Great Things About Being Pregnant

People look at your stomach and can't help smiling, as if the mere thought of your being pregnant has actually made their day a little bit brighter.

You can eat a whole pint of chocolate-chunk ice cream every night during pregnancy and not feel guilty.

When you're pregnant, you can sleep as much as you want. In fact, napping is a must. It provides time for you and your baby to relax and de-stress.

Giving names to baby dolls and pets as a child was fun, but getting to name another human being is one of the greatest gifts of pregnancy. You get to shape a child's personality and character right from the start.

As an expecting mother, not only do you get to watch your baby grow, but you can also observe your husband changing as well. It's great watching him turn into a father when he kisses your belly good night, reads to the baby in utero, or stays up until 3:00 a.m. putting the crib together -- just in case the baby decides to come eight weeks early.

For once in your life, you're neither worried about getting pregnant nor trying to get pregnant. You can have sex just for the pure fun of it.

When you're pregnant, it's not about hiding your flaws; it's about flaunting your belly. Pick a bathing suit just because you think it's cute -- and strut your confidence.

Waiting for your baby to arrive is like all your previous birthdays and holidays rolled into one. Plus, you get to give someone else a birthday to look forward to!

You get the first chance to plan and imagine parts of your baby's life -- decorating a baby room, thinking about the first time someone calls you "mommy," thinking about the endless possible ways your baby will change the world.

You eat healthier, drink more water, and carefully read ingredient labels. Suddenly, it matters more to you what you put in your body. You'll look great and feel great because of it.

You get to hear the swish swish swish of your baby's heartbeat on the Doppler and know that you are responsible for another life.

Enjoy the extra attention you get from everyone when your expecting -- your husband gives you more foot rubs, and your friends call to check in more often. Neighbors offer to help; coworkers volunteer to get lunch for you; little presents (a bottle of water, an afternoon snack) mysteriously show up on your desk.

As if you weren't beautiful enough before, when you're pregnant you get the full beauty package: thick, silky hair; long, strong nails; beautiful skin; big boobs.

Don't worry about long lines for the ladies' room in restaurants and malls. You have the privilege of skipping to the front of the line in public rest rooms.

When you're waiting for your baby's arrival you get to shop for a person you haven't even met yet. Pick out precious, tiny clothes, all-new furniture, and adorable room decorations.

Friends and family jump at the chance to shower you with gifts and affection, reminding you how special you and your baby are.

Being pregnant gives you a continuous sense of accomplishment. You can answer "What did you do today?" with cool things like "I made ears" or simply "I'm making a person. What did you do?"

Knowing that all the bad stuff -- the heartburn, swollen ankles, backaches, and the rest -- doesn't last forever. And that in the end, it's all worth it.

Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.