"Pregnancy already asks a body to change quickly and visibly. For individuals with a history of an eating disorder, those changes can bring up vulnerability, grief, pride, fear, or all of the above. Then, layered on top of that, come the external voices."
"Even comments that sound positive can reinforce the idea that a body is being evaluated, tracked, and compared. And when someone reaches out to touch a belly without permission, it sends a clear message: your body is no longer fully yours."
"Your experience of your body matters more than anyone else's commentary on it. You are allowed to protect your space, your privacy, and your peace, even during pregnancy."
Pregnant bodies often become public property, leading to intrusive comments and unsolicited touch that can be harmful, especially for those with a history of eating disorders. Positive remarks can still reinforce harmful body monitoring. It is essential for individuals to reclaim their experience and protect their space, privacy, and peace. Prepared responses can help navigate these situations, allowing for boundary-setting without being unkind. This approach fosters a more trusting relationship with one's body during pregnancy.
Read at Psychology Today
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