How to feel good about your changing pregnant body
Don't underestimate the power of makeup
'Makeup can do wonders during your pregnancy. It can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control,' says famed makeup artist Bobbi Brown, in a BabyCenter interview. That's particularly important during this time when many women feel they've lost control of their body. So go ahead and have some fun: 'Makeup can be washed off — it isn't permanent,' says Brown, 'and it's a great way to make yourself feel good.' For more on feeling unattractive during pregnancy, see our article.
Avoid any hair-raising hairstyle changes
During pregnancy, your hair goes into a growth phase — good news for some women who find they now have shinier, thicker hair. But if you normally have a thick head of hair, and fear that any more will be unmanageable, you may find a short cut easier to wear while you're pregnant. 'You don't have to go through a dramatic change,' says Amina Rubio, stylist and colorist at the David Oliver Studio, a San Francisco hair salon. 'Women get overwhelmed by the results when they do.' Your body is going through enough changes as it is. Work with your stylist to find a cut that suits you. Rubio, a hair accessories designer, recommends using clips, barrettes, and combs to enhance your style. But don't overdo it. 'Less is more,' Rubio says. 'Simplicity is better.'
Stay active to feel good
It can be hard enough just to get dressed every day when you feel bloated and sick to your stomach. But believe it or not, a little effort can leave you feeling peppy and perhaps a bit like your pre-pregnancy self. Besides, it'll be a novel experience to exercise not primarily to lose weight, but to feel great. Because exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance, it can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labor, and make getting back into shape after the baby is born much easier. For more on the benefits of prenatal exercise, click here.
Hone your maternity fashion sense
Just because you're expecting doesn't mean you're relegated to wearing pastel clothing festooned with bows and lace. Gone are the days when a pregnant woman could only dress like a meringue. Black — the color of choice for chic, non-pregnant fashionistas — works wonders for future mommies as well. Jeans made for pregnant women are comfortable and fashionable, too. And dresses can look sleek on your changing body.
Need more fashion tips? See our article on the secrets to maternity dressing and how to dress for the workplace.
Don't forget your skin
The same pregnancy hormones that put your emotions in an uproar can wreak havoc on your skin. Your complexion may look great, with that much-touted 'pregnancy glow,' or it may become drier than usual and splotchy. A good moisturizer can work wonders on your expanding belly or anywhere your skin feels dry And who knows? It may even diminish stretch marks. While experts say they don't work, moms who've come through pregnancy stretch-free swear by them.
Indulge in 'the cures'
Nothing like a manicure or pedicure ('mani-pedi' if you go for both) to lift the spirits and give your self-esteem a quick boost. Throw in a pregnancy massage for good measure. There's nothing like having someone else pamper you to make you feel like queen for a day.
Talk yourself into a good mood
If all else fails, tell yourself that even though you can't squeeze into a pair of size 6 slacks right now, you're still fabulous. Beauty is a state of grace, not a certain look, size, or weight. You're glowing, you're pregnant, and you're beautiful. (And if this doesn't work, you can always cover up all the mirrors in your house, settle into a good book, and call it a day.)
'Makeup can do wonders during your pregnancy. It can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control,' says famed makeup artist Bobbi Brown, in a BabyCenter interview. That's particularly important during this time when many women feel they've lost control of their body. So go ahead and have some fun: 'Makeup can be washed off — it isn't permanent,' says Brown, 'and it's a great way to make yourself feel good.' For more on feeling unattractive during pregnancy, see our article.
Avoid any hair-raising hairstyle changes
During pregnancy, your hair goes into a growth phase — good news for some women who find they now have shinier, thicker hair. But if you normally have a thick head of hair, and fear that any more will be unmanageable, you may find a short cut easier to wear while you're pregnant. 'You don't have to go through a dramatic change,' says Amina Rubio, stylist and colorist at the David Oliver Studio, a San Francisco hair salon. 'Women get overwhelmed by the results when they do.' Your body is going through enough changes as it is. Work with your stylist to find a cut that suits you. Rubio, a hair accessories designer, recommends using clips, barrettes, and combs to enhance your style. But don't overdo it. 'Less is more,' Rubio says. 'Simplicity is better.'
Stay active to feel good
It can be hard enough just to get dressed every day when you feel bloated and sick to your stomach. But believe it or not, a little effort can leave you feeling peppy and perhaps a bit like your pre-pregnancy self. Besides, it'll be a novel experience to exercise not primarily to lose weight, but to feel great. Because exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance, it can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labor, and make getting back into shape after the baby is born much easier. For more on the benefits of prenatal exercise, click here.
Hone your maternity fashion sense
Just because you're expecting doesn't mean you're relegated to wearing pastel clothing festooned with bows and lace. Gone are the days when a pregnant woman could only dress like a meringue. Black — the color of choice for chic, non-pregnant fashionistas — works wonders for future mommies as well. Jeans made for pregnant women are comfortable and fashionable, too. And dresses can look sleek on your changing body.
Need more fashion tips? See our article on the secrets to maternity dressing and how to dress for the workplace.
Don't forget your skin
The same pregnancy hormones that put your emotions in an uproar can wreak havoc on your skin. Your complexion may look great, with that much-touted 'pregnancy glow,' or it may become drier than usual and splotchy. A good moisturizer can work wonders on your expanding belly or anywhere your skin feels dry And who knows? It may even diminish stretch marks. While experts say they don't work, moms who've come through pregnancy stretch-free swear by them.
Indulge in 'the cures'
Nothing like a manicure or pedicure ('mani-pedi' if you go for both) to lift the spirits and give your self-esteem a quick boost. Throw in a pregnancy massage for good measure. There's nothing like having someone else pamper you to make you feel like queen for a day.
Talk yourself into a good mood
If all else fails, tell yourself that even though you can't squeeze into a pair of size 6 slacks right now, you're still fabulous. Beauty is a state of grace, not a certain look, size, or weight. You're glowing, you're pregnant, and you're beautiful. (And if this doesn't work, you can always cover up all the mirrors in your house, settle into a good book, and call it a day.)
