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Home › Articles › Emotional and Mental Health › How To Be Pregnant and Proud

How To Be Pregnant and Proud

Celebrate Your Growing Body

By Shel Franco

Pages:  1  2  3  

Perhaps the most critical influence over a pregnant woman's body image is the emphasis society puts on weight. Lewis says American culture places a great deal of emphasis on slimness. The advertising and entertainment industries perpetuate the idea that a woman's beauty is dependent on her weight. As a result, many pregnant women see their heavier figures as unattractive.

While many of these influences seem to be beyond a woman's control, here are 10 ways a pregnant woman can take action to feel good about her changing body.

 

  • Accentuate the Positive: Every woman has at least one self-attribute that she finds attractive. Amy Harding of Salt Lake City, Utah, takes pride in her long hair. Fortunately for her, drug stores and supermarkets stock dazzling barrettes and stunning headbands. By drawing attention to an area she felt comfortable with, Harding found a way to take pride in her appearance.
  • Get Moving: Jennifer Smith of Milwaukee, Wis., enjoys a daily walk along the lake. She first cleared this activity with her midwife, then set out into the fresh air where she could clear her mind and get some exercise.
  • Heighten the Senses: The scent of a candle, the soft caress of silk pajamas, the sound of beautiful music, the taste of warm milk or the sight of fresh-cut flowers can offer quiet enjoyment and do wonders for peace of mind.
  • Flatter the Figure: Maternity clothes are pricey, but you can get your money's worth from two or three flattering outfits. Georgine Bornkamp of Baltimore, Md., attributes her positive pregnancy image to keeping up her appearance. "[Clothing designers] have come a long way with maternity clothes. Buying a few really good outfits paid off," Bornkamp says.
  • Making Up: Makeup counters at department stores can help you find what looks best on you. Somecounters even offer free makeovers. And while makeup is not a part of every woman's routine, a brush of blush, a bit of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss can really brighten any face.

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