Model Bella Rivers recently shared her thoughts on why she opted not to have her weight discussed during her pregnancy. In a heartfelt interview, the 29-year-old reflected on the societal pressure for pregnant individuals to conform to certain beauty standards and the anxiety she faced regarding her own body image.
After welcoming her son, Max, earlier this year, Rivers has utilized her social media channels to challenge the stigma often associated with larger bodies in the context of health and body image, both before and after pregnancy. She revealed that she struggled with the fear of being judged by medical professionals, having experienced body shaming in the past.
“Before I became pregnant, I constantly heard that my body was unhealthy, which made me anxious about my ability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy,” Rivers explained. “Each visit to the doctor left me feeling uneasy. I’ve grown more assertive regarding my body and medical care. In the past, I’d go in for a simple check-up, only to be told to lose weight. So, at the start of my pregnancy, I informed my doctor that I didn’t want weight to be a topic of discussion unless it truly became a concern for either me or my baby. Whenever I stepped on the scale, I asked not to be told the number. After dealing with disordered eating for so long, I put in the effort to avoid obsessing over that figure. Thankfully, my doctor supported my decision, and I had a healthy pregnancy, despite facing preeclampsia toward the end.”
As she navigated the emotional journey of her changing body, Rivers emphasized the importance of self-acceptance. “I had to reconnect with myself during my pregnancy. My body was nurturing another life, and I grew to appreciate it in a new light. Society often praises pregnant women and tells them they glow, but once the baby arrives, the focus shifts to when they’ll lose the weight — that whole bounce-back culture is exhausting. When you’re sleep-deprived and adjusting to motherhood, worrying about bouncing back is the last thing on your mind. It made me realize that throughout life, we need to continuously rediscover ourselves because our bodies are ever-evolving — and that’s a beautiful journey.”
Rivers’ insights may resonate with others grappling with complex feelings about their bodies during and after pregnancy, especially in a world filled with stigma and expectations, often perpetuated by well-meaning medical professionals and those close to them. Her resilience in prioritizing her well-being serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves respect and dignity, regardless of their size or health situation.
Further Reading
For more on this subject, you can explore this blog post for insightful perspectives. Additionally, check out this resource for expert advice on pregnancy and related topics. For those looking for information about fertility insurance, this guide is an excellent resource.
Search Queries:
- How to navigate body image during pregnancy
- Dealing with weight stigma in pregnancy
- Understanding preeclampsia risks
- Embracing body changes during motherhood
- Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum
In summary, Bella Rivers’ experience highlights the challenges many face regarding body image during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and support from medical professionals. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that every individual deserves to feel valued, irrespective of societal expectations.