Gemma Atkinson has been praised for an inspirational message she posted online of herself during her pregnancy. The actress and radio presenter has taken to Instagram to share how her body is changing while expecting her second child.
The star posted two pictures of herself on the social media site taken during each of her pregnancies to talk about the differences in her body. But despite being called "big" by people she knows, she welcomes the changes she is experiencing, the MEN reports.
Taking to Instagram, Gemma said: "Things I’ve learnt from my two pregnancies (first pic eight months after Mia, 2nd pic today). This is NOT an “I want my body back” post. The opposite actually.
"The change in body shape and size is the obvious. My boobs, bum, legs and belly have doubled in size. Not all clothes fit and the majority certainly aren’t comfortable. My cellulite has doubled. My coordination, balance and even memory are a little off. The veins in my boobs when I’m warm are like a road map and from sleeping only on my left side for almost six months my back is a tad sore.
"People keep reminding me how 'big' I am. Yes, I know. Believe it or not, I’m fully aware and I’m hoping to get bigger! That means little man is growing.
"My options in all of the above are to spend the nine months dwelling about not feeling or looking like myself OR show up regardless. As I am. Get s*** done, run our home, work and be present for Mia bumping along each day at a time.
"For me, nothing has taught me adaptability like pregnancy has. Or resilience, actually. It’s by far the toughest workout I’ve ever done (and my coach once made me do the CHAD wod).
"I know for all mums to be that at times it’s hard. Physically and emotionally. BUT I’m a massive believer in that I am in control of how I approach things! I’m also conscious of the fact that for now, me and my baby are one. He feels what I feel so I’m reluctant to let in the negative energies.
"For this blessing of growing my son, I’m choosing to go ALL IN. Positively."
Her message was praised by many fans and mothers online. Some even shared their own experiences of people commenting on their body during their pregnancies.
Amybowen84 commented: "The s*** pregnant women have to hear… I was 'huge, have to carrying twins, about to drop'….. Etc etc etc….I birthed a perfectly healthy little girl. Seriously people can go do one!!! Enjoy this ride, if I am lucky enough to get pregnant again I will do it very differently!!"
Condon7552 said: "By Jesus girl are you an inspirational human being. Wish Instagram and the likes of you were around when I was pregnant and not liking myself but 18 years ago when our last was born that support wasn't there. But today I love reading such positive, uplifting and hilarious funny posts from you and a few others."
M4hutch said she wished she had seen a post like Gemma's during her own pregnancy. She said: "I wish I’d read such a positive post when I was pregnant with my son!!! I got so big and swollen and everyone felt they needed to tell me! Love this post!!"
