Research-backed
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Pregnancy comes with a package of benefits – besides giving you the apple of your eye. And, some of these benefits could last a lifetime. Surprised? So, get over those pregnancy blues and think beyond the funny waddles, the morning sickness, the mood swings, increased appetite, a heightened sense of smell and what not. Here are more reasons to celebrate pregnancy:
1. Pregnancy Makes Your Bones Stronger
Pregnant women tend to absorb more calcium than women who are not pregnant. Especially during the third trimester where the growing baby’s calcium need ensures a sufficient supply of calcium to the expectant mother too. Some studies suggest that even the number of pregnancies a woman has (at least for 28 weeks) affects her bone density. More the number of pregnancies, the better the bone density and lower the risk of bone fractures (1).
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2. You Have A Cleaner Lifestyle
Of course, with pregnancy, you also get conscious of what you consume and what you do. You will manage to quit smoking with ease, unlike the non-pregnant ones who might need a rehab to give up cigarettes. You will be able to minimize your drinking as well. You will revert to eating healthy for many more months to come, this time with the intention of taking good care of your young one right from the time it’s in your womb. You give up silly and unhelpful diets that do you no good in the long run.
3. You Are Fitter Than Ever
Believe it or not, you might be doing much better than the gym-going non-pregnant women. Most women do not have a regular exercise routine before pregnancy. However, once they become pregnant, they become health conscious. They’ll take up regular yoga or prenatal exercise classes, which they wouldn’t have bothered about earlier. And after they have a baby, most pregnant women continue with this healthy lifestyle choice, helping them remain fitter for the rest of their lives.
4. You Are Relaxed And Positive
Mood swings are a thing during pregnancy, but they are also momentary. Most times, you are relaxed because you no longer see yourself rushing into things. You have the privilege of people being considerate to you, some might offer help to do your tasks, you have good reasons to procrastinate, and you will unload most burdens during pregnancy. Bless the pregnancy hormones that make you feel good.
5. The Pregnancy Glow
Indulging in healthy food habits during pregnancy does well for your hair and skin. Your skin glows, you may have a great complexion this time around. And guess what? Your nails will also grow stronger (2)!
6. Increased Libido
It might sound contradictory. But while you may not often be aroused during pregnancy. But during your second trimester, your libido tends to increase. As estrogen increases the blood flow to your lady parts, you will experience an increased sense of arousal (3).
7. You’ll Not Experience Menstrual Cramps
Remember those terrible menstrual cramps you got every month? Well, guess what? You’ll not have to experience them anymore, at least for the next nine months or so. Of course, pregnancy does come with its fair share of aches and pains. But, all those pains are fleeting by nature and not like the regular menstrual cramps that you hated every month!
8. Less Hairfall
Thanks to the pregnancy hormones, most pregnant women do not experience any hair fall during pregnancy. They might have dense and glossy hair. Of course, your hair might fall after childbirth (4). But they’ll be back on track after a few months.
9. Pregnancy Boosts Your Longevity
Did you know that pregnant women seize some of their baby’s new cells to make up for their aging ones? The interesting phenomenon has been confirmed through studies whereby male stem cells have been found in the bone marrow of mothers who have boys (5). It might possibly explain why women outlive their male counterparts.
