I cannot believe I’m just a day shy of being 37 weeks along! This pregnancy has flown by and I knew when I found out that I was pregnant I wanted to do a post on maternity fashion and body image. I think as a whole, women can be so hard on themselves especially when it comes to projecting an ideal body image and what you think of yourself. I have to admit that I was so worried at first about so many silly superficial things, then God reminded me that a healthy baby is what matters, and how incredible our bodies are that women can carry another little human inside of them. Do not let the enemy creep into your head filling it with lies that you are not beautiful or loved! I have a background in labor and delivery nursing and I cannot tell you the amount of times I cared for a mother delivering and didn’t just want to bust out in tears with joy and awe of how amazing our God is. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience and one to treasure!
Our bodies are a temple, God gives you just one and you have to fuel it properly. That doesn’t mean that I don’t give into my crazy ice cream, chocolate (which I have always had), or hamburger cravings – I just don’t do it every single night. I knew that I could conquer my cravings by thinking about my body after pregnancy. And the willpower it would take to get back in shape.
My daily diet must haves were lots of fruits, vegetables, and WATER! I also craved spicy food and meat, especially in my second trimester. There are lots of foods out there that are natural anti inflammatories and will aid in the prevention of swelling and digestion. I think this was key in not being swollen or bloated feeling. I love eating kale salads, carrots, grapes, watermelon, and Granny Smith apples. I normally drank tons of water before pregnancy, but especially now I try to drink at least 3000mL or so daily. I have had more heartburn now than ever and eating carrots has really helped calm it down. My baby may come out orange and as hairy as my teacup yorkie, Georgia, at this point IF the old wives tales are true!
Through the first and second trimester I tried to workout three days a week. Now, it’s almost impossible to get to the gym – but I still do light weights at home and try to walk as much as possible. We have been so busy with showers and company – it just gets hard to be adamant about gym time and I completely understand that life can get in the way! At about 30 weeks I started getting those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions and I became more aware of not lifting so much, draining myself, or stressing over nonsense.
When it came to clothing choices I loved wearing form fitting body con pieces that showed off the bump (once I got one at 25 weeks)! And my personal style varies, so I still pulled off some boho chic items that were not maternity, without looking too pillowy or larger than my actual frame. I felt that some maternity stuff actually made you look bigger, but it felt more comfortable to wear. There are lots of items that you can make work – don’t think that just because you are preggers now that you have to resort to the maternity store. And I love being pregnant this time of year since I am a sunshine girl and live in shorts.
My favorite places are-
Tj Maxx – I would get a size up in tops and love their maxis
Old Navy / Motherhood Maternity- great tees, tanks, and workout gear for cheap
Pea in the Pod- for dressier items and jeans – I love the Jessica Simpson Jean maternity shorts. She has a great collection of stuff.
Pregnancy by far has been one of the most AMAZING experiences and I’m just so thankful God has allowed Aaron and I to go through this together. From baby kicks, to showers, to nursery decorating we are beyond blessed to enjoy this time in our lives. I hear so many women complain about the body changes (and it does change), to feeling sick, or tired. And I know that everyone is different, but I decided to be positive no matter what – with the weight gain, early morning nausea, headaches, frequency voiding, and stretch marks (yes, I had them even before pregnancy on my hips). And you know what? I was SO grateful I was given this precious life to carry. I still can’t believe God has entrusted us to be parents and it’s something that I will never take for granted.
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5We can’t wait to meet you Deacon Cash!