Pregnant Body Talk

Pregnant Body Talk: Body Image During Pregnancy

Don’t be surprised if you go through a stage early on in your pregnancy when you feel “fat” rather than “pregnant.” This stage typically hits when your regular clothes are getting too tight and yet you’re still too small to make the move into real maternity clothes.

Fortunately, this stage tends to be relatively short-lived: within a matter of a couple of weeks, your belly will have blossomed into full-blown pregnant glory, and you’ll no longer wonder if your co-workers are placing bets on what's causing your waistline to thicken.

In the meantime, pick up a couple of pairs of pants and skirts with loose or adjustable waistbands (you’ll get some wear out of them right after your baby is born) and treat yourself to an oversized jacket that can both dress up the outfit and camouflage your new contours (assuming you’re still trying to keep things a secret).

Health Note: If you’ve struggled with eating disorders in the past, the “fat” stage of early pregnancy may be particularly difficult for you. Remind yourself that you’re not fat at all—you’re pregnant—and that it’s important to eat properly for the sake of both yourself and your baby. It’s a good idea to let your health care practitioner know that you’ve struggled with eating disorders in the past, even if you’re not currently restricting your food intake or bingeing and purging. You may also want to seek out the services of a counselor who specializes in eating disorders so that you can get some extra support during your pregnancy.