Let's play a little game, what do these phrases have in common?

"Are you expecting twins?"...

"WOW! You look like you're a month overdue!"...

"You're huge!"...

"You're going to POP any day now!"...

You may have guessed it, but for those that didn't know, these are all statements I've heard a handful of times over the last few days from complete strangers. While I'm certain every person that uttered these words to me didn't intend to hurt my feelings - honestly, they kind of did. Then I remembered I'm a confident, beautiful woman, growing a life within my body and shook off all that negativity. If you've been pregnant before or you are currently expecting as well, you know it's tough learning to accept your body when you are carrying a child, no matter how blessed you feel so today I want to share how I've changed my mindset and hopefully I can help another mama change hers if she gets these comments from a stranger any time soon!

Now I'll agree, it's hard hearing every strangers opinion as they walk by and it's even harder watching stretch marks pop up all over the place, but the best part is you are working toward a great end result... that little baby of yours! While it's tough to learn to accept your body during any part of pregnancy, it's totally possible and it may actually be easier than you think. While I'm 9 months pregnant and the last comment listed above may be the truest of the four, I've finally learned to accept my body the way it is and I want to share a few ways I've mastered this "art":

1. Let yourself enjoy pregnancy. This may be the easiest and the hardest part of pregnancy. I love every single second that I'm pregnant, but at the same time things get a bit uncomfortable during your 9th month of pregnancy. I've learned to just let your mind accept that your body knows what it's doing and that you can't compare your bump to your besties, you both are two different people so it only makes sense that your bumps are different. Whether your bump is the size of a planet or tiny, appreciate the fact that you are growing a life within it and embrace the beauty of knowing it will all be over fairly soon. Take photos weekly and embrace watching the beauty that is growing within your body!

2. Wear undergarments that make you feel confident and dare I say sexy. I recommend Hanes, simply because they keep me comfortable, cool, and confident during these warm summer months.

With the amazing Get Cozy ComfortFlex Fit Wire-Free bra it's easy to feel cozy and cool, plus with a versatile style I feel like I can wear my favorite bra with any outfit and not worry about how I look. Offering a sleek silhouette that doesn't show under any outfit, pull-over comfort, and a $9.99 price tag, I'm totally in love with this bra and will be rocking it postpartum, no doubt about it!

With that said, my new Ultimate Comfy Support ComfortFlex Fit Wire-Free Bra is also another new favorite of mine. With lining on the cups to protect myself from pregnancy mishaps or the non-pregnant woman from an awkwardly cold situation and a versatile look to build on, I'm in love with how comfortable these bras are and I highly recommend you look into adding one into your undergarment collection.

Now I suppose I can get to the point and share what all pregnant women want to hear, my underwear have been upgraded to ultimate comfort without sacrificing cuteness. My new Hanes Cool Comfort underwear may be the most important part of staying confident while pregnant. Available in Bikini and Hipster styles I'm always able to stay comfy without sacrificing my confidence, leaving me feeling beautiful! The best part is the Cool Comfort wicking fabric keeps you cool while providing all day comfort, plus the super soft cotton is just what any woman wants in a pair of undies... additionally, you can't find a better deal on panties, with a price point of $13 for a pack of six I'll be stocking up on these beauties to make me feel "comfydent" even after baby arrives!

3. Concentrate on the end result - your baby! While it's easier said than done, spend more time worrying about baby than your body shape. Spend a few hours shopping for clothes for baby or maybe take the time to organize babies items in their closet, it's easy to distract yourself from worrying about your growing waistline with so much to be done for the baby on the way!

4. Educate yourself. Instead of worrying if your belly is the right size, learn about it. Spend a few minutes finding books that will help you master the art of pregnancy, then read all you can about the stage of pregnancy you are currently in.



5. Stay active! While walking is more like waddling at this point, I suggest you take a few minutes each day to walk around the block or even around your favorite place to shop. If walking is too much, spend a few minutes doing some yoga, even if it's just a pose in the morning and a pose at night. It may not seem like much, but the activity is good for you and baby and it'll keep your mind off how round your bump is while also helping your body digest food, circulate blood, increase oxygen flow, etc.

6. Spend time with your husband, spouse, partner, or whatever you call your other half. Tell him about how you're feeling and I bet he's smart enough to let you know that he truly loves you and your belly, it doesn't matter what shape it is or how round it gets...
There you have it, six different ways you can learn to embrace your growing baby bump and gain confidence. I know it's easier said than done, but take it from a girl who has heard every questionable statement from a stranger during her pregnancy... it's okay to love your body while pregnant and even better, be confident! Rock what your mama gave you and what you're giving your baby!

So tell me, have you been in the same boat as me? Are you currently? I'd love to hear how you kept your cool and remained confident during your pregnancy, especially during the third trimester - leave me a comment telling me all about it below or share this post with others and use the hashtag #BeComfydent!