Moms, how did your body and self-image change after giving birth?

[Babyseal23]

Im 32 weeks pregnant with my first baby. One part of me is really excited and the other is extremely nervous and scared.

I know the realities of birth and I've heard all the horror stories. I keep thinking "I can't wait to get this baby out and finally have my body back " but then I think my old body ain't coming back ever after I give birth.

I was always a little chubby but not fat by all means. Just about right leve of chub were it was cute not unhealthy.

I've noticed my butt has gotten really big, my hair and teeth are changing etc.

I tell my husband "you know after I have this baby im not gonna be the same woman anymore physically " he's very sweet and said he's aware of that and he will still love me and I should be excited to be a mother.

I am excited but im kinda sad about losing myself and who I used to be in away. I dont know if that sounds selfish or not.

Im so scared of the tearing as well and having to have stitches, staying in hospital over night. I've heard a lot of women say its really traumatic and embarrassing but it can't be all bad as woman have been doing it since the very beginning.

Updates

2 mo

Mums* dam you AI... im British 😅

[emeraldsaphire]

OMG girl I felt exactly like you did! It's such a mix of emotions. I was so scared of giving birth. thankfully for me it wasn't to bad at all. I didn't even need stitches. Funny thing is I can't remember any of the pain when giving birth. And I'm still grieving the body changes. My husband says I look hotter, lol. What I try to tell myself is that our bodies are always changing. I look different then I did at 20 and at 15 etc. We just need to learn to love who we are now. I know that's not easy, but at 32 weeks you've already gotten through so much. The morning sickness was really hard for me because of my Emetophobia. And you are so close. When that baby comes it's going to change how you look at everything. I know that might sound scary, but it's amazing! This is a start of a new chapter of your life and turning the page is always scary, but it's also always worth it. And now I'm crying again XD

[Abbycado]

Congrats! Never been pregnant but you can find what to expect on google, I’m sure.