Don't freak out, but I think I see some stretch marks," my husband whispered to me in a hushed tone. For a second, I didn't know whether to scoff or to laugh in his face. I opted for the latter.
For context, I was about eight months pregnant at that point, and had gained close to 20kg. I thought I would rock my baby bump with a modicum of Rihanna's pizzazz or Blake Lively's effortless ease, but all I could manage was a clumsy waddle.
And no, the father of my child didn't mean any harm by pointing out my newly earned tiger stripes. His delivery was awkward, but he was trying to be supportive because I had a hard time coming to terms with my pregnant body, including all the discomfort and additional weight.
Like many women, I struggled with body acceptance. I wouldn't say I was obsessed with my weight, but throughout my 20s, I would step on the scales whenever I hit the gym to check if I was still in the lower range of a healthy BMI.
And while I didn't have a superdefined muscle tone, my workouts were all designed to maintain a flat stomach - something I would check for in a full-length mirror almost daily.
Looking back, I recognise now that all of this bordered on the unhealthy. I wasn't on some physical training programme, nor did my livelihood depend on being able to fit into sample sizes. There was simply no need for me to be scrutinising my body like that.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Looking Ahead
Here are three national policies that are making an impact on our lives.
How Did Some Of The World's Iconic Chronographs Become So Famous?
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
What Are Some Fun And Interesting Ways To Wear A Leather Jacket?
Lena Kamarudin answers.
Is My Adult Acne Caused By Hormonal Changes?
Quinn Chen answers.
Is It Ever A Good Idea To Engage In Online Discourse?
Sarah Bagharib answers.
Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.
Heritage in a Bottle
Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.
BEST IN CLASS
MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.
Sneak Peek
We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.