Nobody warned me that I’d love being pregnant

Before I became pregnant, I heard so many horror stories about pregnancy that I mentally braced myself for what I thought would be the most miserable nine months of my life. I quickly realized that the well-intentioned mamas who tried to prepare me weren’t exaggerating about the physical and mental challenges of this extraordinary journey. (But, I’ve realized, they were leaving out a lot of the fun, surprising-in-a-good-way, amazing parts of pregnancy.)

The challenges are there—believe me. Nausea (and not just in the morning). Extreme fatigue. Body parts that ache 24/7. Food aversions. Labored breathing. Running to the restroom before I leave the house only to realize five minutes into a car ride that, yep, I needed to pee again.

Unsolicited comments on everything from the appearance of my bump to whether or not my husband and I were “trying” to why we weren’t finding out the gender of our unborn child. The roller coaster of emotions—laughing one second then crying the next. A little voice of self-doubt whispering whether I truly have what it takes to be a good mother.

But the most shocking development of all is that I have never felt more empowered, powerful and confident in my own skin. And—dare I say it—I have never felt sexier than I do now at 20 weeks pregnant. ?

My growing bump is a source of pride. My husband makes it a point every single day to crouch down to kiss my belly and to marvel at the life we’ve created. I feel blessed to be able to bring a child into this world, and all of the other sacrifices pale in comparison.

Tracking my baby’s progress each week has given me a newfound appreciation for the strength of the female body—beautiful in all its stages. There is something so liberating about focusing on the incredible feats it can accomplish instead of merely what it looks like on the outside.

It wasn’t always this way, though. In the beginning, after confirming the life-changing news, I was euphoric but overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. The reflection in the mirror felt as uncomfortably foreign and intimate to me as staring into a stranger’s eyes.

With how-big-can-they-possibly-get breasts (little did I know…), painful acne, widening hips, and a bloated belly reminiscent of the freshman fifteen (it took a longer time than I imagined to develop that cute bump), I was taken aback by this traumatizing second puberty.

It was a far cry from my bikini-clad figure just a few months prior during our summer vacation in Europe. I was in that awkward in-between stage where old clothes no longer fit yet I was swimming in maternity items.

Two months after finding out I was pregnant, we celebrated my husband’s best friend’s wedding. I recall contorting and panting to get a floor-length black gown over my newly-earned curves, nervous my body would betray the secret that I held close to my heart.

Rather than playing it safe sitting in the corner, I abandoned all of my insecurities to dance the night away with my oldest and dearest friends, and indulge a little too much in the dessert hour (pregnancy does have its perks!). My happiness must have been palpable because a few people stopped in their tracks to tell me I had never looked better.

It wasn’t until I surrendered control, and started owning the miracle within me that my mindset drastically shifted.

We don’t lose our beauty overnight when we become mothers. If anything, it magnifies tenfold because of the life we are carrying.

We don’t have to choose between being motherly OR sexy, fierce, career-driven, funny—we can still be *all* of those things. ? Even if our entire wardrobe now consists of leggings (FTW!) and underwire bras are a distant memory.

So mamas, the next time you get down on your appearance during pregnancy:

Remember that your body knows exactly what it’s doing to nourish and develop this remarkable little person that you have dreamed about for so long. (Ditch the scale—you don’t need a number to tell you what you’re worth.)

Remember that when your partner tells you that you look beautiful, you should believe them. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people and energy during this time.

Remember that you deserve to splurge on some maternity items that are super comfortable, fit well, and make you feel more like your fabulous self.

Remember that watching our bodies transform is so many things—confusing, awkward, wild, amazing, and empowering. It’s totally okay to loathe the process but love the hard-earned outcome.

Although you might not believe it now, one day you might look down at your tummy and miss those precious kicks and movements. It’s going to be over before you know it.

And, mama, mostly what I want you to remember is that motherhood looks amazing on you.

5 more reasons to love pregnancy

Increased Libido

Pregnancy hormones can lead to an increase in libido for some women. This period can be a time of increased intimacy and connection with your partner. It’s another aspect of pregnancy that some women find enjoyable and appreciate.

“For some women, their breasts become more sensitive and their vulva becomes engorged with the increased blood flow to the pelvic area, leading to a higher sex drive.”

Extra Sleep

Pregnancy often comes with fatigue, which means more sleep! It’s a time when you can guiltlessly indulge in extra hours of sleep, afternoon naps, or simply putting your feet up to relax. Sleep is not only necessary for your body to function; it’s also a time when you can have vivid dreams, thanks to pregnancy hormones.

“The amount of water in your body increases by 6 to 8 litres and your blood volume increases by 50 percent when you’re expecting. Carrying all that extra fluid around as well as the additional weight you gain can run you ragged.”

The Joy

Despite the physical discomforts and emotional ups and downs, pregnancy brings immense joy. The anticipation of meeting your baby, the happiness of setting up the nursery, the excitement of each prenatal visit, and the thrill of feeling your baby move – all these experiences contribute to the inexplicable joy of pregnancy.

“You will find yourself amazed with all that your body can do. After all, you are growing a baby inside of you. You’ll feel like Superwoman for having this miraculous ability to procreate.”

9. The Bond with Your Partner

Pregnancy is a shared journey with your partner. Seeing your partner’s excitement, supportiveness, and love for the baby you’re carrying can deepen your relationship. It’s a time when you can see a different, tender side of your partner, which makes the journey even more special.

“Your relationship will change as you become parents together – no doubt about that – and this is especially true for first-time moms, but it’s also amazing to see a new side of our partner we’ve never gotten to see before.”

The Break from Your Period

One of the underrated perks of pregnancy is the break from your menstrual cycle. For women who usually have a difficult time with their cycle, this hiatus can be a relief.

“Especially for those of us that typically have a hard time with their menstrual cycles, taking a break from your period can be both liberating and relieving… enjoy it while it lasts!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to enjoy pregnancy?

Yes, many women find pregnancy to be a joyful and exciting time. Enjoying pregnancy is entirely normal and varies from person to person.

Why is being pregnant so beautiful?

Pregnancy is often seen as beautiful because it represents new life and the strength of the human body. The glow, the growth, and the anticipation of a new family member can bring joy and beauty.

Is it normal to love your unborn baby?

Absolutely. Many expectant parents feel a deep bond and love for their unborn baby as they prepare for parenthood.

Which trimester is the hardest?

This can vary. Some find the first trimester hardest due to nausea and fatigue. Others find the third trimester challenging due to size and discomfort. It depends on the individual’s experience.

Does pregnancy age your face?

Pregnancy can lead to temporary changes like melasma or “pregnancy mask,” but these usually fade after delivery. Long-term aging from pregnancy is not typically a concern.

Why is pregnancy so arousing?

Increased blood flow, hormonal changes, and emotional shifts can all contribute to heightened arousal during pregnancy.

What is the best age to have a baby physically?

Women are typically most fertile and have the fewest medical complications between the ages of 20 and 35. However, many factors, including personal and medical considerations, should be taken into account.

Does childbirth age you?

Childbirth is a significant physical event but doesn’t necessarily “age” you. However, parenting can be demanding and affect sleep and stress levels.

Do your hips stay wider after pregnancy?

Some women experience permanent changes in their body shape after pregnancy, including wider hips. This varies from person to person.

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