This Beautiful Bellies series (if you missed Part 1, see the photos here) has been inspired by my friend, Jayleen. Jay and I are just days apart in our pregnancies.
We were chatting about the media frenzy surrounding model Sarah Stage, who had visible abs throughout her pregnancy.
People were up. in. arms. Accusing her of having an eating disorder, harming her baby, etc.
And, no one had ANY IDEA about this woman’s life or health. Or anything. Literally, we knew nothing about her except that she had abdominal muscles you could see when she was pregnant.
And, then Sarah went on to have an 8+lb healthy baby.
You can definitely see Jay’s abs. She’s in her 3rd trimester when these photos were taken. She’s very healthy. Takes fantastic care of herself and her family.
OH, AND, that body positioning and photo angles can make bodies look differently. This was Jay’s main point when she sent me the photos.
Moral of the story: looks can be deceiving, don’t judge a book by it’s cover, and all that jazz 😉
Let’s move along to the beautiful bellies of Part 2!
1). Lana: strong + powerful
2). Suzanne: beautiful + thankful + womanly
3). Rebekah: free + pretty + whoa (…there’s a baby in there!)
4). Elizabeth: surprised!
5). Lisa: proud + lucky + happy
6). Sarah: exited + proud + strong
7). Susan: beautiful + blessed + comfortable (with the shape of my body!)
8). Jamie: anxious + ready
9). Maralee: yoga worthy + cute
10). Jill: strong + proud + feminine
11). Lauren: excited + tired + happy
12). Terri-Lynn: powerful + proud
13). Jillian: strong + sexy
14). Maddie: amazed + thankful
15). Ashley: beautiful + excited + amazed
16). Melissa: ready + prepared
17). Leanne: radiant
18). Erica: excited + proud + unfamiliar
19). Audra: strong!
20). Jessie (me again!): surprisingly comfortable 😉
I’ll be honest. When I thought ahead to this point in pregnancy months back, I wasn’t sure I would feel this good. At this point, with due date being just 6 weeks away, I feel really lucky that my body is feeling so good, and I’m enjoying it while it lasts.
I have zero back pain or pelvic pain. I feel comfy. I feel strong. I feel stable. My body really feels great (…besides the return of the all day nausea!).
I know this has a HUGE amount to do with coming into pregnancy fit and continuing to strength train and focus on my core work throughout pregnancy.
The formula has been: preparation + structured workouts + consistency
This is the formula used in all To Pregnancy & Beyond monthly workouts; my group coaching program for women.
If you’re trying to conceive, if you’re currently pregnant, or if you’ve had a baby at ANY time: this is where you want to be in order to take care of your body in the most effective way possible.
Head here for all the details and to get signed up now. See you in the club!
Jess
