However if I’m honest, I really dislike being pregnant. Actually, I hate it. I try not to use the word hate too often because it has such a strong connotation but in this case, it’s true. From the nausea in the first trimester to the all day heartburn to dealing with GD, later on, pregnancy is just no fun for me. I think that experiences are what you make of them so even though I can’t wait for this pregnancy to be over, I have come up with four things I DO like about being pregnant. These are my pregnancy perks: 1. Prenatal massages
The one time we make sure to schedule massages into our budget is when I’m pregnant. I found an AMAZING massage therapist when I pregnant with Munchkin and she helped so much with the aches and pains of pregnancy. She’s specially trained for prenatal massage and really wants to help you feel better. When I first started going to her I got a great deal- half price massages because she was practicing for class. She’s so good that I still go to her and happily pay full price. Well, kinda. While she has her own business, she also practices at a chiropractic center two days a week. When I see her there they bill my insurance so I only have to pay my copay (with a referral from a chiropractor.) I get 18 visits a year. I have them booked monthly all the way to December since she fills up fast. I know Punkin will be here in November but postpartum massages are important too! She helps work out the kinks in the shoulders that I get from nursing so much. Seriously, Bree is amazing. I just can’t say enough good things about her. I can’t wait for September to get here for my next one!
2. No periods
Like most women, I don’t enjoy getting my period. It’s a pain the butt (or abdomen really.) I’ve always had very painful, very heavy periods. So not having to deal with it for 40 weeks is amazing. I was spoiled with Munchkin because after having her it took a year and a month for it to come back (YAY breastfeeding!) I was just shy of two full years without one when it came back. I’m not going to lie, it was awesome. I’m hoping to go at least that long, or longer with Punkin.
3. Feeling the baby kick and move
I love feeling the kiddo kick and move around inside. It’s one of the coolest and weirdest things I ever felt. I love to put my hand or The Man’s hand on my belly and fell her kick. Once Munchkin was here it was the ONLY thing about being pregnant that I missed. I would feel what I call “phantom kicks” sometimes, where I swear there was a hand or a foot pressing against my uterus.
4. Getting a baby
I must say that as much as I love feeling the baby kick, I love that at the end of the misery I get a baby. A little, teeny, tiny person who is completely dependant on me for everything. While that’s a little scary it also amazing. Where 40 weeks ago this person didn’t exist, now they are here, on the outside. It’s mind blowing to me. It’s even more amazing that they don’t stop growing and continue to become amazing little people who turn into amazing big people (that’s the goal anyway!) So even though the process sucks, the outcome is so, so worth it.
I also try to keep in mind that even though I hate being pregnant, there are so many women who have tried so hard and would do almost anything to get pregnant. Being able to carry and nurture this baby is a privilege and it’s not one I take lightly. So even though I don’t enjoy it, I’ll do it cause the kiddos are so, so worth it. What a gift they are!
If you’ve been pregnant, did you enjoy it? What were your perks?
