06/02/2023
How it started vs How it’s going 🤰🏻
I remember feeling so pregnant in the first photo 😂 looking back now it looks not much different than a food bloated belly (which I get all the time when NOT pregnant lol)
TBH it took about 22 weeks for me to really “notice” a definite bump not to be mistaken for gaining some belly girth 😆 AND to start feeling her kicks! (Photo 5)
I share this because if you’re newly pregnant and like me, you may feel “fat” early on, and hope people will know your pregnant not just gaining weight.. but I’m here to say just embrace it because you still will look GREAT & have energy to exercise!
Now scrolling through the growth progression pics, it’s wild to see my size/shape and relate back to my mindset then! I thought I was HUGE! I mean tbh I didn’t really “body shame” myself (that badly) as I’ve tried hard this whole process to accept, embrace, and enjoy the bodily changes! But I do remember feeling “out of my skin” just because clothing wasn’t fitting right and wanting to wear a cute outfit, but had nothing!… or because my arms and legs seemed a little broader or less “toned”. So many silly little things we can pick ourselves apart for. But looking back, I was delirious! 😜
A TRUTH: The gym wasn’t totally a 100% commitment throughout my pregnancy (despite the photos you see!) I’ll admit I only went *sparingly*.. when I felt like it! Maybe 1-2x week, up until 3rd trimester, and then I started feeling the effects of being… really PREGNANT. Now I haven’t gone in over 3 weeks!! I do other activities such as walking, light yoga and stretching, etc. & always aim to keep moving! But if you’re like me and having worries about fitness and pregnancy, learn to *let go a little bit!* You are doing a whole lot of work internally. You DONT HAVE TO BE LIKE THE INFLUENCERS YOU SEE that hit it so hard during pregnancy! (My hats off to them though! 💪🏼)
I’m nearing the end now and I’m infatuated with the fact that I can still have room for her to keep growing inside me 👀🤷🏻♀️ I’ll be 35 weeks on Monday!
Wanted to share for anyone struggling with body image, sense of self, and pregnant (or soon to be) mamas out there 🩷 keep growing! 😘