Guys, getting dressed and just generally feeling good in your body while pregnant can be really hard. I know a lot of bloggers that make it seem like sunshine and rainbows and well, maybe they actually really feel like sunshine and rainbows – good for them! I however, have felt like a completely different person has taken over my body (which I guess is kind of true) from day one of this pregnancy, and I have had to really fight to hold on to some of my good pre-pregnancy habits like you know, washing my hair and doing at least semi-regular physical activity. Regular “bump style” outfit posts on the blog? No, never.
These things were a little easier at first, but since moving in to the third trimester (where everything is swollen and I have about two pieces of clothing that fit that I haven’t worn 100x already, eye roll) it’s gotten extreme. But, even on my laziest, most tired feeling days, I have figured out a few things that have helped me feel semi-normal during this whole process.
- Cut yourself some slack. You are growing another person for goodness sake. This is 100% easier said than done and as cliche as it is, I need to hear it just as much as you! You will feel different. You ARE different. Embrace it.
- Keep it moving. I was really into physical activity before I got pregnant. Running, bi-weekly boot camp workouts, power yoga, and long walks with my dog/husband were all part of my normal, day-to-day routine. “They” say that you should be able to safely keep up with whatever activity you were doing pre-pregnancy and to that I say HA. Hahahahaha. I had terrible lower back pain from day one so running? No. I could make it maybe a half mile before my back would start screaming. Burpees during boot camp? Never going to happen. This was very hard (and still is) for me to accept. So instead it was/is extra long walks with the dog, gentle yoga, and a little elliptical here and there – all for my sanity if not only for my health.
- Make an effort with your appearance. I am a daily full hair/makeup kind of girl and I have been since graduating high school (when I wore sweatshirts almost everyday because I was so insecure about my body #truestory). Am I tired after waking up at midnight, 2 AM, and 4 AM to go to the bathroom every night? YES. Am I busy with my regular job, coaching cheerleading, blogging, and taking care of my house/dog/husband? UHH YEAH. I could definitely use the extra sleep/time that curling my hair and putting on makeup takes, but I feel so much more like “myself” when I do these things that if I don’t, I spend the entire day regretting it.
- Buy clothes that fit and that you feel cute in. I talked in my maternity wear essentials post about how much more comfortable you will be once you embrace maternity clothes, but getting to that mindset can be hard! It’s hard to find things that fit (when pre-pregnancy you had finally figured out how to order online from your favorite store and now you have to learn their maternity sizes which are completely different), you just don’t feel good in things because you are still learning to embrace your new body, and (if you are ballin’ on a budget like me) it’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that you are spending money on a top or dress that you will only be wearing a handful of times. That’s why I love stores like Pink Blush Maternity who have cute, on trend, maternity wear pieces that don’t leave my wallet crying with full on buyers remorse.
One outfit that I have been loving lately…
Top c/o Pink Blush | Leggings | Bag (Similar) | Booties (Similar)
…a flowy top, leggings, booties, and cute accessories! I really wear some version of this outfit at least five days a week. It’s comfortable and cute enough to make me feel good throughout a long day!
Now for the giveaway! The sweet girls at Pink Blush Maternity were kind enough to send me this top and a $50 gift card to give to one of you ladies. These sweet ladies really know what they are doing – they have so many cute things and have great sales. Make sure you turn on the Instagram notifications for their page here so you don’t miss any! I’m still eyeing this robe for the hospital, these open-toe booties (Do I have a thing for black booties? Yes), and this floral hoodie – swoon! I also need to find a couple dresses for my showers! So I’m deciding between this striped one, this lavender chiffon, or this pretty floral one. What do you guys think?
Non-pregnant friends, make sure you enter as well! Pink Blush has a regular boutique you should absolutely check out here! Good luck!
Linking up with Jess, Annie, Natalie, Joey and Amanda.
The post TIPS FOR FEELING GOOD DURING PREGNANCY WITH PINK BLUSH + A GIVEAWAY! appeared first on rachel emily.