6 surprising benefits of being pregnant

Of course the most important benefit of being pregnant is the beautiful baby you get to hold in your arms after months of careful nurturing.But, according to many mums, there are also a few other perks along the way. For some mums-to-be it can be a time of unexpected and wonderful changes, both physical and emotional.

Here are six surprising benefits of being pregnant...

1. Your hair gets thicker

Have you noticed your hairbrush needs de-fuzzing less often? 

Normally, women lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, but during pregnancy hormones prolong their growing cycle. As a result, fewer hairs fall out and there is an increase in the percentage of hairs that are growing. 

Many women notice their hair is thicker and more lustrous, meaning they can grow it much longer than they could before being pregnant. 

However, this doesn’t happen to everyone, some women find their hair becomes thinner and more greasy.

2. Your nails grow stronger and longer

Nails, like hair, can change noticeably during pregnancy.

Extra hormones can make them grow faster and become stronger, but for some, they can become more brittle.  Like the changes in hair, nail changes aren't permanent.

3. Your boobs get bigger

An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy and if you’ve always longed for bigger boobs then this is a definite perk! 

Breasts usually become swollen and enlarged in the first trimester because of increased levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Some women find their breasts continue to grow throughout their pregnancy and most find they need to replace their bras several times over the course of the nine months.

4. You feel sexier

Sometimes a change to a pregnant woman’s hormone levels can have interesting side effects. 

In fact, many women actually let go of their body insecurities and hang-ups when they are pregnant which can be very liberating in the bedroom. 

Pregnant women should, quite rightly, feel proud of their voluptuous breasts and round belly. For couples who have been struggling to conceive for some time and keeping an eye on the ovulation calendar; sex during pregnancy can once again be purely for pleasure and not a means to an end.

5. Couples get closer

Having a baby should never be considered as a way to heal a fractured or struggling relationship. 

But for couples who are in a healthy, happy relationship, the anticipation of having a baby, choosing names, preparing the nursery or marvelling at the ultrasound scan photo can bring them even closer together. 

Many partners become more loving and attentive; giving the mum-to-be foot or back massages, helping out more around the home or simply 'being there' more in both mind and body...This is just another benefit of being pregnant.

6. Energy surges for nesting

Many pregnant women experience the nesting instinct; a powerful urge to prepare their home for the baby by cleaning and decorating.

Others find they get surges of energy throughout the pregnancy when they want to tackle tidying kitchen cupboards or wardrobes that they hadn't had time to do before. Just be careful not to overdo it.

Want to find out your due date? Use our due date calculator here...