Stressing About Your Body Image During Pregnancy?

You may be just a few weeks or months along, and your body feels like it has been invaded. Your boobs might hurt, you may feel sick to your stomach, or you may seem like you’re peeing every hour of the day. You may not see any significant changes yet, but you know the day is coming when you’re going to look puffy and might not be able to see your feet anymore.

Your body is going through a journey of changes, and it’s normal to be scared or concerned about how this pregnancy might make you look and feel. Choosing not to stress about your body image during this time can be freeing.

What are some good body image practices to have during your pregnancy?

Prepare Your Mind for the Physical Changes

Your body starts to change from the very beginning of pregnancy. A lot is going on in there with that developing baby of yours. The sooner you understand what’s physically happening, the faster you can prepare yourself emotionally for those changes.

There seems to be an overwhelming amount to learn about your changing body and what it needs to support your baby. Medical blogs can be an excellent resource for learning more about your developing body. Collage also has some great materials in our offices that are available to pick up when you come in for your appointment. Although it may seem daunting, the more you know, the less scary these changes will be when your body starts preparing for birth.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Pregnancy is NOT the time to go on a diet or overeat. “I don’t want to get fat!” is a commonly voiced concern. Pregnancy isn’t like getting that freshman 15; your weight gain has a purpose. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy weight gain. Your pre-pregnancy weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall health play a role in what weight gain is right for you.1

Eating healthy promotes good weight gain and provides the nutrition both your body and baby need to grow. Our blog post, Three Types of Food to Avoid While Pregnant, has some great information about eating healthy during pregnancy.

Eating unhealthy or having an eating disorder can cause multiple complications during pregnancy; some of these can include:

Premature labor
Low birth weight
Stillbirth or fetal death
Increased risk of cesarean birth
Delayed fetal growth
Respiratory problems
Gestational diabetes
Complications during labor
Depression
Miscarriage
Preeclampsia

Approximately seven million women in the US struggle with an eating disorder. If this is you, we highly encourage you to share this information with your doctor. The more your health care professional understands you and your nutritional and emotional needs, the more they can provide the care you deserve. These facts can seem scary and overwhelming. Be reassured that women who battle eating disorders can have healthy babies if they maintain normal weight gain throughout pregnancy. 2

Get Support and Stay Positive

Staying positive about your body during this time can be difficult. Avoid comparing yourself to others, especially while you’re pregnant. Your body is going through an amazing journey of development; learn to see the beauty in that. Even if that beauty sometimes comes in a round belly, swollen ankles, and puffy face.

What you’re doing is challenging and brave. We know that during this time, it’s tough to see that you’re developing a strength that will make you more beautiful than you already are! Sometimes, it can be hard to find support, but we’re here to answer the hard questions, believe in you, and be your encourager.

Remember, your body is beautiful before, during, and after pregnancy.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025

An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

May 21, 2025

An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.