Embarking on the journey to motherhood is exciting and scary. Your body is going to change a lot through this magical time and getting in the right mindset is key. In society today, whether we buy into it or not there is constant pressure around us for our bodies to look a certain way. Pregnant or not. But during pregnancy, we really begin to focus on our body image. Be the best mother-to-be you can be! You are in control of how you think and feel.
If you are into fitness try to keep a steady workout routine. It seems overnight you go from feeling normal to extremely tired and the last thing you want to do is a workout. But at the end of the day force yourself to go for a walk. Committing just 30 minutes to yourself each day can be hard but at the end of each walk, those endorphins will be flowing and you will feel glad that you gave yourself that time to unwind and keep your blood flowing. If society wasn’t so image-focused thoughts about “over gaining” weight during pregnancy would never enter our minds. With that being said, the baby cravings can through all of that out the window! In the first few months of pregnancy, you may only eat instant mashed potatoes or French fries because that is the only thing that will settle well and we all know when you are pregnant it is not the time to diet but to try to focus on more of a well-rounded diet with balance. If you want that sundae- eat sundae along with lots of veggies and fruit! Balance is key!
Above all try to embrace the imperfect moments as well. Being hormonal, hungry, not hungry, sick, not sick, and keeping up with nightly walks is exhausting but 1000% worth it. Give yourself grace and remind yourself that you are in control of how you chose to be through this pregnancy and don’t let anyone tell you how you should or shouldn’t be. The “imperfect” moments throughout pregnancy really can turn into those perfect moments when you look at your baby when they are born and feel accomplished and strong! Mothers to be, I urge you to empower yourself, stay strong and be the best you can be!