Trigger Warning: Pregnancy

Feeling pressure to “get your body back” while you’re still growing a human? Let’s not. In this honest episode, Kelly shares her current pregnancy journey—including the physical struggles, mental shifts, and how she’s rewriting the narrative around weight gain and motherhood.

Pregnancy #1: CrossFit Queen Turns NICU Warrior

Ahh, pregnancy #1. I was glowing. I was working out. I was doing modified CrossFit the night before my water broke at 35 weeks. My uterus basically said, “Surprise! Early checkout!”

I felt amazing — until, five days postpartum, I casually walked myself to the ER because I couldn’t breathe. Turns out I had postpartum preeclampsia, a condition no one talks about until you’re nearly stroking out in a hospital gown, wondering why five doctors are sprinting toward you like it’s the finale of Grey’s Anatomy.

Pregnancy #2: The Sprint Heard ‘Round the Neighborhood

Enter child #2. I was tired but hanging in there… until my toddler made a break for the street and I instinctively sprinted after him like a mama gazelle. Except, unlike a gazelle, I tore a ligament down below. (Yep, I felt it snap. Right there in the yard. Zero stars. Do not recommend.)

Turns out, I was unintentionally auditioning for the role of “Most Dramatic Pelvic Injury in a Suburban Front Lawn.”

Spoiler: I got the part.

Pregnancy #3: AKA I Am 27 Weeks Pregnant but Feel 85

This pregnancy? Oh, she’s built different.

For the first time, I’m pregnant in July and August. Translation: I am sweating in places I didn’t know existed. And guess what? The pelvic pain is back. Like an ex who just won’t take the hint.

I’m rotating between heating pads, ice packs, and questionable lunges that have me whispering, “I’ve made a huge mistake” mid-rep. And while I do see a pelvic floor therapist (bless her), I also apparently thought weighted walking lunges were a good idea. They were not.

Let’s Talk About the Weight Gain, Shall We?

Here’s the truth: I’ve gained the most weight with this pregnancy.

I don’t weigh myself (my scale and I are on a permanent break), but I feel it. My hips feel it. My pubic bone definitely feels it.

And you know what? I’m okay.

Not jumping-for-joy okay — more like cranky-but-coping okay.

I’m not one of those women who say, “My body is a temple, and I love every stretch mark like a tattoo of motherhood.” No. I’m more like, “This hurts, I’m tired, and my maternity leggings are hanging on for dear life.”

And while I’m grateful — so grateful — to be growing this little human, I’m also really over turning in bed like I’m in a wrestling match with my own pelvis.

The Whole “Get Your Body Back” Lie

Let’s clear something up: You didn’t lose your body. It’s not stuck in the lost and found between your pre-baby jeans and your dignity from that one OB appointment.

Your body never left. It just evolved — like a Pokémon with more back pain and fewer bathroom breaks (kidding, there are way more bathroom breaks).

So instead of vowing to “get my body back,” I’m saying this:
I will do the best I can with the circumstances I’m given.

Some days, that’s a short walk and a salad. Other days, it’s heating pads and Netflix with a side of chocolate chips.

And both are valid.

Real Talk for the Mama (or Future Mama) Reading This

If you’re pregnant and feeling like a walking hot flash with a side of self-doubt, I see you.

If you’re not pregnant but dealing with the weight of life (literal or emotional), this still applies:
You’re allowed to honor your current season — even if it doesn’t look cute on Instagram.

So let’s drop the pressure. Let’s stop saying “get my body back” like our bodies ghosted us. And let’s start saying:
✨ I’m putting my mental and physical health first.
✨ I’m doing my best with what I’ve got.
✨ And I reserve the right to sob into a grilled cheese at any time.

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That’s all for today, friend. If you related to this hot mess (pregnancy edition), send me a DM @kellylwellness — tell me your story, your pelvic injury, or just that you too cried while trying to put on compression socks.

We’re in this together. 💛

Follow me for daily tips on Instagram! @kellylwellness

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