Body Image During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and postpartum is a time where your body is rapidly changing and is out of your control. For new mothers, there is lots of pressure to meet societal expectations of how their body should transform and adapt during such a significant transition. During pregnancy your body undergoes a myriad of fluctuations: weight gain, shifts in your center of gravity, swollen feet, changes to your face and even hair thickening or loss. These rapid transformations can be jarring and are often not experienced as positive especially when they oppose Western beauty ideals. 

Regardless of personal feelings about these changes, pregnant bodies in the global media are associated with idealized symbols of the divine feminine, portrayed as vessels blossoming into motherhood. Yet, this imagery does not capture the messy realities of the journey. It can lead us to be critical of ourselves, thinking: 

·      “My body is ruined now.” 

·      “I need to lose this baby weight.”

·      “I don’t recognize myself in the mirror.”

These thoughts can feel isolating, especially when the dominant message is to be grateful, glowing, or “bouncing back.”

Fixation on Pregnant Bodies

During pregnancy, your body is noticed in a way it never was before. Doctors closely monitor your weight and measurements. Family members marvel at your growing belly. Even strangers feel entitled to guess at your due date. Having this additional attention to your body can intensify comparison and self-esteem concerns. You constantly hear comments from those around you discussing your changing body: 

·      “Wow, you look like you are ready to pop!”

·      “Be careful about how much weight you are putting on.”

·      “Are you having twins?”

Grieving Our Old Body

After going through such an extreme transformation, it is natural to compare yourself to how you looked before pregnancy, to other mothers, or even to those who have never been pregnant. At the same time, while social messaging can pressure new mothers, there are emerging trends on social media promoting body acceptance, gratitude for the body’s ability to create life, and realistic expectations for postpartum recovery. These messages can be empowering, but they can also evoke guilt or shame if you do not share in that same gratitude. 

It is normal to miss your pre-pregnancy body and wish for aspects of it to return. Processing these feelings, grieving what was lost and acknowledging what was gained, takes time. Feeling this way does not mean you are ungrateful for your pregnancy, your baby, or that you are self-absorbed; it simply means you are attuned to and processing the immense event your body has endured.

Bolstering Body Image

There are gentle ways to begin embracing your postpartum body and connecting with your evolving identity. Your body is not a project to be fixed, it is your companion. One way to honor your body and nurture self-esteem is through self-care. Here are some ideas to help you tend to and care for your body: 

1.     Haircut or Styling: Many women have postpartum hair loss or avoided dyeing/bleaching their hair during pregnancy. A fresh hairstyle or color can be a simple but effective way to boost your confidence. 

2.     Wardrobe: Invest in clothing that flatters your current body rather than waiting to “fit into old clothes.” Choose outfits that bring you joy and feel comfortable. 

3.     Physical Therapy: Postpartum physical therapy can help with pelvic floor health and core stability.  

4.     Spa Treatments: Gentle massages can help with recovery, swelling, and be emotionally soothing.  

5.     Movement: Low-impact exercises like gentle stretching, walking, or yoga can help you reconnect with your body. Focus on feeling good in your body rather than “getting back” to a previous fitness level. 

Written by: Morgan Bensky