How To Embrace Your Body In The Second Trimester

Happy #FASHIONWEDNSDAY! I have been loving this top + vest combo for transitioning into spring because 1. it’s got enough room for this growing belly and 2. it looks like sunshine but is still warm enough to be acceptable for these still-chilly temps in MO. I honestly feel like I am getting bigger every day incubating this little boy, and while it is absolutely magical in so many ways – it’s also been a hard adjustment when it comes to dressing my body and feeling super confident. This is especially true because I feel like I look so much bigger than the other women I know who are about the same time along in their pregnancies. So, instead of sitting here and allowing myself to feel insecure in this new role my body is in, I decided to figure out how to embrace it and learn to LOVE myself in my second trimester (because I’m only getting bigger from here – so it’s time to work on my mindset NOW).

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How To Embrace Your Body In The Second Trimester

ONE: Shift your mindset.

I obviously knew that I wasn’t going to stay small. I am pregnant and growing an actual, live human baby. Something that really helped me gain confidence during this second trimester was to truly recognize the MAGNITUDE of what is happening inside of my body. My whole life is about to change – not just my body. And at the end of the day, my body isn’t even what’s changing the most between those two things. I love this baby and he is what is most important. I prayed for him and wanted him. I am so GRATEFUL to have this experience. Note: just because you are grateful and thankful for a situation, doesn’t mean you can’t have additional frustrations are insecurities because of them. 

TWO: Find out where your insecurity is stemming from.

As it turns out – one of the things that stresses me out the most about my changing body is that it’s going to be different from my pre-pregnancy body when it’s all said and done. I really liked how I looked before, so I have some stress stemming from the fact that it is going to be really different after I have the baby. But that “different” isn’t BAD. It’s just that – different! You won’t have your pre-baby life back, and most people don’t have exactly the same pre-baby body back either. Once I realized and accepted this, it was easier for me to love my new body.

THREE: Workout regularly and eat as well as you can.

I didn’t start going workout crazy, mind you (before my keyboard warriors come for me). But I’m walking 1.5-2.5 miles 3-4 times a week and it’s making a big difference in how I feel. My legs are toning up and I’m feeling stronger. I mix in a little bit of arm + leg exercises when I’m feeling up to it, as well. My doctor said that the women she sees that workout regularly (even light workouts) have easier labor + deliveries, and a much easier time recovering. I’m also making sure that I’m not using the excuse “eating for two” and completely stuffing my face with everything unhealthy. I am trying to make sure I get well-rounded meals during the day for both the baby and for me, to ensure I’m only gaining what I need to maintain a healthy pregnancy!

*disclaimer: sometimes cravings hit and you have to satisfy them. HI ROOM SERVICE CHEESECAKE AT 10PM LAST WEEKEND. I’m not saying don’t indulge and enjoy a little bit. You deserve the extra slice of cheesecake, sometimes, too. ;)*

FOUR: Find clothes that flatter your bump and make you feel pretty.

I can’t stress this enough. I finally broke down and went to a maternity store to buy real maternity clothes to wear throughout the rest of the spring. I realized part of what was making me feel uncomfortable and anxious was the fact that I wasn’t wearing clothes that fit me. They were tight around my belly (in a not-very-flattering way) or poke me in the wrong way or hit my bump so that I just looked frumpy. After I bought some maternity clothes, I feel more confident in my wardrobe and getting dressed in the morning stopped feeling like an absolutely nightmare.

FIVE: Build your support system.

Everyone around me has been absolutely phenomenal at helping me maintain my confidence while my body goes through these changes. My husband is the BEST at helping me feel pretty and sexy and has never once made me feel like because I’m pregnant, I’m no longer attractive to him. My mom, friends, sister, extended fam – they’ve all assured me how cute the bump is and how I’m rocking this whole baby belly thing. I SO appreciate their love and support. If you don’t have that – try to find some pregnancy Facebook groups or a pre-natal yoga class to connect with other mamas going through the exact same thing. It can be really great having a buddy to vent and chat with about a kindred situation. <3 And if that fails – you know I’m always here to chat with you as well!

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[ctt template=”2″ link=”abPdi” via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]After I bought some maternity clothes, I feel more confident in my wardrobe and getting dressed in the morning stopped feeling like an absolutely nightmare.[/ctt]

Dressing for this bump is so much fun most of the time, and I am LOVING the almost non-stop baby kicks I feel every day. When he doesn’t move for a while (doctor says he does sleep sometimes LOL), I even miss him!!! I love feeling like I’m hanging out with my little buddy all day long. 

For those of you who have been pregnant before (or are currently pregnant) – how do you deal with your growing baby belly? Do you LOVE it? Do you struggle with it? What are some ways you cope with your changing body?! Let me know in the comments below!