I can already hear the incredulous reactions! Who in their right mind actually misses being pregnant? Let’s be honest: there’s the constant need to pee, waddling around like a duck, and gaining more weight than you’d care to admit. Not to mention the endless complaints you throw at your partner! To clarify, I don’t long for pregnancy in a “let’s do this again” way; rather, I find myself reminiscing fondly now that I don’t have to relive it. With my partner and I having officially decided against expanding our family, I’ve taken a moment to cherish the few pleasant memories from my past pregnancies. Beyond the obvious joy of welcoming a tiny human, here are some unexpected perks of being pregnant:
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Embrace Your Bodily Changes
One of the best aspects of being pregnant? You can let it all out without a care. After indulging in delicious meals (hello, second helpings!), there’s no pressure to suck in your stomach. That bump created by those guilty pleasures is celebrated as a symbol of life instead of a source of judgment. -
An Excuse to Nap Anytime
I adore naps, but I often feel guilty about taking them, believing I should be productive or spending time with loved ones. However, during pregnancy, I fully embraced my need for sleep without a hint of guilt! If anything interfered with my naptime, you’d better believe I made my displeasure known. -
A Get Out of Jail Free Card
This little card was my best friend! I utilized it frequently to dodge chores, avoid driving, and even skip social outings when I was too tired. It was liberating! -
Indulge Without Regret
While I usually eat healthily, pregnancy granted me the freedom to enjoy gelato more often than I’d like to admit. After all, you’re technically eating for two, right? That tiny life, even if it’s the size of a lemon, certainly deserves some gelato love, and I relished every bite. -
First Kicks and Flutters
There’s something incredibly special about being the first to feel those little movements. It creates a unique bond; you fall in love with your baby before anyone else does, and that connection is truly magical. -
Self-Care is Mandatory
During my pregnancies, I treated myself to regular prenatal massages, which were heavenly! I also indulged in frequent pedicures and managed to convince my partner to give me foot rubs—he didn’t stand a chance! Maybe I should consider faking an injury just to get that pampering back into my life. -
Luscious Locks
Ah, the glorious hair! Pregnancy hormones gave me thick, shiny hair that looked salon-fresh every day. Now, after pregnancy, I’m left longing for that volume and shine—why did I ever complain about it? -
The Ultimate Conversation Ender
Anytime someone whined about trivial matters, I could simply say, “I’m creating a life here! What are you up to?” It was my ultimate trump card.
For those women who glide through pregnancy with ease and cherish every moment, I genuinely admire you. My journey was filled with emotional highs and physical challenges, yet it was absolutely worth every moment—even if it was just for the guilt-free gelato and the adorable baby! If you’re exploring options for starting a family, check out this post about home insemination for guidance. You might also want to visit Make a Mom for more information about their offerings. To further your knowledge, The Center at UCSF is an excellent resource for all things pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
While pregnancy comes with its challenges, there are several aspects that I surprisingly miss now that it’s in the past. From the freedom to indulge without guilt to the special connection formed with the baby, the experience holds a unique charm.