Pregnancy is a time of great change for your body, mind, and emotions and may leave you overwhelmed and anxious on a daily basis. This critical time can lead to a poor body image, and it's a time when your appearance and weight can become a very sensitive subject. Are you gaining too much weight or not enough? How will you fit back into your old clothes after the baby? Does your partner still think you're attractive?
These are issues women at all stages of pregnancy deal with, and need to be addressed before it takes its toll on your self-esteem. The MayoClinic outlines key changes for women during the second trimester in Pregnancy Symptoms: What to Expect , as this is the time that the most physical changes occur.
Keeping a healthy body image while pregnant can be challenging, but there are some ways to make those months ahead more enjoyable and worth celebrating instead Here are some simple ways to keep a healthy body image during pregnancy:
1. Take the time to pamper yourself. Pregnancy can take its toll on your body, leaving you tired, easily stressed, and even in pain. Take the time for a trip to the spa or massage therapist for a special pregnancy massage that can help you relax and rejuvenate. You'll be able to sleep better, so your body can get the rest it needs.
2. Exercise on a regular basis. You don't have to hit the gym for a cardio blast each morning, but it is a good idea to do some form of physical exercise each day. This may include light stretching, pregnancy yoga, and walking; anything that gets your circulation going and encourages deep breathing will work.
3. Drink enough water. Water cleanses your system and flushes out toxins; you'll need to keep yourself well-hydrated so that your cells and body are working at optimal efficiency. Make sure you're drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
These are issues women at all stages of pregnancy deal with, and need to be addressed before it takes its toll on your self-esteem. The MayoClinic outlines key changes for women during the second trimester in Pregnancy Symptoms: What to Expect , as this is the time that the most physical changes occur.
Keeping a healthy body image while pregnant can be challenging, but there are some ways to make those months ahead more enjoyable and worth celebrating instead Here are some simple ways to keep a healthy body image during pregnancy:
1. Take the time to pamper yourself. Pregnancy can take its toll on your body, leaving you tired, easily stressed, and even in pain. Take the time for a trip to the spa or massage therapist for a special pregnancy massage that can help you relax and rejuvenate. You'll be able to sleep better, so your body can get the rest it needs.
2. Exercise on a regular basis. You don't have to hit the gym for a cardio blast each morning, but it is a good idea to do some form of physical exercise each day. This may include light stretching, pregnancy yoga, and walking; anything that gets your circulation going and encourages deep breathing will work.
3. Drink enough water. Water cleanses your system and flushes out toxins; you'll need to keep yourself well-hydrated so that your cells and body are working at optimal efficiency. Make sure you're drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
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