So, I am wondering if anyone out there feels this way:

I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember... Putting myself down for not losing weight... For not exercising more. Focusing on my flabby parts and just generally being unhappy with my body. This January, I started eating healthier, exercising regularly, and bit by bit, I lost a little weight, and really started to feel good about myself. It was my goal to be below 200 lbs. by now... but Oops! I got pregnant. Now I am trying to continue with my healthy eating habits and my exercising reguarly... And it occured to me the other day, that I am not looking down at my flab and saying mean things to it... instead, I am looking down at my tummy in awe at what it taking place... I am giving my body the respect it deserves for the amazing thing it is accomplishing right now.

Too bad I didn't tell my body these things sooner!

Any other preggos find that they have a new found respect for their bodies now, no matter the size, shape, or firmness??

Aw that's an amazing thing to hear. Our bodies are definitely miracles in their own rights and we need to thank them more!

Congratulations on your baby also

First - congratulations!!

Yep, I do that too. I have been freaked out about gaining weight back, but I'm really in awe of how God created me to house this baby. I feel very privileged to be able to be pregnant and carry a baby.

Congratulations on your baby.

I just had a little girl 4weeks ago and I really enjoyed watching my belly get big (as opposed to the usual sense of dread I get when I see my stomach) All the little kicks when they are inside and knowing your going to meet them soon, makes it all worthwhile.

I had a similiar revelation after my son was born and I was nursing. I realized that it was my body that enabled me to take care of and nuture my family - to hug, touch, hold, feed, etc...Before I always thought of my "true self" as being separate from my fat body. I think before I was telling myself that what people see isn't the real me. But then I realized my body enables me and I shouldn't let it dis-able me. And my body is as much a part of the real me as my mind and soul.

wow....I love this post. It really made me feel better about being pregnant and being self conscious about gaining weight.

I def. felt that way when I got pregnant. I was about 215 when I got pregnant and though I really wanted to be losing weight I couldn't help to be happy about my belly and what was taking place. The only thing that kinda made me unhappy was I didn't show very soon like skinnier women. But once I did begin to show and got huge lol my daughter was 9lbs 11 ounces it was the most beautiful thing in the world. I love pregnant bellies. lol. I think pretty much every women big or small sees their body differently when they get pregnant, it's a beautiful thing.

I actually think that I get prettier, and sexier, when I am pregnant. I was actually 3-4 months pregnant (performing in a stage performance) in my avatar photo!!!

I don't know what happens...but my hair gets thicker and fuller, and grows like MAD, my skin gets clearer and brighter, my already big breasts get HUGE...and I actually DRESS nicer when I am pregnant, if you can believe that! I am one of the few women on this planet who ADORES maternity clothes. I love them.

I had an awesome maternity wardrobe when I was pregnant with all three of my children. This is funny, because normally I am a total tightwad when it comes to purchasing clothing for myself. I dress to the 9's when I am gestating, however.

I feel the same way! I would beat myself up for not taking the weight off, not exercising as much as I thought I should, etc. I take better care of myself now than I ever have before and I feel better about myself too. I'm proud of the fact that when people bring doughnuts into the office for breakfast, I don't give in to their "you're pregnant, eat one" encouragement but stick with my cottage cheese & fruit instead. But, when I snag a doughnut hole in the middle of the afternoon, I don't feel guilty about it either! Its such a liberating feeling to see and feel every day what my body is doing to grow this baby girl and I hope I continue to have this respect for it when she's born!