Everyone around me is pregnant. Between my sister, cousins, and countless friends that are pregnant, I have pregnancy fever. I want to relive those nine months of happiness all over again. Crazy thought, I know, but I loved the entire process, watching my body change and grow a new precious life inside. I love looking at old sonograms and pictures of myself during my pregnancy and seeing the change and growth. Some of you must think I’m crazy. Why would I want to be tired, nauseous, and fat all over again? I was lucky during my pregnancy and had no morning sickness or terrible side affects.
This is the only time in our lives where when we can eat whatever we want and complain to our partner about how our feet hurt and are always swollen… (cue foot rub). Pregnant women have this incredible glow that everyone recognizes when you’re with child. Pregnancy also gains you a lot of respect and courtesy from strangers. Doors will magically open for you and we get to enjoy the stores with special parking spots right out front for you, ESPECIALLY during those excruciating summer months. You also get a snazzy new wardrobe; I think pregnancy clothes are the comfiest. Stretchy pants and flowy tops will fill your closet for those months and you will be the most relaxed and comfiest that you have ever been.
As a pregnant woman, your body and emotion are evolving during your entire pregnancy. The ups and downs are scary, so find your tribe. A woman’s body is an amazing thing. You go from your normal weight to a stretched out version of yourself in a few short months. Celebrate what your body goes through during pregnancy and realize that you can handle anything with your body. Pregnancy and mom support groups will help you with the loneliness and emotions that you might feel during your pregnancy. 
I didn’t know what to expect during my pregnancy! I asked my mom and other friends who have been pregnant and they gave me sage advice, but I had a totally different pregnancy journey and I am grateful for the experience I was given. I got advice from a lot of my mom friends and I was very open to all their wisdom because I was unsure of what I was about to experience with pregnancy and a newborn. The number one thing I heard over and over was….NAP! Nap when the baby naps and nap whenever you get the chance. Laundry and cleaning the house can wait until later. Nap and rest whenever you can. I never understood what this meant, because I wasn’t a nap person. But that all changed during my third trimester when I couldn’t see my feet or the bottom half of my body. Since my son, I have definitely taken advantage of naps and enjoy them immensely.
Whether you are a new mom or a seasoned pro, you should always ask for support and never be afraid to ask questions. Every mom I talk to doesn’t have all the answers and most of the time they ask someone else if they don’t know. Grandparents, doctors, and sometimes even the Internet can be great resources for unsure moms. We all need help during motherhood. Even if you think it’s a silly or simple question that you should know, ASK. Motherhood is confusing and constantly changing so don’t be afraid to seek help. I know I always am looking for advice or tips from other moms and it’s comforting to know we are all in this journey together.
Nine months is a long time to wait for that special delivery to come into your life, but it’s worth the wait. Embrace your pregnancy; it will end soon enough and you will have a beautiful new life to enjoy. Whether it’s your first or fourth pregnancy, every experience is different and amazing in its own way. Mamas, embrace your pregnancy; it’s a gift that has been given to you, and you are amazing and strong.
