Pregnancy is often painted as this glowing, magical time, but for many of us, especially those dealing with body dysmorphia, it can feel anything but. During my first pregnancy, I gained weight rapidly, struggled with what I saw in the mirror, and didn’t know that my thyroid was contributing to it all. My doctors didn’t prepare me or support me. I didn’t feel beautiful or empowered. I felt invisible, so I made myself invisible. I barely took any photos. I avoided the mirror. I just tried to get through it. Once I had my baby, I was suffering from undiagnosed postpartum depression which only aided in my diving deeper and deeper into crisis.
Now, pregnant again, I’m doing things differently. I’ve been diagnosed. I’m aware. I’m actively fighting the instinct to hide. This time, I’m forcing myself to be present. To be photographed. To celebrate the life I’m creating, even when my mind tries to convince me I shouldn’t be seen.
Because I deserve to show up in my own story – and so do you.
Here are five things to prepare for as a pregnant person with body dysmorphia:
You may grieve your old body – and that’s okay.
Even if you were already struggling with body image before pregnancy, watching your body change can feel like a loss. Let yourself acknowledge those feelings without shame. They don’t mean you love your baby any less. They mean you’re human.
What helped me: Openly discussing my feelings and reminding myself that my body is doing something extraordinary, even if it doesn’t always look the way I expected. Also, giving myself permission to mourn my previous body, because it is changing and it’s OK to be honest about that.
Medical professionals might not always see the full picture.
My thyroid issue went undiagnosed during my first pregnancy. I was gaining weight quickly and being made to feel like it was normal. NEWS FLASH: It wasn’t. That lack of support deepened my dysmorphia. This time, I have a new OB, a dedicated endocrinologist, as well as other specialists who are focused on my body, my health, and making sure my quality of life is at the center of their care.
What to do: Don’t be afraid to switch providers or bring up mental health alongside physical changes. You deserve comprehensive care.
Photos might feel uncomfortable… but take them anyway.
I have barely any photos from my first pregnancy. It’s one of my biggest regrets. I thought I was protecting myself by avoiding the camera, but I was erasing a version of myself who deserved to be remembered.
What I’m doing now: Taking photos often – even the messy, not-so-flattering ones. Not for Instagram, but for me. A weekly bump photo, a silly snapshot as a souvenir.
Clothes can feel like a battleground.
Getting dressed might bring up a lot – nothing fits, everything feels wrong, and maternity clothes aren’t exactly known for making people feel their most stylish self. But finding even one or two things that feel good on your body can change your whole day.
Pro tip: Buy the comfy thing. Wear the stretchy dress. Ignore the size tag. If maternity clothing isn’t for you, buy the clothing you love in bigger sizes.
Your brain might lie to you, so let your loved ones remind you of the truth.
Body dysmorphia tells you distorted stories. That you’re too big, too small, too much, not enough. Let trusted people reflect back the reality. Let them tell you that you’re strong, powerful, and worthy of love, even when your brain won’t.
Create a safe space: Whether it’s a partner, friend, or therapist, build a support system who sees you.
You might feel like you’re faking confidence – but do it anyway.
Sometimes, “showing up” doesn’t feel empowering. It feels awkward, forced, or performative. But the act of being present – even when it’s uncomfortable – can slowly shift how you see yourself. I’ve started sharing photos during this pregnancy not because I always love how I look, but because I refuse to erase myself again.
What this means to me: These photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about proof. Proof that I was here. That I carried life. That I kept showing up even when my body felt unfamiliar. If you’re looking for a sign to take the picture, to share the bump selfie, to ask someone to capture you mid-laugh – this is it.
(Here’s me, doing it scared anyway.)
Pregnancy is a transformation. Not just physical, but emotional. For those of us with body dysmorphia, it adds an extra layer of challenge, but also an opportunity to reclaim how we show up in our own lives.
So here’s to showing up. To being in the photos. To being present even when it’s hard. To giving yourself permission to take up space, even when your mind tells you not to.
You are not alone.
