to be worried about my pregnancy/post-pregnancy body?

[NorahJones]

Posted this in pregnancy but have a feeling I'm not going to get many responses there so posting here also for traffic. Hope this is ok! I'm not fishing for hundreds of answers I just want a little advice as someone suffering from low self esteem.

I'm not sure if my pregnancy hormones are getting to me or if this is a valid concern, but I'm worried about the way my body is changing. I am only 12 weeks pregnant and my boobs have gone up two sizes already, they're huge and sore, and I've developed stretch marks almost overnight all over my legs and stomach. I've never had them before and am only a size 10 so can only put this down to hormones. If this is how much I have changed at 12 weeks, what on earth am I going to look like at 40?

I feel guilty for worrying about these changes as baby is so wanted, and of course there's absolutely nothing I can do about my changing shape, I'm just worried I won't look ok afterwards and that I'm changing so fast.

Any advice/experience? First time mum so new to all of this.

Unhelpfully honest answer is to get used to it. Dd is 2 and I'm still not used to my new shape never mind weight gain (which mostly happened after I went back to work - my metabolism is very different).

There is loads you can do if your motivated enough with diet and exercise and you could try bio oil or olive oil (from the chemist) for the stretch marks now. Just don't go putting all your faith in magical fixes which might help but not solve issues.

It's okay though, you do reach a point where you become accepting of the bigger changes. It's just part of life.

Thanks @Cornettoninja - I welcome honesty! I just wasn't expecting to have stretch marks at 12 weeks. I have a horrible feeling I'm going to look awful after. It's so hard accepting that you might actually reach a point that you don't feel sexy anymore and at the young age of 27 that's hard to accept.

Don't worry. I know exactly how you feel but you do get used to it eventually. The stretch marks will fade. I actually got all my stretch marks after I gave birth which I was so upset about. You may find you don't get any more now. Everyone's body changes in a different way. If you can I'd try to do some gentle exercise like walking, swimming and prenatal yoga. Doing anything more active is often counter productive (speaking from experience). Look up deep stomach muscle exercises on YouTube too.

I would definitely recommend swimming! I swam once a week for my entire pregnancy, and seem to have kept my post pregnancy shape, just need to tone up a bit more.

Get some bio oil on the stretch marks to help and don't stress too much while you are pregnant.

I am working hard now baby is here (12 weeks old) to get my body into a state i feel happy in, especially with summer coming up. I'm still swimming at least once a week and doing long walks with the dog when i can and a gentle toning exercise class a week.

Thanks both. I'm glad this isn't just me. I'm very active and am in the gym 3-5 times a week (always have been so it's more than ok for me to continue this routine). I guess I'll just have to keep it up. Pregnancy is such a rollercoaster isn't it. Emotionally and physically. Definitely wasn't prepared!

@NorahJones, I could've written this!

I'm 36 + 5 and only over the last couple of weeks have I developed stretch marks! I honestly thought that I'd gotten away with it (more fool me!)

It's tough, I know. I dislike my pregnancy body and how I look huge in everything now (I was a size 6 before)

BUT as a PP said, we just have to get used to it. Our bodies are growing a human being, of course we're going to get a battering. We're so lucky to be able to do this beautiful thing.

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy

I was very fit and a gym goer. I carried on but used lighter weights. I damaged my muscles doing so and now have to have physiotherapy so in the long run I wish I had never gone to the gym when pregnant. Please do be careful. And avoid all crunching motions (especially when getting in and out of bed).

Risky post but I had thick purple stretch marks all over the front and back of my thighs, and behind my knees and all over my hips. Gained 4 stone in pregnancy (I know) but I’m 6 months post partem now and a size 10/12 (still losing weight) and was an 8/10 when I got pregnant. My stretch marks look like this now and have faded to nearly nothing. No advice on the mum tum though, even though I was slim I wasn’t particularly toned. It’s going though.

Pregnancy can be a really hard time. I had the same breast increase early on which was disheartening so I understand I'm not too sure why everyone harps on about bio oil. A quick Google will confirm stretch marks can't be prevented! I guess it's good to keep skin hydrated though. You'll adjust, I guess it's just a gradual acceptance. At 7 mo PP I feel 'withered' and have to try and accept that. It's not easy

The thing about stretch marks is almost everybody has them! So I struggle to understand why people see them so negatively.

I did sob about my boobs shrinking 2 sizes after breastfeeding but my lovely DP is reassuring me that he still finds me attractive which is helping me come to terms with my new body. I also have a C-section scar and the accompanying shelf of fat above it. I wouldn’t change any of it, though - all worth it for my beautiful little girl.

I am 11 days after giving birth and finding it hard to come to terms with my after pregnancy body. My Bump has completely gone but my tummy is now a very squashy empty sack. I have some stretch marks that have appeared on my bum also?!

I keep trying to eat well but the baby means I'm lucky if I remember to eat at all which is the most unhelpful thing when trying to diet. Honestly though, when you look at your baby it's all worth it.