Pregnancy is an incredible, life-changing experience—but let’s be real for a second: watching your body change can bring up a lot of emotions. Whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, or downright overwhelmed by pregnancy weight gain, you’re not alone.

If you’ve ever stepped on the scale at your doctor’s office and felt a wave of stress, or caught yourself analyzing your reflection, wondering if your body will ever look the same again—this post is for you.

Let’s dive into what actually matters during pregnancy, how to navigate weight gain without spiraling into guilt or anxiety, and why your body is doing exactly what it needs to do. 💛

Why Pregnancy Weight Gain Looks Different for Everyone

Here’s the truth: there is no one-size-fits-all weight gain experience.

Maybe your first pregnancy felt totally different than your second. Maybe your best friend gained 25 pounds while you gained 45. Maybe your weight is fluctuating in ways that feel unpredictable. And all of that is completely normal.

Most medical providers use BMI to determine pregnancy weight gain recommendations—but BMI is outdated and doesn’t account for body composition. It was actually created for white men, meaning it doesn’t accurately reflect the unique and beautiful ways women’s bodies carry weight.

So instead of hyper-focusing on the numbers, let’s shift the focus to something more important: how you feel.

If You’re Obsessing Over the Scale, Read This

Let’s talk about that moment at the doctor’s office when you step on the scale and feel a pang of stress.

Are you tracking every pound, worried you’re gaining “too much” or “too little”?

Here’s the deal: weight gain during pregnancy is not 100% in your control. Factors like:

✅ Your baby’s size

✅ Amniotic fluid levels

✅ Placenta health

✅ Swelling and water retention

…all influence your weight. So if you find yourself feeling anxious about the scale, I want you to remember:

💡 Your weight is just one piece of the puzzle—it does NOT define your health.

💡 If your doctor is making you feel bad about your weight, it might be time to find a more supportive provider.

💡 Your body is doing something miraculous, and that deserves celebration—not stress.

What You CAN Control During Pregnancy

Instead of getting caught up in numbers, let’s focus on what you do have control over.

💪 Stay Active – Movement during pregnancy helps with energy, mood, and even postpartum recovery. Even gentle walks or stretching can make a huge difference.

🥗 Balance Blood Sugar – Eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps manage energy levels, cravings, and gestational diabetes risk.

🛌 Prioritize Sleep – Sleep affects your hunger hormones, stress levels, and overall well-being. (And trust me, sleeping now before baby comes is a gift to future-you.)

💆‍♀️ Manage Stress – Chronic stress impacts weight and overall health. Find small ways to recharge—deep breathing, journaling, or even a quiet moment alone.

🚰 Hydration Matters – Staying hydrated helps with digestion, swelling, and energy levels. Your body is working overtime—it needs water!

When you focus on healthy, sustainable habits, the number on the scale becomes a whole lot less important.

Pregnancy Body Image: It’s Okay to Have Mixed Feelings

Some women love the way their body looks during pregnancy. Others struggle with feeling disconnected from their reflection. And guess what? Both experiences are valid.

💡 Why do so many women struggle with body image during pregnancy? For many, it’s because we were raised in a culture that tells us our worth is tied to our weight. If you grew up hearing women criticize their bodies, or if you’ve been through years of dieting, pregnancy weight gain might feel triggering.

But here’s what I want you to remember:

🤍 Your body knows exactly what it’s doing.

🤍 Weight gain is necessary for growing a healthy baby.

🤍 You are not failing because your body looks different.

If you’re struggling with body image, be gentle with yourself. Your body is doing something incredible.

Postpartum & The Weight Loss Mindset Trap

Here’s the thing: society is mostly okay with pregnancy weight gain. But the second your baby is born? Boom. The pressure to “bounce back” kicks in fast.

If you’ve ever thought:

❌ “I need to lose the baby weight ASAP.”

❌ “I should already fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans.”

❌ “I don’t look the way I ‘should’ postpartum.”

…you’re not alone. But this mindset is exhausting, and it’s not fair to you.

💡 Your postpartum body is just as worthy of love and care as your pregnant body.

Instead of chasing a goal weight, focus on things like:

🌿 Rebuilding strength
🥦 Nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods

🩷 Prioritizing rest and healing

💙 Giving yourself permission to be in this season without pressure

Postpartum is a journey, not a race. And you are doing an amazing job.

If you’re pregnant (or trying to conceive), here’s your reminder: you are doing an incredible job. Whether you feel confident in your body or you’re struggling with weight gain anxiety, your feelings are valid.

💛 What matters most is your health, your baby’s health, and your overall well-being. Instead of stressing over every pound, focus on what you can control—movement, nourishment, rest, and self-compassion.

Your body is not the enemy—it’s your greatest ally in this journey.

Want More Support?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by pregnancy weight gain, body image, or postpartum health, I’ve got resources just for you! 🎉 Join my free training where I walk you through simple, sustainable steps to feel your best—without the stress.