Being pregnant is such a joy.

It really is.

We get to grow life inside of us; feeling babies move and our bodies change to accommodate all the stages of motherhood—it’s truly a fascinating life experience.

And here are some of the other unexpected perks.

1. Not drinking.

Giving up alcohol surely has advantages, and not just for our growing baby.

I notice that I sleep better and deal with stress more effectively in general. (An evening yoga practice or a walk after dinner anyone?)

2. We get to buy new clothes.

Admittedly, this one is actually annoying me right now.

Nothing fits except for yoga pants—I never thought I’d get sick of always wearing yoga pants.

Still, it’s nice to be able to pick out spring dresses or summer jogging skirts and not feel so guilty about the price tag.

3. We eat better.

There’s nothing to motivate healthy eating like a baby in your belly.

To be fair, I generally eat conscientiously. Personally, I’m more into not eating processed foods than I am another particular diet. However, pregnancy is the time to eat the best quality food that we can afford and have access to. (Fresh fruit at the local market has never looked—or tasted—so good.)

4. Siestas.

Okay, I’m pregnant with my second child, so napping is limited.

The first time around, I napped nearly every day in between teaching yoga classes—and I felt wonderful from it. But, even though my nap time is currently limited, I’m much more in touch with my (low) energy levels than I am when not pregnant.

For example, do I really need an afternoon coffee, or do I need to sit down for a few minutes and rest?

Listening to our bodies during pregnancy will also serve us later on.

5. Picky eater.

On the one hand, my husband has previously called me “the human garbage can,” because I’ll eat mostly anything. Yet I’ve also been compared to Sally’s famous ordering scene.

Let’s just say, I’m a woman who knows what she wants.

Regardless, as an expectant mother, it’s smart to be cautious about what we consume, be it fish, cheese or unnecessary chemicals. So have fun ordering exactly what you’re mommyheart desires.

6. Attention.

I’m not into strange people touching the belly for no reason, but I’m all for the attention cute, pregnant mothers generally get. After all, we deserve it—that baby’s going to be getting all the lovin’ pretty soon!

7. We’re emotional.

I swear to you that I think I cried at my first commercial the other day. And just forget it when I’m watching Glee—anything remotely empowering and inspirational makes my eyes start to leak.

That said, I wasn’t like this when I was pregnant with my first child and I don’t think that assuming a pregnant woman is emotional because of hormones is a safe bet—at least, I’d suggest not telling her directly of these assumptions, just in case she is, in fact, hormonal—but it is a tiny bit nice to not have to rationalize our feelings all the time.

8. We’re more likely to get to pick dinner.

This is seemingly arbitrary, but it’s definitely nice to have more sway in the old “what’s-for-dinner” question.

Homemade pizza again? Okay, honey, I’ll start making the sauce. 

9. Back to the yoga pants again.

Okay, it is occasionally irritating to mostly be wearing elastic waistbands, but this is the ideal advantage as well.

Think about it: elastic. waistbands. all. the. time.

10. Daydreams are a go!

I’ve always been a daydreamer, but it’s unexpectedly glorious to daydream like a schoolgirl.

Names, baby gear, visions of tiny fists wrapped around mommy fingers—you name it, it’s a source for a great daydream—and I say, dream on, mama!

And I didn’t mention the more “obvious” bonuses, like larger cleavage, because, for one, it’s expected and, for another, most of us have a discomfort policy of look don’t touch, which I guess could be an extra perk for some, but for me that’s a negatory. I digress.

There is so much circulating out there about pregnancy “symptoms,” and all the things about pregnancy that are something to complain about—but being a glowing, with-child mother is nothing short of miraculous and beautiful.

So with spring blossoming and baby birds chirping, I hope these little reminders help mothers remember that forming life is something to celebrate—and enjoy.

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Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: Pixoto