Pre, During & Post Pregnancy 🤍 | My Body’s Story

I’ve carried the same soul through three very different bodies—and each one has been worthy of love.

Before pregnancy, I didn’t realize how much strength I had in me.

During pregnancy, I watched in awe as my body made room for life, stretched, shifted, and sacrificed so much.

After birth, I met a new version of me—one softer, more tired, more powerful than I ever thought possible.

The changes aren’t just physical. There’s a quiet strength that builds when your body becomes a home for someone else. And when you meet your baby? Every stretch mark, every scar, every pound—it all tells the story of how they got here.

I’m learning to celebrate the before, honor the during, and love the after. Because this body gave me my greatest gift. 🕊️

#BodyAfterBaby #PregnancyJourney #PostpartumRealness #MombodMagic #Lemon8Moms

2025/6/16 Edited to

... Read morePregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with profound changes that shape a woman's body and spirit. Before pregnancy, my weight was 118 lbs, but as I embraced the miracle of life, I reached 145 lbs during pregnancy. Post-birth, I faced a new reality at 132 lbs. These numbers reflect not just physical changes, but emotional growth and strength. Each stretch mark tells a story of sacrifice and love, showcasing how my body adapted to nurture my child. With time, I learned to honor my journey, from the initial weight gain to the incredible journey of postpartum recovery. New mothers often face societal pressures regarding their bodies, but every woman should celebrate her unique transformation, reminding ourselves that motherhood is about strength as much as it is about love. As I move forward, I'm also embracing the idea that the postpartum phase, while challenging, can also be a celebration of what our bodies have accomplished and endured. It’s crucial to support each other to foster self-acceptance and appreciation at every stage of motherhood. Embracing hashtags such as #BodyAfterBaby, #PregnancyJourney, and #PostpartumRealness helps build a community of shared experiences and support. Together, we can celebrate the diverse stories that each body tells. Let's honor our journeys and share the love we have for our remarkable bodies!

180 comments

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚'s images
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

Girl you snapped back like a rubber band! Only 3 weeks out, you will shrink a lot more in the first year ❤️ but you look gorgeous before & after!

See more(1)

See more comments

Related posts

PREGNANCY CHEAT SHEET by trimester 🤰🏻
Here’s a pregnancy cheat sheet to help guide you through each trimester & prepare for what’s ahead. From essential tips & self-care to things to look out for, this sheet will be so helpful throughout your pregnancy journey, make sure to save it so you can reference back later. ⭐️Gene
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

2792 likes

smoothies during pregnancy!
hello ◡̈ 🩷 Morning Sickness Relief Smoothie — soothing, sweet flavors to alleviate morning sickness 🩷 Folate Boost Smoothie — spinach is folate rich and folate is essential for fetal development 🩷 Protein Boost Smoothie — support fetal muscle growth 🩷 Iron Rich Smoothie — iron rich supports h
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

927 likes

Why raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy?🤰
📚Recent studies have shown that there is truth behind the advice of raspberry leafy tea in the third trimester of pregnancy when taken after full term! It can help overall shorten labor (mostly the second phase/ active labor) and decrease the need for interventions and negative outcomes. Ther
Kelsey | Motherhood

Kelsey | Motherhood

2080 likes

A pregnant woman in a light dress sits outdoors, holding her belly. Overlay text reads: 'Why I chose to DENY Cervical Checks during pregnancy.'
A pregnant woman in a light dress stands outdoors, holding her belly. Overlay text lists reasons 1 and 2 for denying cervical checks: '1. I didn't want to introduce unnecessary bacteria 2. They're usually not medically necessary.'
A smiling pregnant woman in a light dress stands outdoors, holding her belly. Overlay text lists reasons 3 and 4 for denying cervical checks: '3. I didn't want the results to effect how I felt 4. They're uncomfortable.'
Why I denied cervical check during pregnancy
Let me start off by saying everybody is different and you need to do what you feel is best for you! Before I got pregnant I was already doing a ton of research when it came to things I did and did not want to do while pregnant and something that came up a lot was cervical checks! I read a a
Mama Chels

Mama Chels

983 likes

A pregnancy test showing 'Pregnant' with a red 'X' over the words 'SHOULD AVOID'. The image title reads 'Things you SHOULD AVOID When Pregnant', set against a light-colored ribbed fabric background.
A woman kneeling with the large yellow text 'CAFFINE' above her. Three small coffee cup icons are displayed. A yellow text box explains that excessive caffeine can affect fetal growth and increase blood pressure and heart rate.
A pregnant woman's torso with the large yellow text 'FOODS TO AVOID'. Icons for milk, cheese, egg, meat, and fish are shown. A yellow text box lists specific foods to avoid, including unpasteurized products, raw eggs, undercooked meats/fish, and processed deli meats.
Things you SHOULD AVOID during pregnancy 🤰🏻
When I got pregnant I had NO IDEA that there were lots of things that should be avoided. Of course to each its own, but here are some things I avoided in my pregnancy: Caffeine: FUN FACT I’m actually allergic to caffeine so I can’t have any in general but it’s recommend by The American College
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

4112 likes

10 things to research during pregnancy
If you’re a first time expecting mama & you’re planning to breastfeed, please do research on what to expect before your baby arrives. It can make a world of a difference if you’re prepared & have a better understanding of breastfeeding & what to expect as a first time mom. I wish
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

548 likes

A pregnant woman gently holds her belly while sitting on a picnic blanket with flowers and snacks. The image features the title "Vaginal Health during pregnancy swipe >>" and a Lemon8 watermark.
This image lists "Changes in Appearance" during pregnancy, including varicose veins, vaginal swelling, and darkening of the labia. It also details "Changes in Discharge & Smells," such as increased, thicker, or altered odor of vaginal discharge.
A smiling pregnant woman is in the background, while the foreground presents tips for maintaining good vaginal health during pregnancy. These tips include wearing breathable clothing, drinking water, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tight clothing, and practicing good hygiene.
vaginal health during pregnancy 🌸
hello ◡̈ Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman's body, and vaginal health is no exception. As your body prepares for childbirth, you will notice changes in your vagina, labia, discharge, and even smells. An increase in blood flow and hormonal changes can cause your vagina and labia to unde
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

276 likes

Pregnancy life…. Let’s discuss! 🤔🤰🏼
We love this post from @Kelly Cardoso 🍋💛 Kelly breaks down what she will & will NOT be doing next pregnancy now that she’s experienced it herself. Moms - do you agree? What are some things you’d do different next pregnancy? Share your thoughts 🤔💭 #lemon8parenting #momsoflemon8
Lemon8Parenting

Lemon8Parenting

1121 likes

SCIATICA PAIN DURING PREGNANCY TRY THIS WORKOUT 🫶
#pregnancyworkout #fitnessjourney #fitmom #pregnancyworkouts #summerbod
Kimlee 🇹🇹🌴 🇺🇸📍

Kimlee 🇹🇹🌴 🇺🇸📍

23 likes

pregnancy hormones & their functions
hello ◡̈ Pregnancy hormones are allll over the place and most of them increase as your pregnancy goes on — this is one reason why the 3rd trimester is arguably the roughest. 🫶🏼 Amongst many other hormones; progesterone, estrogen, prolactin and oxytocin play the largest roles in your pregnancy.
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

204 likes

A pregnant woman sits on an examination table, holding her visibly rounded belly. She wears a black crop top and grey sweatpants. The image is captioned 'My body before, during and after pregnancy'.
A woman takes a mirror selfie, showing her slender figure in a white tube top and a floral mini skirt. The image is labeled 'BEFORE', indicating her body prior to pregnancy.
A woman lies on a striped towel on a sandy surface, wearing a white bikini top and star-patterned bikini bottoms. She covers her eyes with sunglasses. The image is labeled 'BEFORE'.
My body before, during and after pregnancy 🤰🏽
I wanted to be super transparent about my pregnancy, more specifically my body before, during and after. Sometimes when I’m scrolling on the pregnancy side of TikTok or lemon8 I’ll see people say all of the horrible things that pregnancy does or can do to your body. While that is completely valid a
Kenn444ever

Kenn444ever

3122 likes

Things I will/won’t be doing my next pregnancy 🤰🏻
Not planning on getting pregnant any time soon but when the time comes I will definitely be doing things differently. Being pregnant for the very first time there were so many SHOCKS and SURPRISES I had as well as being in labor and postpartum. Here are some things I will and won’t be doing
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

6679 likes

8 STEPS to preparing your body for PREGNANCY 🤰🏻
Preparing your body for pregnancy is an important step towards ensuring a healthy & successful conception & pregnancy journey. By adopting healthy habits & addressing any potential health concerns beforehand, you can create an optimal environment for both you & your future baby.
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

179 likes

Why Dental Health Matters During Pregnancy🫶
A few months before I got pregnant, I had $1000s worth of dentist work done. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the BEST decision! I ended up getting pregnant with twins one month after my appointments were finished. Later, I found out that I could have seriously affected myself and my b
Modern Mom | Shannon

Modern Mom | Shannon

1772 likes

How I prevented stretch marks during pregnancy
Things I did to lower the chances of gettting pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks are in my genetics so I made sure to do this consistently from the start of pregnancy. #pregnancy #pregnancyjourney #stretch marks #pregnanttips
el.kat99

el.kat99

180 likes

Why I Don't Take Prenatals During Pregnancy
I did A LOT of my own research. Take it as you will! My babies need me so if I can reduce the possibility of PPD I will! I have had zero complications and my babies are both excelling for their age! #pregnant #prenatalvitamins #momsoflemon8 #firstpost
agoody

agoody

930 likes

Things that helped/helps me during pregnancy 🫶
🤍 One thing that matters most: Support. If you’re going through this alone, please know-I will always be here for you if you ever need someone to talk to. You’re never truly alone. 💛 #pregnancyjourney #laborprep #pregnancytips #thirdtrimester #laboranddelivery
Nikki

Nikki

612 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, holding her pregnant belly, with the text overlay 'Diastasis Recti after pregnancy' on a torn paper graphic.
A woman takes a mirror selfie, hands on her hips, with the text 'What is Diastasis Recti? Separation of large abdominal muscles due to a high birth weight baby or a multiple gestation pregnancy (e.g twins)' on a torn paper graphic.
A woman in a white outfit and hat holds flowers, with the text 'How it affected me I lost a lot of my core strength after my pregnancy and simple day to day tasks that used to be easy for me now cause me some mild discomfort' on a torn paper graphic.
Diastasis Recti after pregnancy
If you developed Diastasis Recti after your pregnancy, don’t fret! There are ways to regain some of your core strength back. First off, what is Diastasis Recti? To put it simply, it is when your large abdominal muscles separate in order to make room for baby / babies during your pregnancy. I hon
Shyna Rempillo

Shyna Rempillo

44 likes

Foods You Should Eat During Pregnancy and Why
Here are foods you should eat during pregnancy and why. Food is fuel and also provides great nutrients to you and your growing baby! Always aim to eat primarily real food, not processed or packaged. These foods are essential during pregnancy because they give vital nutrients that help your litt
Samantha Gail

Samantha Gail

299 likes

How HG affected my weight during my 1st pregnancy
I had hyperemesis gravidarum with both of my pregnancies, but it definitely affected me more during my first🤢 I knew what to expect the 2nd time around and how to handle it a bit better! I knew which medicines worked for me, and how to get extra protein in my body for my growing baby!🤰🏻 I also knew
Jillian❤️‍🔥

Jillian❤️‍🔥

6 likes

non-toxic pregnancy
hello ◡̈ Using non-toxic products while pregnant is crucial for the health and well-being for both mama & baby. During pregnancy, did you know that your body is more susceptible to the harmful effects of toxic substances? These toxic substances can easily pass through the placenta and rea
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

825 likes

Pregnancy SURVIVAL GUIDE 🌸✨
hello ◡̈ Pregnancy is a crazy time in a woman's life — I mean, your body goes through some tremendous changes. It's nice to know what to expect, and it's even better to know things that will help alleviate some of the stress, pain, and discomforts! Using these super simple tips, I kno
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

384 likes

MM: Post Partum Pre-Workout Checklist ✅
1. Doctor's Approval: Before starting any abdominal exercises post-pregnancy, it's crucial to get clearance from your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual situation, including any complications from childbirth or underlying conditions, and provide personalized advice. 2.
P2 & You Children’s Skincare

P2 & You Children’s Skincare

10 likes

Things that helped me during pregnancy
Disclaimer: I wasn’t able to do any of this during the first trimester, I was glued to the bed/couch. Nothing helped my nausea. When that went away, is where this list came in! -staying active -staying comfortable -staying proactive (busy) -having a water cup at all times -prioritizing diet
Alayna

Alayna

327 likes

Own Your Dazzle ✨: Pregnancy Body Image
Keep loving on your body through all its changes and keep dazzling ✨ I don’t usually do this but I felt called to do this today. 💕✨ #itslogancuellar #pregnancy #pregnant #bodyimage #moms
⭐️ Logan Starr ⭐️

⭐️ Logan Starr ⭐️

17 likes

A mirror reflects a person's torso, with the title 'Skincare ingredients to AVOID when PREGNANT' prominently displayed. Pink flowers are visible in the foreground, setting the context for pregnancy skincare advice.
The word 'Retinol' is highlighted in red over a blurred image of a person's face. Text below explains that retinol contains high levels of vitamin A, which can harm the fetus and transfer through the placenta.
The phrase 'Essential Oils' is displayed in red over a blurred image of a person's face. Accompanying text warns that some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy as they can cause uterine contractions.
Skincare ingredients to AVOID during pregnancy 🤰🏻
There’s a lot of things that are recommended that we AVOID DURING PREGNANCY! As a woman we all love having our SKINCARE ROUTINE, but of course when you become pregnant, you might have to switch out and swap products with other alternatives! Here’s my little guide on what ingredients to AVOID du
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

96 likes

Difficult Pregnancy Symptoms I Experienced 💔
So- I had a really difficult pregnancy. I was fortunate during my first trimester, in that I didn’t have ANY morning sickness, but I got a ton of other random and not fun symptoms including congestion and heartburn that made sleeping difficult even early on, which was a shame, because I was tired A
Katie 🍋🫶🌙

Katie 🍋🫶🌙

258 likes

A family portrait featuring a woman, man, and child, with trees in the background. Text overlay reads "Incredible things your body does during: Pregnancy."
A blurred image of a person holding a child, overlaid with text explaining that the uterus expands 500x its original size by birth.
A blurred image of a person in front of a decorative door, with text explaining that during pregnancy, a new temporary organ, the placenta, grows.
Incredible things your body does during pregnancy
Our bodies during pregnancy go through crazy changes, believe it or not it’s actually pretty incredible what our bodies change into. Uterus expansion: by the end of pregnancy, getting ready to give birth, our uterus has grown by approximately 500x its originally size to accommodate baby! Ne
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

50 likes

A smiling woman with long dark hair sits at a table with a birthday cake, featuring candles and the text "Happy Birthday." The image is captioned "My Face Before IVF."
A woman with long dark hair and a man stand in front of a yellow Jeep. The woman has her arm around the man's shoulder. The image is captioned "My face during IVF."
A woman and a man sit in a car, with the woman holding blurred papers. The woman is smiling slightly. The image is captioned "My face during transfer."
Face changes during IVF and Pregnancy!
My face changed so much during IVF and Pregnancy. The swelling was so real and a sign of bigger problems. If you swell this much you are not alone… but should probably call your doctor! #ivfstory #ivf #postpartumrecovery #heartfailure #bodytransformation
abigailbcurry

abigailbcurry

1089 likes

belly oils you need during pregnancy.
these two are hands down my favorite!! i used Burt’s Bees for both of my pregnancies and Bio Oil for the last couple of months, and currently! (c section mama) these contain safe ingredients for you and baby! if you don’t plan on using these, i highly recommend searching for something that
Jenn

Jenn

258 likes

A pregnant woman in a patterned dress takes a mirror selfie, holding her baby bump. The text overlay reads, 'THINGS I WISH I DID MORE during my pregnancy,' introducing the article's theme.
A pregnant woman sits in a car with a seatbelt across her belly. A white arrow points from her bump to the word 'journal,' illustrating the wish to have journaled more during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman in a black sports bra and leggings takes a bathroom mirror selfie, showcasing her baby bump. An arrow points to the text 'take more bump pics!', reflecting a regret from her pregnancy.
THINGS I WISH I DID MORE DURING MY PREGNANCY
My daughter is eight months old now and two things I wish I did more of are journal and take pics of the bump! I so highly recommend getting a pregnancy journal!! I wrote some things down in my notes when I was pregnant but they were scattered and vague thoughts, plus there weren’t many of them
AVA WILSON

AVA WILSON

32 likes

How to build a YOGURT BOWL during pregnancy
We love a yogurt bowl for pregnancy!! 🤍 Greek yogurt offers more protein, but regular yogurt is great, too! The probiotics, calcium, and iodine content will also benefit you and your baby. ✨ Learn about other TOP FOODS FOR PREGNANCY 🤰🏽(plus the research behind why each food is important!) wh
Ryann Kipping

Ryann Kipping

16 likes

Tired during pregnancy, watch this!
#pregnancy #healthywhilepregnant #pregnancytips #pregnancyhealthcare #stayinghealthywhilepregnant
health._tipssx

health._tipssx

16 likes

A close-up of a pregnant belly with text overlay "Pregnancy Sleep or the lack there of" and "SWIPE pregnancy insomnia," indicating the topic of the post.
Text boxes listing causes of pregnancy insomnia by trimester and tips for better sleep, such as warm baths, pregnancy pillows, herbal tea, and exercise, against a blurred background of a pregnant person.
Text boxes with a common saying about sleep before baby, a humorous counterpoint, and a reminder that pregnancy insomnia is temporary, overlaid on a blurred image of a pregnant person.
the affects of insomnia during pregnancy 💤
hello ◡̈ It's extremely common for pregnant women to suffer from insomnia or some sort of interrupted sleep. Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on the body, and sometimes the pure discomfort is enough to keep mama awake all night. Additionally, the anxiety that comes with entering the unknown wor
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

240 likes

A pregnant woman in a black dress holds her belly, reflected in a mirror. A baby crib is visible in the background. The image highlights non-toxic and holistic health practices during pregnancy.
Various skincare products are displayed on a white fabric. These include a gentle facial cleanser, a clean retinol alternative, an eczema balm for dry skin, a daily facial moisturizer, an eye serum, and a clarifying mask for hormonal breakouts.
A black bottle of sleep spray is shown on a white fabric. The text indicates it's a magnesium sleep spray with simple ingredients, used on feet to help with pregnancy insomnia.
non-toxic products during pregnancy
I used almost all of these pre-pregnancy, but they’re even more important now 👶🏼🩵 lathering up in OSEA products, putting that sleep spray on then doing red light therapy?! 😮‍💨😮‍💨 #nontoxic #pregnancytiktok #lowtoxliving #nontoxicproducts #nontoxichome
Falyn Noel

Falyn Noel

58 likes

A collection of body care products, including a sugar scrub, body wash, body oil, and belly care items, arranged on a white towel. The image highlights a pregnancy body care routine to help prevent body concerns.
A hand holds a bottle of clarifying body wash, described as an unscented product for gentle cleansing to prevent breakouts and balance skin during pregnancy.
A hand holds a container of sugar scrub exfoliant, used with an exfoliating body brush to remove buildup and achieve smooth skin, as part of a pregnancy body care routine.
My Pregnancy Body Care Routine for Body Acne 🤰🏽✨
During pregnancy my skin has been changing a lot, so I’ve been focusing on a simple routine that helps keep my skin clear, smooth, and hydrated. This is my go-to everything shower when I want to reset, exfoliate, and take care of my growing belly 🤍 Step 1: Cleanse start with a gentle cleanse usi
CozyGirlMama 😎

CozyGirlMama 😎

289 likes

A pregnant woman stands barefoot on grass, with text asking "HOW OVER STERILIZATION EFFECTS PREGNANCY & BEYOND Too clean??". A green soap dispenser with bubbles is on the ground, suggesting the concept of being too clean during pregnancy.
Various baby and postpartum items are displayed on a carpet, including bottles, vitamin D drops, and postpartum briefs. Overlay text states that over-sterilization "lowers immune system" and makes one "more likely to be positive for GBS" during pregnancy.
A baby sits in a kitchen sink with water running from the faucet. Overlay text highlights that "antibiotics during labor diminishes your gut health and babies" and leads to "reduced beneficial bacteria in breastmilk," impacting baby's health.
Are you TOO clean during pregnancy?
Over sterilizing your environment and your body during pregnancy can have long term effects to your baby and you! If your environment is too clean all the time then your immune system will actually be weaker. It also diminishes your bacteria and can cause you to be positive for GBS! If you te
InnateMama

InnateMama

177 likes

The Best Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy 🌸🤰
When you’re growing a little one, your body needs extra nutrients to support both you and your baby. A good prenatal vitamin can help fill in the gaps, but it can feel overwhelming knowing which ones to choose. Here are a few key things to look for when picking the best prenatal for you:
Modern Mom | Shannon

Modern Mom | Shannon

73 likes

Pregnancy Food and Drinks to Avoid
Pregnancy causes so many changes in your body, including to your immune system 😷! Learning how foods you’d normally eat may negatively impact your baby will help you make informed decisions during your pregnancy. 🦠 🌭 🍳 🍣 ☕️ If you’re nauseous in the first trimester, these foods may not so
Stress Less Mom

Stress Less Mom

24 likes

A pregnant woman in a light outfit poses against a dark background, with the title text "Causes of ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACKS during pregnancy" overlaid.
A pregnant woman with white feathery wings kneels, illustrating "Hormonal changes" and explaining that hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can contribute to mood swings and anxiety.
A pregnant woman sits holding a bouquet, with text "Fear of labor and delivery" explaining that expecting mothers often feel anxious about childbirth, pains, complications, and their health and baby.
ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACKS during PREGNANCY
This is topic I feel that not a lot of people touch base on! Anxiety and panic attacks are more common than you might think Even women who have never had a panic attack or anxiety before may experience it more than once while you’re expecting. It’s natural and completely normal to have some
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

24 likes

A top-down view of a blue floral plate holding two slices of avocado toast and a serving of scrambled eggs. The image is overlaid with the title "Foods I Eat almost Every day During Pregnancy!"
A blue floral plate with two halves of an orange, cut side up. Text highlights that fruit provides essential vitamins and minerals, and one medium orange offers 10-15% of the daily recommended folate during pregnancy.
A blue floral plate with a piece of toast topped with egg and sauce, alongside three strawberries. Text explains that eggs provide protein, choline, and essential vitamins for fetal growth and brain development.
foods I eat daily during pregnancy!
hello ◡̈ My last pregnancy I wasn’t super focused on my eating habits. This time around, I'm making nutrition a top priority to ensure my baby gets all the essential vitamins and nutrients to develop healthily! I'm also focused on fueling my body with the right foods to support my own hea
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

168 likes

5 Surprising Habits to Stop During Pregnancy 🫶
We all know to avoid sushi and wine — but there are other everyday habits that can quietly affect your pregnancy without you realizing it. Here are a few that surprised me: 1. Overdoing the caffeine That second (or third) coffee might feel harmless, but too much caffeine can impact baby’s h
Modern Mom | Shannon

Modern Mom | Shannon

144 likes

See more