When you first realize that you're pregnant, there are a lot of thoughts that enter your mind. Even if you've been trying for months, the first thought may be, "Am I ready for this?" Secondly, you may start looking up symptoms. And that's because most pregnancies come with a fair amount of nausea and soreness.
The truth is, every pregnancy is different. Think about it — giving birth is one of the few things that living beings have done since the beginning of time, and it's still hard to figure it out sometimes. Every body is different, and every pregnancy will feel different — and parents of multiple children will agree.
More from LittleThings: 5 Important Things Every Expectant Parent Should Know About Being Induced
That said, there are so many positive aspects of pregnancy that often get glossed over. As your body changes, so do you. Since it's important to balance both the good and the bad about the months ahead, here are nine things about pregnancy that you might end up missing after you deliver your newborn.
1. You'll miss documenting every day.
When you're pregnant, there's something simply thrilling about seeing the small changes that happen every day. It's fun to look forward to. Will this be the day you feel a few kicks? Or maybe it's the day those maternity pants happen to fit perfectly. Every day you have a new reminder that you're growing a life, and it's the first way you can really bond with your baby.
2. You might find yourself to be at your most body-positive during pregnancy.
It might sound a bit strange, but pregnancy truly makes you appreciate your body for what it does and how it functions. Regardless of your size and weight, your body is an incredible machine. Aside from giving birth, it also keeps you alive and active every day. Even after the pregnancy, it's OK if your body doesn't "bounce back." Because nobody can take this incredible accomplishment away. Every time you look at your baby, you'll think, "My body did that." And as you look through pregnancy photos, you may realize how much of a natural glow you had during those months.
3. You'll miss the excuses to take naps.
Once you've mastered the nap, it's hard to beat. Think of it this way — while you're working and staying active, your body is also doing a job 24/7. That's enough to make you tired. Having nap breaks is a great way to refresh. Moms need naps, too, but they're a little harder to grab.
4. You'll miss your enhanced sense of smell.
It's a real thing, and if you use it for good, you're golden. Personally, all throughout my pregnancy, I became a huge fan of the three-wick candles at Bath & Body Works. They lasted a long time and filled my space with a beautiful fragrance. Aside from candles, it was also a wonderful superpower to have when someone made something delicious in the kitchen.
Of course, this works both ways. Smells can also become too intense and make you sick, so there's a lot of trial and error. But when it's something good, it'll change your entire mood for the better.
5. You'll miss being doted on.
It seems a little silly, but people can't help but try to make things easier for someone who's pregnant. Your partner might offer up more foot rubs at night, and friends and family will make a point to check in. Things change a lot after you give birth and the baby becomes a higher priority. It's understandable why that happens, but it's still nice to enjoy the extra attention while it lasts.
6. You'll miss the maternity clothes.
Let's be honest here — maternity clothes are just so much more comfortable than actual clothes. And many of them are more flattering than actual clothes. You might find yourself sticking to your maternity wear shortly after giving birth, but eventually you'll have to face the world of zippers and button flies once again.
7. Not having your period is kind of fantastic.
For many women, it takes a few months after birth for things to really get back to normal, outside of the bleeding that happens for weeks after delivery itself. (That's something about giving birth that people don't often talk about.) For those who typically menstruate, it's a nice break from pads, tampons, and cups. And unlike other times, there's no worry about "What if I'm pregnant?" over a missed period, since you already know you are. Throughout those nine-plus months, it's completely a nonissue.
8. Your hair will never look more incredible.
It's a slightly vain "pro," but it's very true. Many people's hair will never look better than during pregnancy. And unfortunately, hair will likely never look worse than after pregnancy. But have no fear, most times things find a way of balancing out.
Around the second trimester is when most women seem to show the most growth. Of course, that means that facial hair may also grow in, but that's an easy problem to solve. According to Elle, this happens because hair loss is temporarily stunted. "While you're not actually growing more hair, you’re shedding less," the publication states.
9. You might feel a closer bond with your own parents.
It's true that shared experiences help us appreciate each other more. During a pregnancy, you may flash back to how your mom must have felt when she was pregnant with you. While actually having a baby will make you appreciate more about your childhood, pregnancy will make you appreciate what your own mom went through. If she's still around, it's a great time to ask her stories and bond on a completely new level. Luckily, that bond will only extend even further after the baby is born.
