Top 10 Things About Being Pregnant

Although my kids are aged four and seven, I recently thought about the cozy, happy feeling of anticipation and excitement of when I was pregnant. Those two times of my life were in a special way, insulated from other stressful and unhappy times. In my mind, I have separated out the pregnancy experiences and am listing the top 10 things about being pregnant.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #1 - Eating

While pregnant, you can eat a little more than you normally do. The benefit is that you have an excuse for not being skinny!

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #2 - Kinder Treatment

A pregnant woman will notice that people treat you kinder and gentler than normal. You will find others giving up their seats for you and opening and holding doors. In general, people will try not to bump into you (especially helpful on crowded city streets).

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #3 - Something To Look Forward To

Being pregnant gives you something big to look forward to. Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing events and the changes in your life are definitely something to look forward to!

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #4 - New Clothes For Mom

Now you have a great excuse to go out and buy new clothes. Purchasing maternity clothes is very exciting and it's easy to get carried away. Wearing these special items makes a woman feel extra special and after the baby arrives, it's hard to part with them. They hold sentimental value.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #5 - Shopping For The Baby

Some mothers-to-be may be superstitious about purchasing items for the baby while they are still pregnant. However, you can still browse in the baby department or in baby stores like Babies R Us. This activity will get you even more excited.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #6 - Monthly Progress At the Doctor's Office

Experiencing the baby's progress at your monthly prenatal care appointments is a highlight that can be both tense and wonderful. There is a unique excitement when your OB-GYN looks at the baby through the ultrasound and when you can hear the baby's heartbeat.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #7 - Most Important Person

Savoring that intoxicating feeling of knowing that you are finally going to be the most important person in someone's life ranks in the top ten things about being pregnant. At first, it's overwhelming to think about this huge responsibility but then the excitement set in.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #8 - Take Naps

As an expectant mother, you have an excuse to be tired and take it easy. No one will think you are lazy or question you if you decide to take a nap in the middle of the day.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #9 - Picking Out Baby Names

Picking out baby names is a light hearted diversion and is one of the best parts of being pregnant. You can spend hours at the bookstore looking at baby name books and truly enjoy every minute of it.

Top Ten Things About Pregnancy #10 - Confidence Boost

Pregnant women enjoy a psychological confidence boost. Knowing your are going to be accomplishing something as important as becoming a mother makes all of the other areas of your life seem a little brighter and less draining. For example, if you are working in a job that is stressful, you will be able to take comfort in the fact that your new baby will be the priority in your life and that your job will have to be second.

If you are an expectant mother who is reading this article, I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy. I will always treasure the times that I was pregnant and hold those memories fresh in my mind.