I Gained 50 Pounds Pregnant — Here’s Why Being Kind to Myself Changed Everything

Have you ever felt the pressure to 'bounce back' after pregnancy? You’re definitely not alone. I recently came across a heartfelt article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy and found a surprising path to reclaiming her fitness — not by rushing, but by being kinder to herself. You can read her story here, but I wanted to share some reflections that really hit home for anyone on a journey to motherhood, whether you’re pregnant now or hoping to be someday soon. It’s about redefining what strength and progress can look like after pregnancy — especially when fertility and family-building journeys don’t always go as planned.

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