Body Beautiful?

Embrace the new body you share with your baby.

By  Charlotte De Vries

Imagine a pregnant body. It’s pretty easy when our imaginary woman is 7 or 8 months pregnant. But what about a woman’s body in the early months of pregnancy?

That shape’s a little harder to define. To be sure, the early weeks bring some changes: fuller breasts, glowing skin and the beginnings of an expanded belly. In the months ahead, all of your edges will soften and expand as your baby continues to grow. While you watch this happen, trust that your body is doing what it is designed to do. In our image-oriented culture, it’s important to realize that your body is changing and filling out for an amazing purpose.

“Pregnant women become spiritually and physically attractive,” writes Frederick Wirth, MD, author of Prenatal Parenting: The Complete Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Loving Your Unborn Child. “There’s a serene radiance of fertility and ripeness.” That’s a wonderful way to think about the beauty and wonder of your body changing in response to your baby developing inside you. Believe in that and nurture yourself during this time. The way you act, feel and think as an expectant mother actually has a profound impact on your baby.

Athletes know what it’s like to get in shape, to feel in sync with their bodies and to be both relaxed and ready. Some women talk about pregnancy as being similar to training for a mountain climb: a time to strengthen the body and build stamina for the hard work of labor and childbirth, to be mindful of what they eat, and to prepare body and mind for the big event and the prize waiting at the end. It may seem silly, but the E.V.E.R.E.S.T. acronym can help you remember to care for your body during the months before childbirth.

EAT: Take care to eat wisely and drink plenty of fluids. You don’t have to follow a precise diet, but be as healthful as possible in your everyday food choices.

VISUALIZE: Hold a positive picture in mind of your body blossoming into motherhood. The weight you’re gaining might not thrill you, but you’re working toward a very high purpose.

EXERCISE: Walking and yoga provide low-impact workouts that help condition your pregnant body while providing a healthy outlet for your heightened emotions.

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