The first reaction most women have to finding out they’re pregnant is joy. The second, is usually worry. Worry about what their bodies will look like all ‘stretched out’ during pregnancy. The best thing to do is to put away any standards you may have for how your body should look after a few months. The bottom line is – your body will change and you have no control over it. But, there are several things you can do to make yourself feel fantastic as you embark on your nine month journey into motherhood.
How to Feel Good During Pregnancy
First and foremost – a little mascara can go a long way. Something as simple as applying a little makeup can help most pregnant woman feel fun and attractive. It’s also something you have complete control over – you can make yourself look dark and seductive, or use brighter colours for a fresh and flirty look. For many women, a little eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss does wonders for their self-esteem – this is especially true when carrying a child.
A haircut is also a temporary, simple way to get a different look. During pregnancy, hair goes through a growth phase, leaving some woman with a head of the thick, lustrous hair they’ve always lusted after. And some are left with an unruly head of hair which gives them the perfect opportunity to visit the salon for an update.
Although it can be hard to just get out of bed when you feel sick and exhausted, a little movement can actually help you feel more like your pre-pregnancy self. Exercise during pregnancy can also be less stressful since you’re not doing it to lose weight – simply getting active to feel good. It will also help strengthen your body to better prepare your muscles for the physical stress of labor. And the best part? Staying fit while pregnant can actually make losing the ‘baby weight’ easier once the baby is born.
Another way to feel great during your pregnancy is by honing your maternity fashion sense. Pregnant women no longer have to suffer through shapeless, pastel-coloured maternity clothing – many stores offer fashionable maternity lines. Jeans made for pregnant women are now fashionable, and beautiful dresses are made specifically to compliment your changing body.
The hormones causing your body to endure these bodily changes can also wreak havoc on your skin. Some lucky ladies will get that dewy, pregnancy glow, while the rest of us will have dry, patchy skin. A good moisturizer will help your facial skin look and feel better and can even be applied to your whole body – which may even help prevent stretch marks.
If buying yourself a new wardrobe, getting a soothing massage, or treating yourself to a mani/pedi doesn’t lift your spirits and give your self-esteem a boost, give yourself a little pep-talk. Just because you can’t fit into your jeans, doesn’t mean you’re less beautiful. You are growing a baby inside you, which is an amazing feat and should remind you how incredible you really are. Size, weight, and looks are not the definition of beautiful – mothers are.
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