6 Things I Miss About Being Pregnant

I never thought I’d say this (especially when I was gagging over every meal during my entire first trimester), but there are some things I definitely do miss about being pregnant with Liam. At the end of the day, there is something magical about being the closest thing to your tiny little human for nine whole months. About nurturing him through a healthy diet and lots of rest, and imagining what his little face will look like based on the 3D ultrasound photos, because that’s all you can hold on to until the big day (but thank God those are way off… our babies are way cuter in person!)

Although it’s sometimes hard to overlook the discomfort that takes center stage during pregnancy–nausea, exhaustion, heartburn, back pain–pregnancy introduces you to a whole new reality you don’t quite know what to make of.. registries, Lamaze classes and hospital visits, maternity leggings, and cord blood banking… Yes, it’s all very intense and overwhelming. But beyond all that, pregnancy is a precious time for women, and we all end up cherishing it at some point or another. Our babies grow up too fast, and when they’re off being independent and doing their own thing, we can’t help but remind ourselves of the days we carried them inside of us.

For the first 15 weeks, Liam was a secret I kept from the world. It was tough not sharing it with those that I love, but exhilarating to be the only one who knew about the itty bitty person inside of me. For the next 9 months, it was just us… My growing fetus and me. I miss the days when he was a part of me, literally, and I didn’t have to share him with the world.

As distracting as kicks and hiccups were during work hours (and at 3am on week nights), there was nothing better than feeling my baby move around, a reminder that he was  healthy and growing in there. I miss trying to capture those precious moments on camera, or having Joe rest his head on my stomach to feel them too.

Only an expecting mom knows about the special treatment that occurs when you’re pregnant. You know… when the Whole Foods cashier offers to take your groceries to your car or when strangers start hold the door for you whenever they see you wobbling over. Once that noticeable round bump finally pops, you experience an overwhelming amount of smiles, “mom nods”, and when are you due? comments. You start getting used to the friendliness, but luckily, people love babies in strollers too.

Between the registry, nursery decorating, and baby outfits you just need to buy (even though you’re only 16 weeks pregnant), the great thing about pregnancy is that it is all acceptable. You’re about to make room for an additional human in your lives, so no one is going to make you feel ashamed of spending a little too much money and a little too much time on Pinterest.

Everyone tells you to take it easy when you’re pregnant. I was 4 months pregnant when we moved into our new home and, when it came to carrying boxes, I didn’t do very much. Pregnancy (and new motherhood) is the only time in your life when people will actually tell you to go take a nap instead of helping out. Enjoy it while it lasts!

There is no better feeling for a woman than to not have to hold your stomach in. When it comes to pregnancy, the rounder your belly is, the better! With a healthy diet and some light exercise, you can also indulge a little more often than usual. Craving that soft serve ice cream? Go for it! Luckily, while breastfeeding, you also have some leeway to treat yourself. Because your body is working extra hard to produce the “special” breastmilk blend (composed of immunity-boosters and the necessary vitamins that will help your baby grow properly), it actually burns 300-500 calories naturally. So go ahead… enjoy the perks!