10 Powerful Images of Women Who Refuse to Hide Their Stretch Marks by A. Bailey

All females are not meant to bare children physically. Fact of the matter is, any female can be a mother to a child or any human being. Therefore, maternal instinct is not something only acquired via giving birth. However, I must admit, that carrying a child/ chidren is a priceless privilege- feeling this child/children growing within you; feeling the child/ children movements within with you; and hearing their heart beat is a symphony you will always remember.

But the reminder of pregnancy for most women can make them so insecure about their bodies. Pregnancy quickly transforms a woman's body. It can make you gain excessive weight and leave your once flawless skin with stretch marks.

I often cringe at the sight of my body in the mirror. My breasts are no longer firm and perky as they used to be - now they sag and are riddle with stretch marks. My buttocks and inner thigh are laced with stretch marks and appear to have cellulites, - and while all of the aforementioned is one of the many tell-tales of my body - I can't help but cringe at the sight of what my body looks like now.

I find myself trying to fit the mould of society- that is exercising to tone my buttocks and legs. I wear scarfs or short pants with my bikini's in an attempt to hide the stretch marks. Additionally, I have tried cocoa butter and shea butter to fade the stretch marks and even considered getting breast implants or breast augmentation - Yes! I am insecure of my body! I have tried several times to talk to myself into excepting my body, which, at most times is futile.

I realized with insecurities, we as females, we're fueling an industry that preys on the insecurities of women. Not only that, but mainstream media propels and perpetuates what the ideal body type should look like- e.g - celebrities who carry babies and magically return to their pre- pregnancy body.

This link has shown me that I am not the only female who struggles with this and that not only pregnant women go through this.