Body Image in Pregnancy

When Clothes (and Confidence) Stop Fitting

There comes a time in pregnancy when your favourite jeans refuse to go past your thighs, and suddenly you’re standing in your bedroom wearing your husband’s oversized t-shirt or digging into your mum’s old dresses. It’s a strange mix of cozy and alienating - you’re comfortable, yes, but you don’t feel like you.

This is one of the most unspoken parts of pregnancy: the identity shift that comes with a changing body.

Why It Feels So Disorienting

Research shows that over 50% of pregnant women experience dissatisfaction with their body image at some point during pregnancy. While you might expect to feel glowing and “earth goddess-y,” the reality is often far more complicated.

• Loss of Control: Your body is growing and changing in ways you can’t fully control. That can feel unsettling, especially if you’ve always tied confidence to appearance.

• Clothing Identity: Clothes aren’t just fabric - they represent style, identity, and self-expression. When those clothes don’t fit, you may feel like you’ve lost part of yourself.

• Cultural Messages: Social media loves the “cute bump” aesthetic, but what if you’re bloated, swollen, or don’t look like those polished maternity shoots? The comparison trap sets in quickly.

The Science Behind Body Image in Pregnancy

• A 2020 study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that body dissatisfaction in pregnancy is linked with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms.

• Another study highlighted that first-time mothers often struggle more because the physical changes feel completely new.

• Interestingly, research also shows that some women actually feel more confident during pregnancy - seeing their body as purposeful and strong. This shows how much mindset and social support influence the experience.

The Emotional Side of Wearing “Not-You” Clothes

There’s a psychological weight to wearing someone else’s clothes every day. Oversized shirts might feel safe but also send your brain a message: My own body doesn’t belong to me right now.

Pregnant women often describe feeling:

• Invisible – like their personal style is on pause until after delivery.

• Frustrated – when nothing in the closet works.

• Confused – torn between wanting to embrace the bump and wanting to disappear in loose clothing.

Gentle Shifts That Help

This isn’t about bouncing back or forcing positivity. It’s about feeling a little more like yourself, even in a body that feels brand new.

• Invest in “In-Between” Clothes: A couple of maternity jeans or dresses that fit well can make a huge difference. Comfort and identity matter.

• Redefine Style: Your body has changed, but your essence hasn’t. Swap silhouettes, accessorise, or play with colours that make you feel good.

• Mindful Self-Talk: Instead of “I don’t look like myself,” try “I’m becoming a new version of myself.” Subtle, but powerful.

• Body Gratitude Practices: Daily reminders of what your body is doing - growing life - can slowly shift the lens from appearance to appreciation.

• Talk It Out: Whether with a friend, therapist, or mom group, sharing the messy side of body image can normalise what you’re going through.

Remember

You’re not failing because you don’t feel like a glowing pregnancy model. You’re a human being navigating rapid physical change. That oversized t-shirt you’re living in? It’s not a sign of losing yourself - it’s just part of this temporary season.

And slowly, you’ll find pieces of yourself again - in a new body, with new strength, and maybe even a new wardrobe that celebrates it all.