Worrying about pregnancy body changes is something most pregnant women worry about. Whether it’s the expected changes in the shape of your body as pregnancy progresses, to the least expected changes that might happen as a result of birth complications – and everything in between! Pregnancy body changes are a huge source of worry for women which is why I wanted to talk about this on the podcast.
To help do that I’m going to be joined by Bianca and Natasha from Bebo Mia. They have a doula business and have been working with women for over 10 years so they’ve seen it all when it comes to women getting worried about pregnancy body changes.
We cover quite a few angles when it comes to pregnancy body changes, from plus size pregnancies, to being pregnant when fit and of course vaginal tearing.. and lots more.
Listen here
Pregnancy Body Changes
The adjustment you need to go through in how you perceive your body once you’re pregnant is quite significant. Many women have worries when it comes to pregnancy body changes which mean they struggle with this adjustment. This is particularly so for women who have strong feelings around their body – whether that’s love because they’ve spent a lot of effort being fit or whether they don’t like their body.
Common worries and fears around pregnancy body changes include;
“why isn’t my pregnancy going like a “normal” pregnancy?” ….. whatever *that* is!
“I’m worried about gaining too much weight during my pregnancy”
Plus size pregnancy
We talk about BMI measurement and the obese categories. Yes, a BMI of 30 and above carries risks, but it’s simply an increased risk, not an absolute or guaranteed outcome. As with all risks, it’s crucial to understand what the numbers are telling you. The important thing to bear in mind is that with plus size pregnancies, positive outcomes are all possible!
Did you know that a common misguided belief is that overweight women are not strong enough to birth their babies? And another is that their vagina will be too fat. Yes, you read that right.
A fat vagina!
Since when can you get a fat vagina?? How can a hole get fat? #crazytalk
We also talk about the importance of ditching the yo-yo dieting habit
Fit women
The Bebo Mia ladies are clear to state that it’s important for women to give themselves at least 6 weeks to recover. They encourage women to connect to their postpartum body rather than focus on trying to re-establish their pre-baby body.
Another common problem is that some women are too scared to gain weight during pregnancy, with some women working out too much because they’re worried about gaining more than 25 pounds.
Changes down below
No chat about pregnancy body changes would be complete without talking about vaginal tearing. I know! Vaginal tearing is a HUGE fear among pregnant women. And yet interestingly, when I speak to women about their birth stories, vaginal tearing rarely features as something they worry about during birth – with many not even noticing it happening when it does. This vagina talk also covers;
the husband stitch
the importance of pelvic work
This is a great episode that is made brilliant by my fabulous guests, who have also offered a discount on all products on their site – see below.
About bebo mia
bebo mia is a training & mentorship organization for women in the maternal health field, including pregnancy/birth professionals, childbirth educators & parenting specialists. They offer comprehensive skills, business support & community care through an innovative online structure that spans a global market.
A very different culture from both the patriarchal boardroom model & the female-centric multi-level marketing industry, bebo mia offers opportunities for women to work from home while making an income for themselves and their families. They develop inclusive, accessible trainings for women that provide the skills needed to grow & sustain a lucrative business. bebo mia remains fiercely committed to their original mission that was developed in 2008: To connect women to their intrinsic value and power.
Offer:
Listeners can use the code: FEARFREE20 to receive 20% OFF all of our products.
Alexia is the host of the Fear Free Childbirth podcast and the author of Fearless Birthing, Childbirth, Midwifery & the Media, and Clear Your Head Trash.
Alexia supports families planning pregnancy and birth. She helps them to overcome their fears and feel calm and confident about birth and pregnancy.
Alexia also trains birth professionals in the Fearless Birthing, a unique approach to birth preparation that is ideal for those who have fears around birth.
This is thanks to this podcast episode that I have landed there, and that is the magic of the women’s support magical network.
I’ve known bebo mia for a couple of years and it is on their site that I heard about Natasha and Bianca’s participation in your podcast on such an important (as all are ;)) topic, Alexia.
And as in all the episodes I have listened so far, I really appreciate how much of yourself and your experience you put into this, so honestly. This is delightful and instructive and crucial!
We use cookies to ensure the smooth running of our website for our users and customers. Find out more about how we use your data here. OK. I accept.Privacy policy
This is thanks to this podcast episode that I have landed there, and that is the magic of the women’s support magical network.
I’ve known bebo mia for a couple of years and it is on their site that I heard about Natasha and Bianca’s participation in your podcast on such an important (as all are ;)) topic, Alexia.
And as in all the episodes I have listened so far, I really appreciate how much of yourself and your experience you put into this, so honestly. This is delightful and instructive and crucial!
Thank you Sabrina! I”m so pleased you’re enjoying the podcast. It’s so good to know. Thank you for dropping by to let me know.