Hello, I’m Sarah, and I absolutely cherished my time being pregnant. Yes, I know it’s not a popular opinion, akin to expressing your love for pineapple on pizza. But for me, those months were a beautiful experience. Recently, I’ve encountered so many women who couldn’t stand their pregnancy, and I often feel like the odd one out. Nevertheless, whether you adore, dislike, or feel neutral about being pregnant, here are seven valuable lessons I wish someone had shared with me during my time as an incubator for my little ones.
1. Indulge in Those Cravings
That’s right—embrace your cravings without guilt. During my first pregnancy, I found myself yearning for hearty dishes—think massive meatball subs and rich pasta. Initially, I resisted the urge to indulge in these delicious cravings and tried to stick to healthier options. But guess what? After giving birth, I still looked like I had just had a baby. So, give yourself permission to enjoy those cravings. You’re growing a human, after all!
2. It’s Okay to Take a Break
Many expectant mothers continue their daily routines as if nothing has changed. Just because you can power through doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t hesitate to use that well-earned pregnancy pass to say no to commitments when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just tell your friends, “I can’t today; I’m taking a well-deserved break.”
3. Go for Secondhand Goods
When I was preparing for my first child, I only bought brand-new items, thinking they were superior. But new items can quickly get damaged, stained, or outgrown. Instead, embrace secondhand treasures that can withstand the chaos of little ones. Just remember: buy new mattresses to avoid any creepy crawlies.
4. Ask for Help Without Guilt
I struggled with the idea of asking for help during my pregnancy. I thought I needed to manage everything myself—shopping, cleaning, and preparing. That notion is outdated. Remember, it truly takes a village, and delegating tasks is not a sign of weakness but a smart way to navigate this new chapter in your life.
5. Embrace Your Body
I loved the intimacy that pregnancy brought, yet I often felt uncomfortable in my changing body. However, my partner reminded me how beautiful I was, making me feel confident and desirable. Feeling good about yourself during pregnancy can positively impact your relationship, so don’t shy away from intimacy.
6. Invest in Maternity Wear
You have a limited time during which maternity clothes will fit you perfectly, so why not splurge a little? This is your chance to wear stylish outfits without worrying about sucking in your stomach. Plus, you can often resell those gently used pieces afterward!
7. Harness the Nesting Instinct
Nesting was one of my favorite aspects of pregnancy. Suddenly, I found myself cleaning and organizing like it was my job, a feat that I never thought I would enjoy. Take advantage of that energy—your future self will thank you for the effort put into creating a welcoming space.
The bottom line is that while your body goes through changes and challenges during pregnancy, it’s a time filled with wonder and anticipation. Soak in those moments for as long as you can, because soon enough, it’ll be all about sleepless nights and diaper changes.
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