pregnancy perks p

regnancy is hard. It changes us. It takes a toll on the body, the mind and just about everything else. Not to mention how it causes us to worry and overthink. But we don’t always need to state the obvious. Or the negative. What about finding the positives? The perks?

When it comes to pregnancy, we acknowledge there are many difficult things involved. The swollen ankles. The morning sickness. So many things we can’t do.

But what if we celebrate the pregnancy perks, too? The kindness of strangers. Or the beauty perks such as luscious pregnancy hair or quickly growing beautiful nails. Pregnancy perks can be getting to buy or wear new clothes or just being able to park closer to the store entrance in the designated Expectant Mother spot. Let’s spark some positivity and celebrate all the great things to experience throughout pregnancy.

Public Pregnancy Perks

You’ll enjoy many very public positives and perks while being pregnant. Many stores and offices have expectant mom parking. Take advantage of this and park closer to the building, a perk made even better in less-than-ideal weather! After all, who wants to walk across a parking lot in the rain eight months pregnant?

Another public perk to pregnancy is the kindness of strangers. People these days aren’t always the nicest in public. But if you’re sporting a big belly, they’re much more willing to go out of their way to help you out. Whether it’s holding a door open or helping to reach the top shelf at the grocery store, the kindness of strangers is a huge perk to pregnancy.

Now, it’s never good to lie, but I’m willing to bet that a pregnant lady or two has used her growing babe to get out of plans before. The introverted pregnant mama will appreciate having an excuse to cancel or delay plans so she can sit at home on the couch and rest. After all, slowing down and relaxing are needed when you’re growing a baby!

Spend the whole day lying on the couch and binging your favorite show instead of going out if you want to. You and your body are putting in the hard work! You need and deserve rest. No one will argue otherwise. So definitely enjoy that pregnancy perk while you can.

Body and Appearance Pregnancy Perks

If you’ve grown a baby or are currently doing so, you know there are some serious hair and nail growth perks. Luscious pregnancy hair is something to celebrate (before it sheds itself postpartum, that is). With all the hormones and extra vitamins you’re producing and taking in, your hair might grow faster and thicker. There’s also that extra all-around glow, right?

Another outward perk to pregnancy is new clothing. You now have an easy excuse to buy new flowy dresses and clothes that make you feel great. Use it up, mama! Don’t spend your whole pregnancy suffering in uncomfortable clothing. Buy those new leggings, oversized sweatshirts and the comfy clothing you want.

While you’re at it, take a nap. Because you have a reasonable excuse to do that any time during pregnancy—and it is wonderful. And do we even need to talk about the fact that you get to miss out on getting your monthly cycle for nine-plus months?

Mindset Pregnancy Perks

Some of the biggest and most valuable pregnancy perks are mindset shifts. Throughout pregnancy, you learn to have grace with yourself. You often recognize your own limitations. Celebrate your strengths, recognize them, but acknowledge that you may have some temporary restrictions. That’s OK!

You might develop a brand new appreciation for your body, yourself and what you’re capable of. You should! The mindset shift of pregnancy allows you to realize what truly matters. It allows you to reevaluate, slow down and grow your appreciation for things you actually care about. While you’re growing new life, focus on what is actually important in your own.

Ways to help appreciate pregnancy perks and positives:

Make a gratitude list each day/ week/month. Try listing three to five things you’re grateful for during pregnancy. They can be as big as just being pregnant or as small as “I got some maternity clothing on sale!”

Another huge pregnancy perk is giving yourself permission to ask for help. It’s opening yourself up to humility and accepting support—especially if you’re not one who typically accepts help often.

Remember, one of the most valuable pregnancy mindset shifts in pregnancy is excitement. Be excited about the future. Dream. Share. Talk about all your hopes and plans. Allow yourself to envision what your new life will be and what your child will look and act like. Do this with your partner and watch how it grows and changes your relationship.

Pregnancy is a complex stage of motherhood. It’s full of concerns, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the what-ifs, the worries and the questioning. But if you don’t stop to appreciate all the amazing and positive things that happen during pregnancy, you’ll miss out on a unique season’s blessings. Take some time to think about the perks today. Think about all the benefits and good things involved in being pregnant.

Even if you don’t actually enjoy being pregnant, try finding one or two things you kind of enjoy about it.

Have coffee with another pregnant friend. Instead of spending that time commiserating over all the negatives of pregnancy, chat only about the good things you’ve experienced.

Ask your spouse or partner for positives. You never know—you might glean some insight into pregnancy perks you haven’t thought of yet!

Document your pregnancy with either some DIY skills or a professional photographer. Photographers have an amazing way of helping you appreciate your pregnant body. Even if you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, you may walk away from your session with a new appreciation of your appearance. After you get your pictures back from your session, spend some time with your partner looking through them. Remember all the perks, dreams and excitement to come!