pass, you can actually enjoy your pregnancy more. Do not be afraid to open up to your partner or loved ones, so they can better support you with your problems. Surrounding yourself with people who can share their insights, may allow you to focus more on your baby instead of the negative comments coming from others.

Pregnant women need to be conscious of what they’re eating, even if they’ve already been eating healthy prior to pregnancy. Weight gain is important during pregnancy, so dieting is never acceptable during this time. To avoid excessive weight gain, choose the foods you eat wisely. It is necessary during pregnancy to increase your caloric requirement, but this should not be an excuse to let go of your healthy practices or eat more than what you need. Pregnancy complications may arise as a result of excessive weight gain such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. 

Exercise will always be good for the body, and it can also improve your mood. If your doctor has allowed you to have some physical activity, then check your options. There are exercise classes for pregnant women you can join to keep your spirits up. It may also serve as an informal support group because you are surrounded by women going through similar changes.

Some pregnant women may shy away from socializing because of their negative feelings. An acceptable reason for staying at home is when you have a high-risk pregnancy requiring bed rest. If you feel unfomfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes, go out and shop for new maternity clothes that fit well to your new shape. It may help boost your confidence when you know that you can still wear fashionable clothes despite the changes in your body.

Whenever you have enough free time, use it to nurture your wellbeing. Get some fresh air during daytime and go out on dates with your partner occasionally. By prioritizing your tasks, you can arrange your schedule to be able to do them gradually. Try not to stress yourself out too much during this time because it may also affect your self-esteem.

 A woman’s pregnancy experience is always one of a kind. All the changes in a woman’s body happen for a very good reason – to support a life. Enjoy this time, keeping in mind that as your pregnancy ends, your motherhood begins.

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