Body Dysmorphia and Pregnancy: A Journey of Love, Struggle, and Growth

I’m sharing this not for attention, but in hopes that someone out there who’s experienced something similar feels a little less alone. Body dysmorphia has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's something that started in my teen years, slowly creeping in, and over time, it grew into something that dictated so much of my self-esteem. It led to struggles with an eating disorder and countless days of battling the image I saw in the mirror.

At 28, I finally reached a place where I accepted my body and truly loved it—the shape I worked hard for. I felt at peace with myself. I had learned to appreciate it, to see the beauty in the strength it carried, and to honor the effort it took to get to this place of acceptance.

Then, I got pregnant.

At first, I was excited—excited to feel my body change in ways I had never experienced before. I was embracing this journey of creating life. But as the weeks went on, I realized that those old feelings of doubt and insecurity started creeping back in. And honestly, it’s been hard to admit.

Now, here I am at 30 weeks, and while I’m beyond grateful for the life growing inside me, I find myself struggling with comments that trigger those old wounds. I’ve heard things like, "You look big," or "Are you due soon?" or "You've gained some weight." These comments have come from both strangers and, surprisingly, my own close family. And I know, deep down, that these comments aren’t meant to hurt me. The people who say them don’t have bad intentions—they’re simply unaware of how much they can affect someone who has a complicated relationship with their body.

It’s hard to explain, but comments like these are just... not necessary. Whether you’re pregnant or not, they’re not the type of things anyone should feel the need to say. But the reality is, pregnancy seems to open the floodgates for people to feel like they have permission to comment on your body. And it hurts.

I know I’m not alone in this. Body dysmorphia is something so many of us battle, and pregnancy can feel like it triggers those old insecurities all over again. You start this beautiful journey of accepting your body’s changes, only to be faced with well-meaning, but hurtful, comments from others. It’s a strange paradox—wanting to embrace and love your changing body while also feeling triggered by the things people say.

But here’s the thing I’ve realized: As women, we need to empower ourselves to set boundaries and say, "This is not okay." It’s not okay to comment on someone’s body, pregnant or not. It’s not okay to make someone feel less than or to trigger insecurities that they’ve worked hard to overcome. We have the right to protect our mental health and demand respect. And that starts with speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

So, to anyone out there who’s struggling with body image during pregnancy, or who has struggled with body dysmorphia in the past, I see you. I hear you. You’re not alone. It’s okay to have hard days, and it’s okay to feel triggered. But remember, your body is doing something incredible. It’s carrying life. And no one—no matter how well-intentioned—can take away the strength and beauty that comes with that.

As I continue on this journey, I’m learning to give myself grace. I’m learning that it’s okay to have moments of vulnerability, to have days when I don’t feel as confident in my skin. But I’m also learning that my body, no matter how it changes, is worthy of love. And so are you.

Let’s set those boundaries. Let’s speak up. Let’s make it clear that we deserve respect, kindness, and understanding—always.

Charlie xoxo