Olivia Bowen has hit back at body shamers during her pregnancy, explaining she's been 'shocked' at how many people feel the need to comment on the size of a woman's baby bump.
Taking to her Instagram story, Olivia, 27, said she was surprised by how many people think it's 'ok to comment on how big or small' a woman is while she's carrying her baby.
"It's actually shocking how suddenly a woman is pregnant and it's then ok to comment on how big or small she is," Olivia wrote.
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"It's SO weird. I know majority of the time no malice is meant at all and it's something that is just accepted. I feel like it's not really anyone's fault, but when you actually think about it it's so weird that all of a sudden because you're pregnant your body is up for discussion and people telling you 'omg look how big you got' or 'wow you're too small surely?' is ok?"
Olivia went on to explain that 'bump shaming' can be especially difficult for mums who struggle with anxiety or body dysmorphia.
"We can be triggered by words about our bodies," Olivia continued.
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"I think if you have/had issues with body dysmorphia or your body in general these comments can get to you regardless if they're about your bump.
"If you've struggled with your body image, hearing 'wow you're getting big/you're so small' will possibly trigger you.
"Also I know so many ladies that suffer with anxiety and health anxiety or even are just anxious about carrying their baby who would worry about being 'too small' or 'too big'.
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Olivia recently opened up to Tyla about how pregnancy has left her feeling 'like a different person'.
"[In the past] I'd never felt so maternal, I never thought this was a road I would be so excited to be going down. I was a party animal and a horse rider, and when I became pregnant I had to stop some of that and it is quite a hard transition," she said.
"Obviously you do it with a huge grin on your face because you’re about to have a baby and that’s massive, but it is such a big change and people underestimate what you go through mentally and as a person.
"I’ve literally felt like a different human, and it’s a lot to take on, especially for someone like me who has struggled with anxiety and depression."
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Olivia and husband Alex announced they were expecting their first child together at the start of the year, with the Love Island couple set to welcome their new arrival in June.
You can read more here.
Lucy Devine