The Best Things About Being Pregnant

In the interest of being ‘real’ and giving you an accurate view of what my experience of pregnancy has actually been like, I do feel like I’ve been pretty negative so far. (Go read the pregnancy diaries from my first trimester and second trimester if you dare!)

I mean, that is totally justified, it’s been way more difficult than I ever thought it would be. And writing things down is how I process my experiences and all that.

BUT… I figured we could all do with a bit of positivity in our lives. And I don’t want my blog to completely put anyone off having kids!

So I decided to write about the BEST parts of pregnancy. The good bits. Let’s just focus on the good bits, yeah?

The Best Things About Being Pregnant

The Big Wardrobe Refresh

Ok yes, outgrowing your wardrobe can be a bit sad. As is when you see an Instagrammer link to a dreamy dress but you know you can’t wear it (sob). But what is awesome is having the excuse to buy all new clothes!

Realistically you don’t want to go crazy because you’re only going to be wearing maternity clothes for under a year (hopefully), but it’s still nice to treat yourself to a few bits.

I bought the essentials – maternity leggings, non-wired bras, stretchy waist jeans, a new swimsuit and PJs. But then I also let myself splash out on some cool oversized tees from Topshop and floaty summer dresses from ASOS. Oh and a few occasion dresses for upcoming parties and weddings. (Links on my shop page)

I just think it makes you feel really good about your changing body, especially those tight jersey dresses that make your bump look round and ‘definitely pregnant’ as opposed to ‘eaten too many donuts’.

The Special Treatment

I didn’t think I’d like any special treatment from anyone, especially at parts of my pregnancy when I felt relatively normal. But I’ve grown to appreciate the extra attention!

I always get the best seat in the house. People ask to hold my bags. Josh cooks dinner a lot more so I can relax after work. When I moved house I was told I wasn’t allowed to carry anything, just supervise. And people ask me how I’m feeling and tell me I look nice all the time.

I could get used to this life. Turns out I like being a queen.

It Brings You And Your Partner Closer Together

Having a baby is stressful and can put a strain on your relationship. You’re always thinking about how you’re going to raise your child, dealing with the mood swings of pregnancy and figuring out how you’re going to pay for it all. (Still don’t know about that last one…) But it’s true that the whole experience ultimately brings you closer with your baby daddy.

You’re in it together and it definitely feels like no-one else can relate to where you both are. Especially the stage when you’re keeping it a secret and worrying about it all at the beginning. This is when it really felt like we were a team and were supporting each other through this whole thing.

Don’t get me wrong, I bite his head off a lot and I’m sure we will argue about parenting issues in the not-too-distant future. But I feel way more connected to Josh throughout this experience and feel really happy with where we are in our relationship.

Maternity PJs Are Amazing

I know I’ve already mentioned maternity clothes, but seriously, I have to reiterate the amazingness that is maternity pyjamas. I wear them all the time. They’re so comfortable. So roomy.

I’m definitely going to still be wearing them after pregnancy…

You Have The Best Excuse Ever

I feel I’m already pretty apt at saying no when I don’t want to do something. But when you’re pregnant? You have the best excuse in the world not to do something. Whether that involves social plans that are far away or inconvenient work commitments or even just leaving the house sometimes when you don’t really want to.

Nah babes, soz, I’m pregnant, can’t go.

Self-Care Is Now A Priority

Yeah yeah I know, self care should always be a priority, but I’m definitely someone that prefers to get shit done in the evenings and on weekends. So being pregnant has really made me slow down and prioritise relaxing and look after myself a bit more.

I take baths all the time now, usually with a good book. I make time to apply my various stretch mark creams and oils, which has lead to a lovely, pampering bedtime routine. Pregnancy yoga even feels like me-time as it’s so zen and is all about connecting to the baby.

Dare I say it, I even think I’m going to treat myself to another pregnancy massage after really enjoying my first one at my Eden Hall spa day. I deserve it.

The Bump Looks Cute

You fill out an empire-waisted dress like a boss. You look curvy and feminine. You don’t have to suck in your stomach when someone takes a photo. Winning.

Baby Kicks Can Be Quite Nice

At first I found it completely freaky, but I do quite like the baby kicks now. It’s that nice feeling of having company when she kicks me. Like yeah, we’re in it together, kid.

It’s also kinda cool when she moves in reaction to something, like a loud noise or when I drink a cold drink. It reminds me that she’s a real human being in there, y’know? That she is reacting to the outside world already is completely mad.

Oh and she kicks at certain things that I’m convinced are indicative of her personality – always during the Bake-Off, and when I went to see ‘A Star Is Born’ at the cinema she went crazy kicking every time Lady Gaga sang! Foodie? Future popstar? I’m excited to find out.