Apart from the morning sickness and swollen feet of pregnancy, you also get a clear complexion and nine other things to love about those nine months.

 

 

1. You’re supposed to rest

 

 

Your body is like a factory working hard to create a new life, and that’s an exhausting endeavour. When you’re pregnant, the amount of water in your body increases by 50 percent, and your blood volume increases by 40 percent.

 

Carrying all that extra fluid around as well as the additional weight you gain can make you tired. You also get tired because pregnant women are naturally a little bit anaemic. So put your feet up, tune in to your favourite Astro channel, and enjoy a midday siesta. You deserve it.

 

 

 

2. Total strangers look at you

 

 

Despite the roller coaster of emotions that pregnancy brings, there’s a mood boost that many of us get that’s like no other. Little compares to the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come. And it’s not just your mood that gets a lift.

 

As your belly grows, you’ll notice that other people look at you in an endearing way — something that doesn’t always happen in our busy world.

 

 

 

3. You get VIP treatment

 

When people see your growing belly, they often roll out the red carpet. And if you’re in an endless line for the ladies’ room, don’t be surprised that a woman ahead of you would usher you right up to the front as others in line nodded in agreement. Other VIP perks can include doors being held open for you, prime parking spots, and help carrying heavy packages.

 

 

 

4. Your complexion may improve

 

 

While some pregnant women battle acne, many others reap benefits. Pregnant mothers who have better skin can thank an increase in hormones for their smoother complexion and the rosy glow you get is caused by an increase in blood volume in your body while you’re pregnant, which means the skin gets more oxygen and circulation.

 

 

 

5. Your breasts get bigger

 

For those of us born with A and B cups, pregnancy is a chance for your cup size to increase naturally. This extra volume is caused by an increase in total body water and extra pounds, and by your breast tissue growing as it prepares to hold milk once your little one arrives.

 

 

 

6. Good hair (and nail) days abound

 

When you’re pregnant, everything in your body is growing more quickly due to increased hormone levels, and that includes your nails and hair. Plus you lose fewer hairs each day when you’re expecting, which makes your hair appear thicker and fuller.

 

What’s more, formerly thin or brittle nails may actually get stronger.

 

 

 

7. Sex can be better

 

Though sexual desire during pregnancy varies for each woman, 31 percent of women report a libido lift, according to an online poll. One reason is the increased blood flow to the pelvic area (also called engorgement) that some women say boosts their sexual response and makes sex more satisfying. This is especially true during the second trimester.

 

A bonus: This heightened sensitivity ups the chance of having an orgasm. Pregnancy also causes an increase in vaginal secretions, and this boost in lubrication may make intercourse more comfortable.