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PHYSICAL NEEDS

Your body rn

A guide to common physical changes in early pregnancy, with tips for navigating symptoms and caring for your body.

This part of our Whole Self Approach™ invites you to reflect on what is happening in your body, including stress, health, and physical needs during this time.

It’s normal to feel uneasy about the changes happening in your body. You might not feel your best right now or be worried about your appearance changing. You may be wishing things could go back to the way they were before your were unexpectedly pregnant. But remember:

  • Your body is strong and resilient.
  • These symptoms are not permanent.
  • Your body will not always look or feel the way it does right now.
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Take Care of Yourself—It’s Okay

Right now, your body is going through a lot. Hormones are shifting, and you might feel physically and emotionally drained. It’s okay to take time for yourself.

Pregnancy symptoms can appear quickly, sometimes within weeks, and if this is your first time experiencing them, they may feel overwhelming. While you might not be visibly pregnant, changes are happening inside your body.

Early physical changes you might notice

Every pregnancy is different, but some common early symptoms include:

Feeling unwell or “off”

Fatigue and low energy

Nausea or morning sickness

Tender breasts

Sensitivity to smells

Food cravings or aversions

Headaches and mood swings

Frequent urination

Dizziness

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EXERCISE

Meeting Your Body with Curiosity

Our bodies are often the first place we notice change, but the feelings we carry about our bodies usually began long before today.

This exercise is an invitation to slow down and notice what is happening beneath the surface.

Our feelings about our bodies rarely begin with pregnancy. Most of us have been carrying beliefs, insecurities, and expectations for years. This moment may simply be bringing them to the surface.

As you move through this exercise, notice your thoughts without trying to judge or change them.

Finish these sentences:

  • Growing up, I learned that a woman’s body should…
  • The part of my body I think about most is…
  • I feel most confident in my body when…
  • I feel least confident in my body when…

Think about your current situation.

Without deciding whether these thoughts are “good” or “bad,” complete the sentence:

“When I think about my body right now, I worry that…”

Write until you run out of worries.

Then finish the thought:

“I hope that…”

Read what you wrote.

Circle any words that relate to:

  • attractiveness
  • control
  • health
  • identity
  • acceptance
  • judgment
  • femininity
  • strength
  • belonging

Ask yourself:

“What matters most to me about my body?”

Not what it looks like.
Not what others think.

What does it represent?

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Take care of yourself

Early pregnancy often comes with real physical symptoms. That is completely normal. Physical changes can add up, so knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself can help make this time more manageable. Give yourself permission to take extra care of yourself right now. You are worth it.

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WANT TO KEEP EXPLORING YOUR NEEDS?

Unexpected pregnancy can impact many areas of your life. Every part of your life that matters to you is allowed to be considered here. Explore each one now.

Learn more
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