What’s The Deal With Pregnancy Weight Gain

One topic that can be both confusing and agonizing for pregnant women is the topic of weight gain. Not only do doctors and midwives sometimes differ on the advice that they dole out regarding how much gain to aim for, they differ in how they handle situations where their patients gain too much weight or do not gain enough weight. Now, consider that all of your friends and family have different opinions and experiences with the topic of pregnancy weight gain which they are all too happy to share with you whether you like it or not. Top it all … Continue reading →

Maternity Photos

One of the things that I wish I had done when I was pregnant was a maternity photo shoot. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I did not feel very attractive or photogenic with the huge belly and all of those pregnancy hormones circulating in my body. Now I feel a twinge of regret every time I see pictures of pregnant women. Despite how I felt at the time, my pregnancies were a beautiful part of my life and I wish I had a few nice pictures to remember them by. If you are thinking about … Continue reading →

Oh Those Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes. These words can elicit squeals of excitement or gasps of horror, depending upon who you talk to. Some people have the bodies and the financial resources to rock the most amazing fashions during their pregnancies. Others have limited resources and can afford to purchase only a few basic items and wear them in heavy rotation. Whatever your situation, know that there are clothes out there for pregnant women of all tastes and budgets. When I was pregnant the first time, my budget for maternity clothing was limited. Good thing I saved those clothes though, because by the time … Continue reading →

Temporary and Permanent Changes

I experienced many changes with my first pregnancy. Some of these changes were permanent while others were only temporary. Some of these changes were good while others where entirely unwanted. Change is inevitable and a necessary part of life. I experienced more changes in that 9 month period than I did in my entire life. Temporary Changes: I experienced chronic fatigue and nausea accompanied by frequent vomiting from week 5 through week 15 of my first pregnancy. I also gained weight steadily in my 2nd and 3rd trimesters. With a sustained diet and exercise, I was able to lose most … Continue reading →

Will Your Body Bounce Back?

The truth of the matter is, that there are some parts of your body that may never bounce back. I hate to sound negative, but I like to keep it real too!! After all, there are some things that I wish other women would have told me about how much my body would change, and how some parts of my body would never be the same again! Some women have it easy. You know the type. They are most likely thin to begin with, have never struggled with their weight, and bounce back from each and every pregnancy like it … Continue reading →

Pregnant Or Just Into Maternity Fashion?

Earlier this week, Mariah Carey was spotted wearing a maternity dress from A Pea In the Pod. Add to that all the rumors surrounding her fuller figure, and you’ll understand just why everyone is convinced she is pregnant. All other rumors and reasons aside, how much can one really deduce from a wardrobe choice? It begs the question: would you wear a maternity dress even if you were not pregnant? There are two reasons I think you can assume a women is pregnant if she is wearing maternity clothes. The first reason has to do with fit. My take is … Continue reading →

Maternity Swimsuit Options

Signs that summer is coming: wasps buzzing around your windows, realizing you need to mow the lawn again… and swim suits cropping up on store racks everywhere! It’s swimsuit shopping season, which brings us to the ultimate question: one or two? Will you show off your blossoming figure in a one piece or two piece swim suit this summer? Reasons to Wear a One Piece: 1. A one piece swimsuit does a pretty good job of hiding those pesky stretch marks. 2. A one piece protects your belly from the sun’s rays, which can darken the linea negra. 3. Certain … Continue reading →

Belly Photos: Public or Private?

I recently read that Gisele Bundchen had her pregnant belly airbrushed out of her fashion photo shoots because her pregnancy was “too sacred” to share with the world. What a striking statement to make in contrast to the very public belly (and body) baring photos that have been featured on magazine covers by celebrities like Britney Spears, Demi Moore, and Christina Aguilera. Showing off your pregnant belly is the norm these days, not hiding it. All you have to do is do a Google image search for “pregnant” and you’ll find thousands of women, not just celebrities, showing off their … Continue reading →

Do You Feel Beautiful When You Are Pregnant?

Over the past few years, as many of my friends have gotten pregnant and had their own families, I’ve gotten to witness a wide variety of reactions to the changes that happen to a pregnant woman’s body. Some women embrace their new curves and flaunt them with fitted maternity clothes. These are the same women who eagerly take photos of their growing belly every week. Some avoid wearing maternity clothes until the last minute, wincing at their growing reflection in the mirror. You’ll be lucky to see their baby belly in their profile picture. Some hardly think twice about what … Continue reading →

What’s the Point?

Getting your figure back in shape after having a baby is hard work. You have to find time to exercise and cook healthy meals, which can be especially difficult when you have a baby to care for. Plus, getting in shape after having a baby is much harder than under normal circumstances since pregnancy really does a number on those abdominal muscles. Recently, I was talking with my sister in law about getting back in shape and she asked me, “What’s the point? You’re just going to get pregnant [and ruin your stomach] again.” I think a lot of women … Continue reading →