Gemma Atkinson said she “couldn’t be more proud” of her body, despite how much it has changed since she’s been pregnant. 

Sharing two photos of herself – pre-pregnancy compared to now – the mum-to-be wrote she has “softer arms, puffier face, bigger ass and thighs, bigger belly,  more cellulite – and boobs like the Mitchell brothers”. 

But, Atkinson said, it means her body is working to grow her baby. She shared the message in response to comments she has received from mums saying they are struggling with the changes in their bodies. 

“Admittedly, it is hard at first especially if like me, you were / are a gym bunny,” she wrote. “However, if you change your way of thinking and realise firstly that pregnancy is a beautiful privilege denied to many woman, so be grateful you have this opportunity, things do start to become easier.”

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Atkinson said the minute she found out she was expecting, everything became about the baby and not her appearance. 

She has continued training, but not to the extent she was pre-pregnancy. “On the odd day I’ve felt fed up at not being able to run or lift heavy or have a good sweat on after training I’ve reminded myself that it’s temporary and that my baby is growing well and that fed up feeling disappears in seconds,” she wrote.

[Read More: Let’s start a movement and tell mums their bodies are beautiful just as they are]

Giving advice to other mum, she said to do whatever works best for you. “Woman are incredibly strong, the last nine months I’ve learnt that even more so,” she added .“We got this. So to the ladies currently struggling with the changes soldier on. It’ll all be worth it when little man or little lady arrives knowing their mum is a total warrior woman.”

Commenting on the post, one woman wrote: “You look happy and healthy and that’s most important, but thanks for sharing such a vital message to mums.”

Another wrote: “Absolutely agree with you there, and you look amazing. I love reading your posts as I am in the same journey! Good luck with baby.”