This site has done wonders for my body image. When I got pregnant with my now 24 month old daughter, I weighed 125lbs. During that pregnancy I was basically a couch potatoe and constantly snacked, resulting in an astonishing 75lb weight gain. I hated my body, I got stretch marks on my belly, legs, and arms. After my daughter’s birth I had to work extremely hard to lose the weight. I went on Weight Watchers and got down to 145lbs, then went back up to 150/155lbs when I got pregnant again. This pregnancy I have been much smarter, eating healthier, excercising, etc. So far I have gained 40lbs less that what I gained in my first pregnancy. I feel good, I don’t hate my body, and I feel a LOT healthier than I did during my first pregnancy. My body image is also a lot different. I only have new stretch marks on my tummy, and I am proud of them, I think of them as badges of honor. My breasts are saggy from nursing my first daughter, but I couldn’t be more proud of them either, I think of them as working breasts. My husband, daughter, and I went to the beach a few weeks ago and after about ten minutes of awkwardness I had no problems wearing my bathing suit. I read your site all the time, and it has definately helped change my perspective on my body….now I don’t see myself as having a “fat” body, but instead view myself as a vessel of life. Thank you for this site.
This picture of me was taken this morning, I am 35 weeks pregnant.
Side view
In this picture you can see my new “badges of honor” on my tummy. The ones from my first pregnancy have faded to a silvery white and are not really visible.
August 14th, 2006 at 9:24 am
I think you have a very pretty round belly. It looks so cute.
August 14th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I think you look beautiful. I was looking thinking.. man, I’d definitely be happy wearing my swimming togs if my body looked like thise.
Funny how we all feel differently about our bodies!Good luck for your labour and birth.
August 14th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
You look fantastic !!
August 14th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
You have a great PREGGY figure!!
August 14th, 2006 at 7:22 pm
You so rock the pink panties!! Gorgeous!
August 19th, 2006 at 2:35 am
You look gorgeous, here’s to a great birth experience and a wonderful body image for you!!!
August 25th, 2006 at 2:30 am
I agree with everyone you look sooo good, in fact I wish I had a baby belly right now, maybe you’ll see me up there pretty soon!