Body Image and Weight Gain – PREVIEW
In this section we will discuss body image and weight gain during pregnancy.
Inevitably body image and weight gain will be a recurring topic during pregnancy. Many women approach pregnancy with anxiety and sometimes stress, as they know their body will change, but they can’t quite make up yet how exactly it will change, how it will feel and how long it will take them to “bounce back” after giving birth.
This is a sensitive topic but because it is so prevalent I think it is necessary that we address it. And I’d like to address it from a holistic point of view. One that is more rounded and encompassing all aspects that pregnancy brings with itself.
Your body will change – it should change
Accepting the fact that your body will change during pregnancy can bring you a tremendous relief, a needed deep sigh that can increase your trust in your body and your own abilities.
Your body has to change in order to make room for your growing baby. There are many invisible shifts that occur during these months – our metabolism changes to ensure enough nutrients and energy are extracted from food to nourish mom and baby. Our hormones are going through quite the adaptation too, as well as many of our organs – our lungs, stomach, heart etc. All these need to happen in order to sustain a healthy pregnancy. So welcome them. See your body as this incredible vessel that is making space to hold and sustain new life and trust in the undergoing changes.
What you will learn in this section:
- how to accept your changing body
- how much weight you should aim to put on during pregnancy
- how is the pregnancy weight distributed
- is weight gain gradual?
- how the mother’s weight can affect the unborn baby?
- weight management tips