Pregnancy: The good, the bad and the lovely

The good

1 - The baby moves

There is no moment more magical than the first time your little one starts swimming inside you. The little kicks are invisible signs that he is there and that you will meet soon. No matter how much tired you are, or how uncomfortable you feel, you will be elated with joy once you feel those kicks.

2 - Continous excitement

The is not a single boring moment throughout pregnancy. There is always something going on with your body and mind. Each week you will start noticing pregnancy symptoms that were not there before, so you will have a never-ending excitement.

3 - A break from your menstrual cycle

Nine months without periods, PMS symptoms, cramps, and all the discomfort is like a vacation. This is one of the best perks of being pregnant.

4 - Beautiful hair and skin

The hormonal changes your pregnant body experiences are like an elaborate trip to the spa. Your hair will be thick and shiny, and you will have that gorgeous pregnancy glow that will make your skin clear and smooth.

5 - Sensational events

Whether it’s the numerous shopping trips to buy baby essentials, or pregnancy needs, planning for the gender reveal party, the thrill you will live during your baby shower, or the star-like experience you will have during your pregnancy photoshoot, you will enjoy these unique moments only while pregnant. So live them to the fullest.

The bad

1 - Nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness is one of the early pregnancy symptoms and one of the longer-lasting ones. Nausea can last through the whole first trimester. In some cases, women suffer from frequent vomiting also known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum a condition also suffered by Kate Middleton during her first pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting happen due to the hormonal changes your body undergoes during pregnancy. As a result, many women lose their appetite for food, leading them to lose weight at first. These conditions can be managed through dietary changes, eating small light meals, and even medication prescribed by your doctor.

2 - Loss or increase in appetite

As mentioned earlier nausea and vomiting can lead to a loss in appetite for food, in addition to the hormonal changes that happen early in your pregnant days. An unusual experience in appetite, accompanied by bizarre cravings can happen during pregnancy. As the taste buds are directly affected by your hormones, this increase in appetite might lead to unwanted weight gain, which is never positively welcomed by women.

3 - Mood swings and baby blues

The fluctuations happening to the levels of Estrogen and Progesterone in your body will have a direct impact on your mental wellbeing. Therefore, many pregnant women suffer from mood swings and baby blues. The increased anxiety related to the baby’s safety and the fear of delivery might sometimes escalate the passing baby blues into pregnancy depression. If you feel sadness or loss of interest, talk to your doctor, and ask for a referral to see a mental health expert. Be your own advocate and rally for the support of your husband, family, and friends to overcome this difficulty.

4 - Not finding adequate clothes

You won’t fit into your favorite jeans as early as the start of the second trimester. Maternity clothes are not always stylish; hence many women struggle in finding nice clothes to wear while pregnant. Keep an eye out for the latest trends and shop the experienced brands in maternity clothes to rock that pregnant body and look your best.

5 - Insomnia and sleep problems

The various pregnancy symptoms, your growing belly, the continuous hormonal change, and the pregnancy-related stress and anxiety are all causes of sleep problems during pregnancy. Use a pregnancy pillow, and practice relaxation, and stretching exercises before going to bed for a better sleep experience.

The lovely

1 - You will start connecting with your baby even before you meet

Your baby can hear your voice, how awesome is that! You can talk to your unborn child and connect with them before you meet. This connection will keep growing to turn into the best relationship in your life.

2 - You will experience unconditional love for the first time

You haven’t seen your baby, held them, or known what time of person they will be, and yet your heart is bursting with love and emotion, you will learn that this is the love of your life.

3 - You will set your priorities straight

That promotion you always wanted, or that car you always dream about, even that diamond ring you always admire, will suddenly become futile. Your top priority is suddenly this child and this family. Which makes pregnancy the best reality check a woman will ever have.

4 - A new body perspective

You will look at your body in a different way. It is no longer the filling of a nice outfit; it is a vessel of life and a haven for your child. Pregnancy is an experience that promotes body positivity among women.

5 - You will appreciate your mother more

It takes a mother to appreciate another! You will be more thankful and understanding of your mother. Your relationship with her will be upgraded now you are more than mother and daughter, now you are fellow mothers and are walking together down the beautiful motherhood journey.

Also read: Introducing Omooma: Empowering women through knowledge