Janine Gard: Pregnancy is a transformative experience

No-one can touch your belly without your permission, or ask if you know the baby's gender or what you’re planning to name it - this is no-one’s business if you're keeping it hush for now. Photograph / Michael Craig

Janine Gard is a diploma-qualified birth educator (2005) and founder of Bellies to Babies antenatal and postnatal classes. She has helped more then 3700 parents prepare themselves mentally, emotionally and physically for their journey to parenthood and loves what she does.

Janine Gard is a labour, birthing and parent education specialist.

Pregnancy is different for everyone, but it’s guaranteed to be a transformative experience. Within a very short time, your body is converted into a space for your baby to develop and grow.

Your identity is changing, too. If this is your first baby, you are experiencing the psychological transformation of becoming a parent - of your life suddenly being about much more than your own wellbeing.

Sure, you’ll probably experience other physical and emotional challenges like morning sickness, sciatica, round ligament pain, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, heartburn, indigestion and mood swings, to name a few. But don’t lose sight of all the awesome perks that pregnancy offers, too.

Being able to cancel plans

If you are an introvert who is happy to stay home and read, your time has come. Not looking forward to hanging out with the in-laws this weekend? Blame pregnancy fatigue and you’ve got a free pass. There are really so many opportunities to become a homebody during pregnancy.

Feeling your baby move

Hands-down, there is nothing more amazing than the first time you feel your little one swimming around inside you. Honestly, it never really gets old throughout pregnancy. Well, except when your baby starts punching you in the bladder. Or the ribs.

Feeling empowered by your body

Even if your road to pregnancy was bumpy, you did it. You were able to make and grow a baby, and you should feel proud of what your body can do. Honour and celebrate it.

Lush hair and that ‘pregnancy glow’

You will never have as thick a mane as you will when you are pregnant. And pregnancy glow is a real thing. Enjoy it all.

All the naps

There is always an excuse to nap when you are pregnant. You’re making an entire human being, and it’s an exhausting experience. Even if you don’t think you’ll fall asleep, make sure you take opportunities to rest.

Second trimester hunger-fest

If you are a food lover, you will really get to enjoy yourself during the second trimester, when pregnancy makes you super hungry (it takes a heap of energy to grow a tiny human). It’s a welcome relief after the first trimester, when food may have been a total turn-off.

Did we mention ‘shopping spree’?

If you are a planner or shopper (or both), you are in luck during pregnancy. Is there anything more enjoyable than shopping for baby items, designing their nursery, or imagining what it will be like to finally hold your bundle of love?

An opportunity to slow down

Many of us still have to work or care for our other children while pregnant. But if there was ever a time to slow down, take a load off, and put your feet up, this is it. Be sure to accept all offers of help and pampering.

A pause on your period

Going without a menstrual period for nine months can be a real benefit for many of us, especially if we experience intense discomfort from hormone fluctuations, PMS, migraine, cramps, and more... and don’t get me started on the cost savings.

Being the centre of attention

This one is admittedly not a perk for all of us. But if you like having attention lavished on you, now’s the time to embrace it. Do remember that personal boundaries come in handy here. No-one can touch your belly without your permission, asking if you know the gender or what you’re planning to name your baby - this is no-one’s business if you’re keeping it hush for now.

■ Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes, baby massage courses and baby and infant first aid courses, 2087 Pakowhai Rd, Hawke’s Bay, 022 637 0624. https://www.hbantenatal-classes.co.nz/.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians.