Feeling a little strange in your own skin right now?
You are not alone. Pregnancy transforms your body quicker than almost any other period of your life. In just ~40x weeks you will experience:
- A growing bump
- Wider hips
- Stretch marks
- Swelling in places you never expected
And that’s just the stuff you can see.
Here’s the problem:
Everyone mentions the “pregnancy glow.” Rarely does anyone talk about when you feel like the mirror is out to get you. In one study, 52% of pregnant participants reported feeling body dissatisfaction.
The best news? Confidence can be learned. And one of the strongest tools for building it is something most pregnant women don’t even consider…
Black and white maternity photos.
Let’s jump in!
Inside this guide:
- What Is Body Image During Pregnancy?
- Why Black And White Maternity Photos Change How You See Yourself
- What Knocks Your Confidence?
- 5x Simple Ways To Build Body Confidence
What Is Body Image During Pregnancy?
Body image is your perception of your body. How you see it, think about it and feel about it. Pregnancy alters that image week after week.
Women experience this joyously. Your body is developing an entire new human being — isn’t that awesome?
For some people pregnancy can be exhausting. Clothes don’t fit right. Random people feel the need to touch your belly. And sometimes you don’t feel like yourself.
Both feelings are normal.
Why Black And White Maternity Photos Change How You See Yourself
Here’s something most people don’t realise…
Your perception of your body in a photograph can influence how you perceive your body.
Color photos reveal everything. Skin color, flushing, stretch marks, the precise hue of bloodshot eyes. Black and white maternity portraits remove all of that. What remains is form, lighting, and feeling.
Your belly flattens into a gentle slope. Your fingers become props in the narrative. The entire photograph takes on a serene, eternal quality.
Which is why black and white maternity photos have become such a popular choice for moms-to-be. Booking a session with a maternity photoshoot studio in DC or a local photographer ensures you’ll have directed poses in soft lighting and a stress-free environment — where you can concentrate on your belly, not how you look.
The result of what? When you view yourself in black and white you are MUCH more likely to see beauty than faults.
Pretty powerful, right?
A few quick tips to get the most out of your shoot:
- Wear simple, fitted clothing (solid colours work best)
- Try side poses that show off the shape of your bump
- Bring your partner or older kids for a few shots
- Reserve early in your third trimester when your bump is full but you can still feel comfy
What Knocks Your Confidence During Pregnancy?
Understanding what drags confidence down can help you improve it. There are three primary factors.
Social Media Comparison
Looking at “perfect” bump pics isn’t doing you any good. A survey of 225 pregnant women in Australia found that those who frequently compared themselves to others on social media felt more “inadequate and dissatisfied with their bodies.”
Why? Because social media only shows the highlight reel. Perfect lighting. Perfect angles. Filters.
You’re comparing your real life to someone else’s best photo.
Comments From Other People
“Wow, you’re huge!”
“Are you sure it’s not twins?”
Humans generally have good intentions… But these remarks can still hurt. Particularly when you’re already having a bad day.
One way to quickly and easily sidestep this: Have a stock answer prepared. “Yes baby is doing fine!” kills the conversation quickly and allows you to maintain control.
Old Beauty Standards
Women spend decades pursuing one version of the “perfect” body. Pregnancy rewrites the rulebook. And that can be intimidating — even if you understand that it’s healthy and normal.
Fact: There is no correct way to look pregnant. Every bump is unique. Some women are high-bearers, some are low-bearers, and some women hardly show until those last few months.
5x Simple Ways To Build Body Confidence
Okay, now for the best part. Read these affirmations, choose a few that resonate with you and begin today. Confidence is really that easy if you take small steps.
Focus On What Your Body Is Doing
Focus less on what your body looks like and more on what it can do. Today, it’s forming your heart, lungs and ten little fingers.
Wow. That’s a lot to think about. Instead try complimenting one thing about your body every morning. Small. But it really builds up quickly.
Clean Up Your Feed
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Follow accounts that feature authentic unfiltered pregnancy bodies.
It only takes five minutes and can change your entire day.
Wear Clothes That Fit Now
Stop trying to fit into your skinny jeans. Buy yourself some clothes that fit you right now.
When your clothes feel good, you feel good. Simple as that.
Move Your Body Gently
Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga may help you feel happier and more empowered. Always consult your doctor or midwife before starting an exercise regime.
Capture The Moment
This is where those black and white photos come in again…
Many moms regret not having more pictures of their bump later on. A maternity photoshoot allows you to have something to cherish. Plus, seeing your body through a photographers eyes. You’re going to love how gorgeous you’ll look!
And the best part is? Those photos are a gift for your child someday. Evidence of the journey you experienced together.
When To Ask For Help.
Here’s something that’s often overlooked…
Low body image can sometimes be more than having a “bad day”. If you feel blue most days, lose interest in things you normally enjoy, or if you find yourself having concerned thoughts about food or your body — please talk to your doctor or midwife.
There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Seeking support is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself and your baby.
Pulling It All Together
When you’re pregnant your body goes through changes you can’t always prevent. But you can control how you react to those changes.
To quickly recap:
- Know that mixed feelings are normal
- Step out of the comparison trap on social media
- Focus on what your body is doing, not just how it looks
- Wear clothes that fit you now
- Celebrate your bump with black and white maternity photos
Something amazing is happening in your body. Allow yourself to see it that way. You’ll thank yourself.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
