The 40 amazing weeks of pregnancy can bring various struggles for some women yet produce innumerable reasons for joy.
Most incredible of all, pregnancy creates a human being and solidifies a connection between a mother and child.
Enjoy your pregnancy journey and find joy in the following places.
The First Time You Feel Baby
The quickening, or the first time you feel the baby move inside of you, is one of the most magical moments a woman can experience during her pregnancy.
What starts as an indescribable, almost ticklish sensation ends in the realization that this is your child.
And you are a mother. Pure joy!
Glam Hair and Nails
Due to an influx of hormones like estrogen and androgen, many women experience changes in their hair and nails.
Most notice positive changes – hair that becomes thicker, shinier, and requires less washing. Their nails also grow quickly and are stronger.
These changes, unfortunately, aren’t permanent, as the hormone levels decline once you deliver your baby. So enjoy these differences while they last.
People Will Want to Help
Maybe it’s an evolutionary instinct, but when most people look at pregnant women, they want to do something to help.
Be prepared to have the door held open, to be offered a place to sit in a busy building, or to be asked to take someone’s spot in line, all because you’re pregnant.
This is one of the best perks of being a pregnant woman.
And honestly, it is tough lugging a baby around in your belly all day, so make sure you take some of these people up on their offers to help!
Pregnancy Glow
Back to those hormones – changes in your levels will likely increase the amount of oil your skin secretes to give you that lovely shine.
Additionally, greater blood volume maximizes the amount of blood to your vessels, which increases your flushed appearance.
Pregnancy glow makes your skin look fabulous, so enjoy the results during those nine months.
Baby Showers
Who doesn’t love opening gifts? Chances are you’ll be receiving many for your little one, especially if you have a baby shower.
Make sure to register for gifts at Target or Amazon.
Both stores have extensive guides to help you select what supplies you’ll need. Hint – lots of diapers and wipes to get you started.
Another gift you might not think to register for is teether rings, mittens, and necklaces.
While your baby might not start cutting teeth until four to six months, it’s wise to have teething products available earlier just in case.
Teething can be a painful and challenging process for infants, so do a bit of research on the best products available for your little one.
Seeing Your Baby on the Monitor
The first time you see your baby on a monitor, around 20 weeks, brings such a rush of emotions – happiness, wonder, and excitement for the future.
That’s an image of your infant, and in just 20 more weeks, you’ll be meeting them in person.
There’s such joy in that realization!
Starting to Plan for Your Little One
One of the greatest joys of pregnancy is getting to plan for your little one’s arrival.
From setting up your child’s nursery to determining the best pediatric dentist in your area, take your time preparing for your baby.
Embrace the nesting instinct head-on and get to work, ensuring you have enough diapers and supplies for your baby’s first month.
Put all clothing away in drawers or closets.
To decorate the room, hang pictures on the wall and toys on shelves.
Having your baby’s nursery set up will bring you joy and make their soon-to-be arrival all the more real.
Indulging in Those Cravings
Everyone says it – “you’re eating for two!” Your daily caloric needs will increase during pregnancy, on average by 500 calories.
However, it varies for each woman based on their metabolic rate and daily caloric expenditure.
So why not live a little? Indulge a craving or two, no matter how crazy they may seem.
Your body may be trying to communicate with you that you need a specific nutrient by nudging you towards particular food.
So listen to your cravings. Just stay away from sushi, soft cheeses, undercooked and deli meats, as eating these foods could cause bacterial contamination.
Talking With Baby
One of the perks of being a mother is that you bond with your baby from the first day.
Once you find out you’re pregnant, you can start talking to your infant.
Studies have shown many benefits to talking with your baby while in utero, one of which is to help the infant recognize the maternal bond following delivery.
Another advantage of talking to your baby daily is that it assists their language and speech development.
It may seem like a crazy one-sided conversation, but try speaking to your infant, especially during the last ten weeks. Partners can get involved too!
Either way, it’s a joy to establish a bond with your little one before they’ve even been delivered.
The Joys of Pregnancy
While your body goes through various changes during pregnancy – some amazing, some challenging – there are so many joys accompanying the differences.
The best of all is the bond between mother and baby.
Enjoy your pregnancy!