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Radhika Apte is in the limelight for a stunning maternity photoshoot she conducted just a week before giving birth to her baby girl. While the ‘Sacred Games’ actress has often been in the spotlight for her work, Radhika has kept her pregnancy largely private until now, revealing her baby bump in a beautiful shoot for a magazine. In the conversation, she also shared the struggles in her third trimester and dealing with body image issues. We talked to our expert, Nanda Botadkar, an InnerMost Shift Coach, to get some advice for mothers facing similar challenges.
“I had never seen myself put on so much weight”: Radhika Apte
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For Vogue, the 39-year-old actress did a photoshoot in her third trimester. Precisely a week before the date of delivery of her daughter. Radhika Apte showcased her baby bump with elegance, opting for a monochromatic theme that highlighted her natural glow. "I struggled to embrace how I looked at the time. I had never seen myself put on so much weight... my body was swollen," she said. The statement highlights the issues which many women face in their third trimester.
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How To Deal With Body Image Issues In the Third Trimester?
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According to Nanda Botadkar, ICF InnerMost Shift Coach, the biggest pride for a woman is giving birth to a baby. “Yet today, with women out working in different fields where body looks are as important as the sharp intellectual mind, the changing body image during pregnancy especially in the third trimester can feel overwhelming,” she said.
Our expert suggested shifting focus from appearance to purpose to transform experience and shared a few tips to nurture a positive mindset:
- Celebrate Your Body: Your body is performing a miracle—creating life. Remind yourself daily with affirmations like, “My body is powerful and beautiful for nurturing my baby.”
- Gratitude Ritual: Each evening, write down one thing you appreciate about your body’s ability. It could be as simple as feeling your baby move or marvelling at your body’s strength. Gratitude shifts focus from criticism to appreciation.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Curate your social media feed to include empowering images and stories of real motherhood. Avoid accounts or media promoting unrealistic body standards.
- Comfort Meets Confidence: Invest in maternity clothes that feel amazing and fit well. Choose outfits that highlight your favourite features, helping you feel more at ease and confident.
- Open Conversations: Share your feelings with trusted friends or join a support group for moms. Hearing others’ stories reminds you that you’re not alone and helps normalize the experience.
“Remember, these changes are temporary and purposeful—your body is a vessel of life, strength, and love. Embrace the miracle of creation. We are blessed to be women,” adds our expert, Nanda Botadkar.
Common Changes Women Notice In the Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is often considered a very difficult phase in a woman’s life. During this period, not only the weight of the baby in the womb is increasing, but it is also growing in size. By this time the child becomes bigger than before and the discomfort of the pregnant woman often increases because slowly the day of her delivery is coming closer.
According to UNICEF, every woman's pregnancy journey is different and its symptoms can also be different. The experience of the third trimester is completely different compared to the previous two trimesters. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below.
- Heartburn
- Piles
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Swelling in legs, hands, and face
Takeaway
Radhika Apte's recent maternity photoshoot highlights the challenges of the third trimester while celebrating the beauty of pregnancy. By candidly sharing her struggles with body image, she encourages women to embrace their physical changes and focus on the miracle of life. With expert advice on fostering a positive mindset, Radhika inspires expectant mothers to appreciate their strength and beauty during this transformative journey.