Can we just be totally honest here? Not as in, make bodily noises in front of each other, but at least be candid when it comes to this thing called life? I don’t feel the “glow” when it comes to pregnancy. I love the feeling of kicks and wiggles in my belly, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t LOVE the actual being pregnant part. I heard once that if you’re having a boy, they give you that effervescent feeling where you never have a bad hair day and your nails grow as hard and quickly as they ever have. If you’re having a girl, the urban legend says, they suck all the beauty from you to have it for themselves someday. Perhaps a little aggressive to think of your unborn child as stealing your looks, but it certainly feels that way some days.
Last week Orlando and I were talking about dealing with the weight gain during pregnancy and all the self-esteem issues it can bring about. “Yeah,” I said, “Just imagine being told you’re going to gain weight for nine months, there’s really nothing you can do to avoid it, and then you’re going to have to try to lose it at the end of those nine months with a screaming newborn to add to the mix.” That, he said, wasn’t the part he thought would give him issues. What the what? Nope, he said, “I was just thinking about how you’re going to lose all that weight and then I’ll get you pregnant again so you have to start all over.” Well RAIN ON MY PARADE. 🙂 If I wasn’t depressed before that, I certainly was afterwards!
Essentially, I have five tried and true ways to get my mojo back during pregnancy. You’re limited in so many things you can do, but there are a few tricks I lean on to prevent my self-esteem from taking a total dive for nine months. After all, you’re blessed to have the ability to grow life inside you, so it’s almost ridiculous to feel bad at all! If you’re like me and need a little pick-me-up, here’s what I recommend:
1) Try a new makeup routine.
Unless your skin turns ultra-sensitive during pregnancy, it’s almost always safe to play around with colors and daring makeup styles while you’re sporting a bump. And it’s a transformative experience that can take just a few minutes but have a big impact. Anytime I start feeling “blah” about my beauty routine I mix in a new eyeshadow, lip color, or try out a new technique to give myself that extra oomph of confidence.
2) Get a facial, massage, etc.
Anything pampering that will put your mind at ease and make you feel like a princess. Just make sure to double check with your technician or therapist beforehand that it’s safe for pregnancy. I know massages are also supposed to kickstart labor once you’re further along, so proceed at your own risk. 🙂 Most professionals can accommodate your present state quite easily, and you get to walk away feeling refreshed.
3) Take a yoga class.
Something about deep breaths and looking inward during downward dog always brings some perspective to my life, pregnant or not. But especially when your body aches and your back is screaming for some relief, a little yoga goes a long way to make you feel at peace with what’s happening to you. It’s happening either way, you might as well love it for what it is.
4) Remember that you’re growing a HUMAN.
Your body is piecing together a precious child day by day. Does it really matter in the long run if you gain a few more pounds or break out in places you haven’t since high school? It is the greatest honor and privilege to carry a child from conception to their first moments on earth, and it’s worth every minute of discomfort. If that still doesn’t do it, listen to the song “Mom” by Garth Brooks if you need to get an ugly cry going.
5) Indulge in some gorgeous new jewelry.
It’s not really worth it to invest in expensive new clothes while pregnant since your body is changing so quickly. And shoes and handbags are nice, but I don’t think they are as connected to our sense of beauty as jewelry is. My friend Lucy at Chloe+Isabel offered to send me this embellished collar necklace and I knew it would be just the thing to dress up an otherwise hum drum day. All their lines are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, which makes them pregnancy-friendly, and the quality is top notch. The attention to detail is also there; I love that the back of my necklace features a unique hook and rhinestone link closure.
Now Lucy is offering Haute in Texas readers the chance to win some gorgeous bling as well. And you don’t even have to be pregnant to enter! In addition to the entry options in the Rafflecopter below, for every $5 you spend at Lucy’s online boutique from now until December 17th you’ll earn an additional entry! I think you’ll love the necklace she’s chosen to give away, but you’ll probably find even more to love if you check out their earrings, bracelets, and even charms!
Enter the giveaway below to win this Chloe+Isabel necklace, valued at $88! The perfect gift for the pregnant woman on your list, or for you to wear to all those holiday parties!
XO,
A
P.S. I was compensated and gifted with a necklace in exchange for this post. Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own!
