Hudson Valley Parent

8 Hudson Valley Parent Q 2012 Baby Guide D oes this shirt make my belly look big? I often found myself asking my husband this annoying question relentlessly. He'd look at me with confusion and annoyance spattered over his face — "You're pregnant!" I'd promptly turn and sulk away feeling bloated, fat and uneasy in my own skin. I never really had a baby bump, instead, my body decided to take a fat-all-over approach to pregnancy, which made me extremely self-conscious about my "new" body. Liberation in moderation It's normal to be concerned about your weight and shape during pregnancy. Who wouldn't feel self-conscious with random strangers rubbing your belly and quizzing you on due dates? Our bodies go through so many interesting changes during pregnancy — your hormones wreak emotional havoc, little black hairs pop up in odd places and your belly continually grows. It's a lot to adjust to in such a short amount of time. Some women feel liberated by pregnancy and think this is their time to pig out on treats, gain weight and skip the workouts; however, the idea of eating for two is not a license to overdo it! You may think a sweet treat here and there is an innocent indulgence, but gaining over 50 pounds during the course of your pregnancy is not safe! Besides being a blow to your self- esteem, excessive weight gain also increases your risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, especially if you pack on too many pounds in the first trimester. Resist harsh restriction Just as some women feel liberated by pregnancy, others see pregnancy as a reason for excessive restriction. It's true, some foods are simply off limits for expecting mothers, but too much restriction can be harmful to yourself and your growing baby. If you're trying to maintain your pre-pregnancy physique through calorie counting and strict exercise routines, take heart — Your body will change, embrace it. It is both natural and healthy for women to gain weight during pregnancy. You are, in fact, eating for two. Gaining too little weight during pregnancy also has serious side effects. If a mother doesn't consume enough calories, she's putting her baby at risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Keep in mind, your baby cannot fully develop without proper nutrition — you are your baby's only lifeline. Do your best Poor body image during pregnancy can lead to the recurrence of eating disorders, anxiety attacks and depression. How you feel about yourself may also affect your life post-partum. Moms with body dissatisfaction are less likely to breastfeed either because they want to regain their pre-baby bodies as soon as possible or because they have a hard time 8 tips for loving your pregnant body You're eating for two, not two hundred By HEIDI SMITH LUEDTKE

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