How to love your amazing pregnant body, and feel confident and beautiful

It’s natural to feel a little apprehensive about the massive changes that are about to happen not only in your day-to-day routine but also to your body when you are pregnant. I know many (if not all) of the women that I teach in my pregnancy yoga classes feel this way. I know I certainly did.

However, any negative thoughts or frustrations that you may have about your changing body shouldn’t be allowed to take away from your enjoyment during this incredible time in your life. You are after all growing a new human being - and that is truly and utterly amazing.

So here are 5 simple ways to help you feel confident, powerful and feminine throughout your pregnancy.

1. Connect with your body

There is no better way to feel good about and connect with your body than by moving it through exercise or dance. Take some time for yourself and try out a pregnancy yoga class or go out dancing with friends, or even just dancing around the kitchen. Rock that bump, celebrate it and enjoy it.

It’s also important to take time to nourish and look after yourself. Using a beautiful body oil to nourish and moisturise your body and bump after a delicious candle lit bath, treating yourself to a pregnancy massage, even getting your partner to massage your feet each night.

In other words, in the midst of all these changes, it’s crucial not to forget about taking time to connect with you.

2. Ensure your small daily tasks evoke positive feelings

Be kind to yourself and remind yourself you’re beautiful - maybe that’s by way of daily positive affirmations (we learn all about the brilliance of this in my hypnobirthing classes), starting the day by writing down 3 things your are grateful for, taking a time to get yourself ready in the morning, or wearing a new maternity nightie so you wake up in something fabulous. No matter how you choose to do it, be intentional about treating yourself well. (Now and always.)

It’s the little things that we do every morning that set our attitude for the day, so make sure you’re starting on a high note.

3. Build a strong support foundation

It really does take a village to raise a child, so make sure you’re getting and keeping the support that you need around you. Reach out to any friends who are pregnant or who have had babies recently and pick their brains - chat about what’s going on, how you are feeling and what's to come. If you don't have any pregnant friends nearby then joining a pregnancy yoga class, hypnobirthing class or pregnancy swimming class can be a brilliant way to meet other pregnant women and start new friendships that can be invaluable when you have a small person to look after.

Also, don’t forget to ask for help, often! (From your partner, your family, your midwife or therapist) Nobody expects you to do it all alone, so don’t make yourself feel like you have to. Often, people really are happy to have a specific way to help you

4. Make a simple mindset shift

Recognise and appreciate the magnitude of this change. It’s not just your body that’s going through a major change during this time, but your entire life. Nobody would ever tell you to get your pre-baby life back, so I want you to also banish the concept of “get your pre-baby body back.”

Your body may forever be different (just like your life will be) but that doesn’t mean that your post-baby body and life can’t be stronger and more vital than your pre-baby body and life. Our bodies tell the story of the lives we have lived, and becoming a mother is the most important and special story of all.

5. Tune in and listen

Always listen to what your own body is telling you, not to what others are telling you. You are the only person that truly knows what is best for you.

People will be giving you advice of all sorts throughout this time in your life, but the most important thing is to always listen to your own intuition. You can learn to do this using mindfulness, meditation and yoga too - they all help you to tune in and connect to your inner wisdom at this amazingly special time.