Before you got pregnant, maybe you had a pretty okay relationship with your body. Maybe it was complicated. Maybe you worked hard to get to a place where you felt strong, confident, or at least neutral. And then… pregnancy. Suddenly your body is changing faster than you can keep up with, and it's not just the bump. It's your boobs, your thighs, your skin, your feet (oh hey, swelling), and your whole sense of physical identity. You look in the mirror and think, Wait… is that me? And just like that, the old feelings come rushing in — comparison, insecurity, confusion, maybe even grief.
Let's be super clear: if you're struggling with the way your body looks or feels during pregnancy, you are not alone. Not even close. Most women — even the ones who "look great pregnant" from the outside — go through this. Because growing a human is not just physically intense, it's emotionally intense. And when your body feels out of control, it's easy to spiral into guilt or self-doubt. You love your baby. You're grateful to be pregnant. But that doesn't mean you have to love every single change your body goes through. Both can be true. Let's talk about that.
The Glow is a Lie (Well… Mostly)
The "pregnancy glow" is iconic, but let's be honest — for a lot of us, it's not exactly the radiant goddess moment we were promised. Instead of luminous skin and shiny hair, we get acne flare-ups, dark patches (hello melasma), hormonal rashes, and weird new facial hair. And let's not forget the wild ride that is boob size. One day you're a B-cup. The next, your bra snaps under the pressure of your new pregnancy jugs. Fun!
Add in the bloating, cellulite, stretch marks, and general puffiness, and it's no wonder so many moms feel like their bodies are unrecognizable. And it's not just about appearance — it's how your body feels. Maybe you're winded after one flight of stairs. Maybe you're waking up stiff and achy. Maybe you can't sleep because your hips are screaming and your bladder has declared war.
So yeah, "glow" is sometimes just sweat and survival. And you know what? That's okay.
"You're allowed to miss your pre-pregnancy body — the way it looked, the way it moved, the way it felt like you."
It's Okay to Miss Your Old Body
Can we normalize this, please? You're allowed to miss your pre-pregnancy body — the way it looked, the way it moved, the way it felt like you. You can feel grateful for the miracle of pregnancy and sad about losing a version of yourself. That doesn't make you shallow or selfish. It makes you real.
Your body is going through a massive transformation. It's not just about gaining weight or stretching skin — it's about losing a sense of control, familiarity, and confidence. And when the world is constantly telling you to "embrace the bump" or "enjoy every moment," it can feel isolating when you're not loving what you see in the mirror. So let's say this loud and clear: you're allowed to feel however you feel about your changing body. Your feelings are valid. They are not a betrayal of your baby — they are part of your experience.
5 Tips That Actually Help When You're Struggling
These aren't "just love yourself!" platitudes — these are real, practical things that can make a difference when your body image takes a hit.
1. Wear What Fits — and Feels Good — Right Now
Pregnancy is not the time to suffer through tight waistbands or guilt-trip yourself into wearing "real clothes." Your body deserves comfort today. Invest in a few key maternity pieces that make you feel good — leggings, soft tees, a bra that doesn't dig. And don't sleep on secondhand maternity shops or clothing swaps with other moms. There's zero shame in dressing for the season you're in — even if that season involves expandable pants and full-panel leggings.
👉 Pro tip: a cute robe and cozy slippers can be surprisingly uplifting during those days when everything else feels meh.
2. Unfollow, Mute, Curate
You don't have to follow influencers who bounce around in crop tops with perfect baby bumps and not a single stretch mark in sight. If their content inspires you, great. But if it makes you feel like you're doing something wrong? Mute. Unfollow. Curate your feed with real, diverse, body-positive moms who share the raw stuff too — not just the posed, filtered versions.
Your mental health matters more than a pretty grid.
3. Talk About It (Like, Actually Talk About It)
Don't keep it bottled up. Whether it's with your partner, your bestie, a therapist, or a trusted mom group, saying out loud "I don't feel like myself" can be incredibly freeing. Sometimes just naming the feeling helps loosen its grip. You deserve support — not silence — around this topic.
👭 Real talk: so many other moms will say, "Oh my god, same." The more we talk about it, the less shame we carry.
Body Image Support Strategies
Practical ways to support yourself through body image challenges during pregnancy.
4. Move for Connection, Not Correction
This isn't about shrinking or "staying toned" — it's about reconnecting with your body in a loving way. Think gentle stretches, prenatal yoga, walks around the block, or even just dancing in your living room. Choose movement that feels nourishing and reminds you that your body is not just a vehicle for growing a baby — it's yours, and it deserves joy.
Tip: Try prenatal YouTube workouts with body-positive instructors. They're free, low-pressure, and way less intimidating than a gym class.
5. Take the Picture Anyway
You might not love your bump pics right now — but future you might be so glad you took them. Your baby definitely will. And guess what? You don't have to share them. These can be for you — quiet proof that you showed up, carried life, and made it through.
Also? Sometimes we're our own worst critics. You might see a tired, bloated woman in those photos — but someone else might see pure magic. Try to borrow their eyes, just for a second.
Final Truth: Your Body is Not Broken. It's Doing the Most.
Pregnancy doesn't always feel beautiful. Sometimes it just feels weird. But every stretch, every change, every "WTF is happening to my nipples?" moment is part of your body's incredible, hard, miraculous journey.
You don't have to love your body every single day. But I hope you can respect it. I hope you can show it compassion. Because it's doing something extraordinary, even on the days when it doesn't feel like it.
And mama? So are you.
