Pregnancy is different for each woman, and each woman handles it differently. So no matter how much you wanted that stick to be positive the moment it is your world is turned upside down. It’s easy to forget the excitement you once had when you’re using the restroom every hour. Or suddenly your private business (aka your changing body) seems to be open to public discussion. Pregnancy ‘when you’re going through it’ can seem overrated. But from where I’m sitting (two full-term pregnancies later) knowing that I’m never going to experience those ups and downs again has me cherishing the experiences I had. These are the ten that come to mind (in no particular order).
- Sharing the news: Planning the perfect way to tell your spouse, kids, parents, or the world is exciting. And keeping it a secret until the time is right, well it’s one of the best secrets you could have.
- Feeling your baby move: I just can’t explain it. Feeling your baby flip and tumble inside you is something truly amazing. OK, so your stomach looks pretty crazy, but who cares. You and your little one have a special bond in those moments.
- Cravings: No matter how weird they may be to others, having cravings is awesome. Come on, when would you ever try pickles with ice cream, or a peanut butter and ham sandwich. But the craves don’t always have to be that wild. One pregnancy I developed a sweet tooth (and I wasn’t a candy person), the next one took my love for spicy food to a whole new level. And they provide a fun story you can share with your baby down the road.
- Maternity Clothes: Zippers are overrated, slip on pants, long skirts, or summer dress are the best. OK, so maternity clothes aren’t the cheapest, and you only want to have so many outfits (because you’re not planning to wear them forever). But there just so comfortable. And added bonus is that there making them stylish too.
- Watch my baby (and stomach) grow: Weight gain and back pain aside the human body never ceases to amaze me. If I didn’t have the pictures to remind me, I may have forgotten just how much my body changed. Going from a small melon shape tummy to a watermelon (and losing my ability to see my feet) was surreal. Of course, the growing part is where all your discomfort comes from, because just remember nine months passes fast then you think.
- Sharing the experience with my husband: From going to ultrasound appointments together to getting my feet rub by my loving man there was just something special between us during my pregnancies. The type of closeness we experience as a couple during these times helped us prepare for the arrival of our little ones. We’d stay up all nights, like when we were kids, talking and planning our future.
- Sharing the experience with my kids: During my last pregnancy, I not only enjoyed the experience of my baby growing inside of me, but I witnessed the excitement and curiosity of my children. Answering questions about my growing tummy, or what I was going to experience during labor were interesting conversations to have with a 10, 9, and 4 year old. But my favorite part was watching their faces light up when they each felt the baby move for the first time. That was a sweet memory that I happily carry with me.
- Preparing for your baby shower: I love parties, and there’s no better reason to throw a party than to celebrate the upcoming arrival of your little one. I would spend one day with my husband, and another with my mom just planning the invite list, food, and theme. And registering for all that useful, innovative, and just pale cute stuff for baby was always a kick. It was a license to shop.
- Doctor appointments: Yup, it sounds crazy, but it’s true. Now I’m not talking about lab work and waiting rooms. I’m talking about hearing my baby’s heartbeat for the first time, or seeing her grow month by month. And if I had any worries I’d be able to get them off my chest after speaking with my doctor. Especially, with our first child having regular doctor appointments gave me some piece of mind. And having a calm pregnant lady is good for everyone.
- Aware of my body: I can honestly say that I have never been more in tune with my body and its needs then when I’ve been pregnant. Sure, I’d let myself enjoy sweets and occasionally ate more than my fair share, but knowing my baby was relying on me had me take a serious look at what I was putting inside my body. And I’ve tried to hold onto that feeling of ‘what I do to my body effects others’ feeling. I have to thank my babies for the drive I have in wanting to live a healthier life.
