The Best Things About NOT Being Pregnant

I didn’t love being pregnant. I know some people are all glowy and swanning around in maternity sundresses, rubbing their bumps adoringly. But that wasn’t me. I was waddling around in the same grubby maternity leggings everyday moaning about piles, fatigue and insomnia. (Read my pregnancy diaries if you dare.)

Of course it’s all worth it when you have your little tyke in your arms at the end of it. But lately I’ve just been feeling really grateful for those little things I can finally do now that I’m not carrying the little bean inside me.

(Sidebar: If you’re currently pregnant, read this post instead, it’s the best things about being pregnant!)

The Best Things About NOT Being Pregnant

Sleeping On My Front

Oh lord how I fantasised about lying on my front whilst I was pregnant! You’re only allowed to sleep on your side when you’re in the family way and during the last couple months you just start getting such backache and shoulder pain. So finally being able to go back to my optimum sleeping position of on my front has been a damn dream. It’s the little things, pal.

Hot Baths

I made my peace with not being able to use saunas, hot tubs or jacuzzis whilst pregnant. It’s not like they’re everyday things. But I really missed soaking in a steaming hot bubble bath. I still had baths of course but they were only allowed to be warm and really didn’t cut it. Hello bath tub my old friend.

No Food Restrictions

A baked camembert with rustic bread and celery sticks for dipping. A warm croissant with strawberry jam and brie. A mezze board of cured meats and olives. A medium-rare steak with peppercorn sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and a portobello mushroom. A slice of blue cheese on a salt and pepper cracker. A glass of montepulciano at the end of a long day.

These are the things I’ve been dreaming about for the last 9 months. And finally, they shall be mine.

No Guilt About Diet Or Exercise

I generally have a good relationship with food and don’t really do diets or anything like that. But when I was pregnant I suddenly felt so guilty if I indulged in a Krispy Kreme or fancied a curry takeaway. After all, the baby was eating what I was eating.

It’s the same with exercise, I’d feel guilty if I didn’t make it to pregnancy yoga or swimming. The mum guilt was setting in early it seems.

But now my body is my own again and I can have a Nandos without any regrets!

Feeling Lighter And More Capable

My recovery from childbirth was hard (check out this post). But now I’m the other side, it just feels so great to not be carrying a full-sized baby in my tummy! I’ve just really appreciated how quickly I can pop upstairs to get something without it being a big slog. I think being quite an independent gal, I didn’t like having to rely on other people to do things for me when pregs. So it’s nice to feel capable, y’know?

Being Able To Buy Clothes

I can finally buy nice clothes again! It’s not that I’m a massive shopper or anything but I found it a bit annoying when I’d see someone wearing something lovely on Instagram and then remember that I couldn’t get it for a maternity figure.

Also, I realised quite soon into my pregnancy that most retailers don’t stock maternity clothes in-store. It’s normally an online-only situation. Which sounds ok, I mean I way prefer shopping online and don’t normally need to try things on. But when you’re pregnant, you do kinda need to try things, because your size changes so much, even in maternity clothes.

So yes, I’m happily buying myself a couple of fancy jumpers to treat myself this month.

Dying My Hair Again

I stopped dying my hair when I got pregnant. It seems to be one of those grey areas as to whether you should dye your hair or not, in case the chemicals get into your system or whatever. So I played it safe and refrained from colouring my hair during those long 9 months.

The thing is, now that I can dye my hair, I can’t decide what I want to do with it! Currently deciding whether to go chic or go quirky. TBC.

But the point is, I’m very glad I now have the freedom to do what I want with it.