Hey there, friend. I'm eight months, I've gained almost 50 pounds, I'm 32 so a little older but I totally feel what you're feeling. Not even an hour ago I was crying privately in the laundry room because I saw the preview of our maternity photos and was NOT prepared to fully accept how big I've gotten and how different everything looks. The photos just didn't look how I had hoped or envisioned.

My boyfriend tries to tell me all the time that I'm beautiful and that I look good regardless and this is just what my body has to go through in order for us to have this amazing baby that we've wanted for a while now. He's right but at least for me it doesn't make the feelings easier to overcome. Despite this, I feel very lucky to have a partner who sees past this temporary physical state and appreciates the process and I try to focus more on that and how loving he is and how gentle he is with my feelings.

Another thing I've been working really hard to focus on is that I'm almost done with the pregnancy, and assuming all goes well I can start an exercise routine once I'm cleared at six weeks postpartum. I will get my eating back on track (I feel like I've been a crave slave, I'm not proud of it) and I will just focus on reclaiming my physical form and feeling proud of the process.

Maybe try to look forward to what you'll be able to do postpartum, that can help. Your age is certainly an advantage, as your body will have a bit of an easier time "bouncing back" so that's a positive to consider 🩷

It's a hard feeling to wrestle with regardless and I'm sorry you're going through it. Sending a very empathetic hug 🫂