pregnancy doesn't "ruin" your body...

tbetts23

Ok so having babies isn't always pretty. I get that. But I wouldn't give it up for the world. Four kids and three pregnancies later, actually much later, they are the best thing ever. Will I ever have abs of steel? Not freeking likely! I love my kids! I accept my body! Ps... My husband loves my body! Many years later!

kath2810

...and it shouldn't be an excuse to let yourself go.

When I got pregnant, I searched the internet, hoping to come across post baby belly pictures. No one continues to take photos of their belly after the baby is out! I desperately wanted to know what to expect and was terrified of what pregnancy would do to my body. I'm here to tell you that it doesn't ruin your body and you will bounce back quickly.

few days before delivery
http://oi39.tinypic.com/343qm38.jpg

6 months post delivery
http://oi41.tinypic.com/1zd43o7.jpg

now. 1.5 years post delivery
http://oi44.tinypic.com/1tu87r.jpg

futurestarz

what the?

TinaBaily

To the OP: you are very lucky genetically, and you must have been very, very motivated to stay in shape during your pregnancy and afterwards to have a body that no longer looks like it bore a child. I think it is nice that you posted these photos so those who might be genetically inclined like you can see that pregnancy doesn't always "ruin" our bodies.

I, on the other hand, had 5 babies. The first one I gained over 30lbs of water weight in 2 weeks and my body has stretch marks everywhere that they can possibly form, from my breasts on downwards. That baby is now 25, so they don't show except in certain light at a certain angle. Each of my other children I gained 40lbs or more, with the exception of one pregnancy, and I continued to stay heavy after each of my last 2 were born, because my head wasn't yet ready to deal with the added pressure of eating right.

Now, I'm in a better place mentally, and I've lost over 50lbs, bringing me from borderline "morbidly obese" to slightly overweight. I'm not at my goal yet. I won't ever wear a bikini. My "baby" is 15 now, and it's okay with me that my body won't ever look like yours. I earned every single mark and scar on it from my pregnancies and years of breastfeeding, and I even proudly wear my wrinkles on my face and the beautiful shiny white hairs that are popping in on my head. Those I have earned from learning how to be patient and loving in the face of adversity from my challenging children.

Would I ever say to someone that pregnancy "ruined my body"? No way! It's not ever going to look like it did when I was 18, but it looks better than it has in a long time.

Sparlingo

I don't consider my body ruined on account of my pregnancy, but pregnancy coupled with overeating and an overweight starting point sure didn't do *good* things for my stomach or breasts, cosmetically speaking!

That said, I've learned to love my post baby body and I'm dedicated to making it the best that I can. It is my only body, and it brought me my beautiful daughter. Life is too short to hate your body.

Pepper2185

I you KatLifter!

Pepper2185

ROLL, ROLL, ROLL!!!

I don't know how to post GIFs, but I'm tempted to figure it out just to roll this sucker.