First Trimester Body Image (w/ Baby #2)

There is so much that goes on with our bodies during pregnancy. So many changes inside and outside. And so much pressure to look a certain way during pregnancy. With my first pregnancy, with Graham, my body changed of course. But already, body change this time around has been different. I thought I'd share a little about what it's been like during the first trimester for me with baby number 2.With Graham, I don't think I really started "showing" until around 18-20 weeks. I welcomed the change, the baby bump, and was so excited to get maternity clothes. But baby #2 has already been different in that I'm noticing changes a lot sooner than before. (PS, if you want a fun story of how I found out I was pregnant while still breastfeeding a 7 month old and never having gotten my period, here's where I shared that story!)To be honest, I haven't been as excited this time around for my body to change. I had just been starting to feel like myself again in the body I'm familiar with. I've loved wearing crop tops and high waisted jeans...my outfit of choice! But change is inevitable with life in general, but definitely in pregnancy. So I'm choosing to accept my changing body and love it and respect it just as before.Anyone who's been pregnant before probably knows that the first trimester can be tough as far as body image goes. I debated sharing my own body image struggles with you all right now because I'm the body image "coach" and this is part of the work I do. And for some reason my instinct is to not show any weakness. But then I remembered, and reminded myself of something I always tell my clients...body positivity is always and will always be a journey just like intuitive eating is a journey. There is no "reaching the finish line" or getting it perfect. For me, being body positive means knowing what to do when you have those less positive days and choosing body respect always, no matter what. And then giving myself lots of grace with my body and with even having less than positive thoughts all the time.Up until the last week or two I've been exhausted. I'm not sure if it's from the pregnancy or from Graham not sleeping at night (thanks 7 month sleep regression) or both. I'm thinking it's both. But, that being said, I've barely had energy to get through the day. I've been trying to go on even just a short walk most days but even that's a struggle sometimes. Not moving my body always makes me feel not as great in my body.Body changes start to happen in the first trimester, but often it's not a cute "bump"...it's more like just getting thick in the middle. Clothes start to fit weird but you're not quite at the place where you're ready for maternity clothes. It's just an awkward time to be in your body.And then, with pregnancy and still breastfeeding, my appetite has been through the roof! I've been eating so much, so many carbs, and even when physically full still feel like I need more. It's been a hunger I haven't ever experienced and I'm trying to get used to the needs of my body during this time and nourish it the best I can, despite the food aversions to a lot of vegetables and desire to eat nothing but carbs.What I wanted to focus on with this post, though, is not necessarily the changes going on during the first trimester, but rather what to do with body change and with poor body image days. Because that is the difference between staying stuck in negative body image and turning your body image around. Like I mentioned above, we all have negative body image days...it's about what you do on those days. So, I want to ask you...what do you do on days you have poor body image? Thinking back for myself, when I was struggling daily with poor body image, I turned to negative ways of coping. I'd diet, swear off desserts, & exercise to feel better about myself. These were negative and harmful ways to cope.Now, my response is a lot different from what it was back then. On bad body image days I eat the same. I still honor my hunger and eat what sounds good. I recognize that my body still needs food and deserves to enjoy food the same as any other day. On bad body image days I may move my body, but it's not in response to feeling like I need to do something to change my body. On bad body image days I choose not to pick at and hold parts of my body I don't feel good about and also try not to look at myself too much in the mirror. If I catch myself starting to tear apart parts of my body I try to stop myself as soon as I notice it and go do something else or say positive things to myself.On bad body image days I put on clothes that make me feel good and that are comfortable. Leggings and a sweatshirt work everytime.I remind myself that how I feel in my body changes every day. It's not something wrong that I did, but just part of life. What positive things can you do on negative body image days? If there's one piece of advice I could give you, that you'd hold true for yourself, it's this...body image work takes time but it is the foundation for a healthy relationship with food and a life filled with joy. We can't fully care for ourselves when we are dissatisfied with ourselves. I know that the idea of loving yourself may feel out of reach right now, but I love the idea of respecting your body when love feels too hard. I always go back to respect on bad body image days. Because when I'm respecting my body, my actions aren't influenced by how I feel in my body. Respecting my body helps me to still nourish it, care for it, and move it with love no matter the day.If you're pregnant and not always positive in your body, I'm right there with you. I hope this encourages you to take on a different perspective during this sometimes challenging body image time. Body image is something we work through together inside of The Nourish Lab, my intuitive eating membership site. I know sometimes it feels very lonely to work on body image on your own, which is why I created this community to help you not feel so alone. We'd love to have you inside!