It may not all be a walk in the park with baba growing inside you but there definately are some upsides

Some women have an awful time when it comes to pregnancy. I have had friends who suffered with hyperemesis, so I do appreciate that it is no walk in the park for many women. 
But for one moment let us try to forget the really tough parts. Morning (or all day) sickness and exhaustion aside, pregnancy is a really special time for a woman. I look back now and remember with fondness the best parts of being pregnant for the first time. 
How incredible is it that we can grow a perfect human being in forty weeks? Here are some of my fondest memories of my pregnancy. 
  • The early nights. OK so they were due to nausea and pregnancy exhaustion, but what I wouldn’t give for a couple of early nights and a full night’s sleep again. Of course he is worth it though. 
  • The antenatal appointments that may have gone on a little bit longer than anticipated. You know what I’m saying. There may have been time for a sneaky coffee before returning back to work. They broke up the day nicely, and sometimes you even got to see your baby waving hello. 
  • The friendly smiles and glances from passers by who noticed you were pregnant. Those were lovely. 
  • The legitimate excuse to eat whatever took your fancy - even if it was only cream crackers and ginger nut biscuits for the first three months. 
  • Feeling your baby move, kick and tumble. Nothing can prepare you for this incredible feeling. It is out of this world. Truly magical. 
  • The fact that it was more than acceptable to cry watching an ad for dishwasher tablets. Come on, that women looked so pleased with her dishes, and she deserves this!
  • The sense of excitement when it came to guessing the due date, gender and baby’s weight. It inspired many a happy conversation. 
  • Shopping for baby things. This was truly one of my favourite parts. Suddenly it felt very very real and I felt like I was part of an exclusive club. MY baby would be wearing and using these things. Surreal to even think about. 
  • Reading birth stories. Call me weird but I loved reading about other women’s experiences. I found lots of blogs with inspiring stories, photos and advice. Both good and bad. It genuinely helped me prepare for labour. 
  • Nipping to the shop. Someone told me when I was pregnant I should enjoy “nipping” to places as when baby comes you will never “nip” anywhere again. How very true that was. A simple trip to the shop for milk is a military operation these days. I loved those days where I had a long shower, got dolled up, and pottered around the shops and stopped for tea and yummy lunches. They were special “me time” moments. 
And then the baby arrives. Your life is turned upside down. Nothing is as it was before. And you wouldn’t change it for a single second. Your baby makes the world a better place.  
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at www.love-of-living.blogspot.ie 

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