While every pregnancy is unique, it’s certain to be a life-altering experience for almost everyone. Your body is transforming itself into an amazing incubator for your little one to thrive and develop. It’s also readying itself for the powerful experience of childbirth and producing milk for your baby. You’re likely experiencing emotional and mental changes as well, feeling everything from extreme joy to crushing anxiety. With all the ups and downs, it’s easy to see how pregnancy can be an overwhelming and demanding nine-month experience. 

Though you’ll still have to push through the morning sickness, mood swings, and other aches, don’t forget that there are plenty of bonuses to enjoy during this time as well. Let’s take a closer look at the upside of what being pregnant has to offer. These pregnancy perks are worth praising.

The Medela Maternity Support Belt is designed to provide excellent comfort and enhanced control to expectant moms, as her body changes throughout the trimesters. Medela belly support band gently lifts and supports the stomach to reduce added stress against the core and back, which can help to alleviate back pain and relieve frequent pressure on the bladder.

Medela Maternity Support Belt

1. Unlimited naps

There is always a good reason to catch a little shut-eye when you’re expecting. You’re growing a brand new person, after all, and that can wear you out. Even if you’re not fully falling asleep each time, take advantage of every chance you have to lie down and rest. Your body has earned it (and you won’t have nearly as many opportunities once your baby arrives).

2. No periods

Not having to deal with a monthly period for 40 weeks is a huge free pregnancy perk for many people, particularly those who experience extreme cramps, migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

3. Enjoying more comfortable clothing

For nine glorious months, you don’t have to worry about squeezing yourself into tight jeans or wearing pumps. Enjoy the stretchy waistbands and loose-flowing tops to your heart’s content.

4. Gorgeous hair and nails and “the glow”

In pregnancy, increased numbers of hair follicles remain in the active growth phase for longer periods due to hormonal changes. For many people, this means growing some of the thickest, most luscious hair they’ve ever had. Those hormone surges and increased blood flow are also responsible for improved nail growth and a radiant “pregnancy glow” in many women. Enjoy it while it lasts!

5. The ability to cancel plans guilt-free

Are you more energized by spending time relaxing at home instead of going out? Your time has arrived! Don’t feel like making the drive to spend the weekend with relatives? Looking for a reason to bail on the company party? “Sorry, I can’t. This pregnancy has me feeling worn out.” Pregnancy is a great opportunity to nurture your inner homebody.

6. Certain medical conditions get better

While it won’t be true for everyone, many pregnant people see a noticeable improvement in some physical ailments, including acne, migraines, and some food intolerances.

7. Feeling your little one move

Without a doubt, feeling your baby move inside you for the first time is one of the coolest experiences during pregnancy. Even at the end, when it feels like they’re using your bladder for a trampoline or seem to have a little foot permanently lodged in your rib cage…there’s still something pretty cool about the experience.

8. All the attention

Not everyone sees this as a pregnancy perk, but if you love being in the spotlight, then your moment is here! Just remember that no matter how much you enjoy being the center of attention, it’s still okay to have boundaries. You don’t have to share the baby’s gender or your plans for naming if you’re not ready – and it’s definitely alright to ask people to keep their hands off your belly.

9. Developing a taste for new foods 

Pregnancy cravings are a strange beast. Dishes that never appealed to you before may suddenly be the one food you’re yearning for at midnight. Even odd food combinations can sound weirdly delicious when you’re pregnant (there’s a reason for the old “pickles and ice cream” stereotype).

10. A chance to feel body positivity and empowerment

For many people, pregnancy is an opportunity to embrace their curves and appreciate how strong and healthy they are. Even if becoming pregnant was difficult or the pregnancy itself has been challenging, you’re doing it! You’re growing and nurturing a new life inside you. Honor your amazing body.

The Mama Mio Lucky Legs Cooling Gel is designed to soothe and cool tired, heavy legs. This uplifting gel provides refreshing relief, helping to reduce puffiness in the legs, feet, and ankles. Combine with a gentle massage to comfort and soothe weary legs, for refreshed soothed skin.

Mama Mio Lucky Legs Cooling Gel

What to Do If You’re Just Not Feeling It

Obviously, not every pregnant person will experience all of these perks (or even view some of these things as “perks” at all). You’ll have plenty of days when you’re feeling tired, anxious, uncomfortable, and completely ready to be done with the whole ordeal. Mood swings are completely normal during pregnancy, but if a sense of depression or anxiety seems to be overwhelming you more days than not, you could be experiencing antepartum depression. Research indicates that about 7% of pregnant people experience depression during pregnancy.

Some symptoms of antepartum depression, like changes in sleep, energy level, appetite, and sex drive, are comparable to pregnancy symptoms. Consequently, you or your doctor might attribute these issues to your pregnancy instead of depression. Many pregnant people are hesitant to discuss their emotional ups and downs with their doctor because of the stigma surrounding depression. There’s also a propensity to concentrate more on a woman’s physical health instead of her mental health during pregnancy.

If you suspect you may be suffering from antepartum depression, speak with your doctor. Once your provider knows something is wrong, they can get you the help you need to begin feeling better. Depression is a condition that’s very treatable with therapy, medication, and lifestyle change. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. 

The Takeaway on Pregnancy Perks

Taking a moment to savor all the perks of pregnancy is a great way to mentally center yourself and push onward through the fatigue, discomfort, and mood swings. Pregnancy is wrought with an overwhelming amount of physical and emotional stress. And while it’s healthy to vent about what we’re experiencing, it’s sometimes human nature to focus only on the downsides of a situation. Taking a few moments each day to remind yourself about what you’re grateful for during pregnancy can help you feel more emotionally balanced.