When it comes to fitness bloggers on Instagram, we usually expect the same thing: motivational attitudes, gym selfies and delicious looking salads.
But Melbourne based mother-to-be Fenella Scarlett McCall is changing all of that. Since July, she has been opening up about how difficult it can be to see your body change so drastically during pregnancy. In her frank posts, McCall covers everything from morning sickness, to cravings, mood swings and mental health.
In her pregnancy announcement, McCall shared that she was "scared, nervous, anxious, happy, and so much more". Her honesty about her mixed emotions and about the changes that are happening to her body have resonated with many women.
She said: “For the last four to five weeks, I've had low energy and it's slowly becoming nonexistent... I slept pretty much all day today... I haven't worked out in ages! All I feel like eating is carbs. I haven't felt like being social really - I'm just too tired! Which is pretty much opposite to how I usually am... So, this is all new.”
The fears and worries do not disappear in a matter of weeks however, and McCall opened up again about trying to deal with her weight gain and loss of healthy habits.
“Since putting on weight, I've cried and felt 'yuck'. I've been angry and I've been sad. I've compared myself to others, thinking 'what's wrong with me, why can't I just get it together?' I've thought, 'I'm just going to eat only veggies and healthy food for the next week.' BUT LIFE IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE!!!! So what that I have a couple extra kgs on me!?!?... Embrace the belly!”
However, McCall’s real breakthrough came when she decided to embrace staying healthy and happy, as opposed to Insta-perfect.
She wrote: “Embracing the rolls, cellulite and weight gain of pregnancy. Shifting my attention to feeling positive, with goals of health and happiness, instead of ‘least weight gain and stay as toned as possible’ - which was stressing me out. Taking each new day as it comes - doing my best to get in a walk every day, while eating as healthy as I can for Bub. Also, working on being kind to myself.”
Medical professionals agree with McCall’s standpoint. A major stepping stone towards overcoming pregnancy body image issues is acceptance of a lack of control over their newfound state.
As psychotherapist Julie Hanks told Parents Magazine; "Women need to develop a willingness to view bodily changes as part of the journey of motherhood, instead of something to be feared."
As McCall share her highs and lows, she reminds us how important it is to be healthy and happy, for both yourself and the little one on its way, despite what the scales might say.
