7 benefits of pregnancy

Sweet like chocolate

If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in some chocolate, look no further than your bump. According to a Finnish study, women who eat more chocolate during pregnancy are less stressed and have happier babies.

Their little ones are more active, smile and laugh more, and don’t find new situations scary. So next time you feel guilty about having eaten that family-sized slab of Dairy Milk, remind yourself what you’re doing is actually rather virtuous.

The stuff of dreams

Thought your nightlife was dead now you’re pregnant? Actually, although partying is out, you’ll find a whole new kind of entertainment during the wee hours. Increased levels of progesterone in your body mean, from around 25 weeks, you’ll experience extended periods of REM sleep, resulting in really vivid dreams.

And because your sleep will be interrupted with trips to the loo, you’re more likely to wake up in the middle of your dreams and remember them. Who needs clubbing?!

Divine dining

Got expensive taste? Pregnancy gives you the perfect excuse to indulge. With the cells in your baby’s brain multiplying 100,000 times a minute by week 19, it’s vital you make sure you get plenty of protein. And with lobster and truffles being ultra-rich sources of protein, we say polish that silverware, slip on your best frock, and chow down in style!


Sweet nothings

Never been brave enough to talk dirty to your partner? Pregnancy may offer the motivation you need to give it a go. An American study found that pregnant women who talked to their partners during sex did it more often and found it more pleasurable than ever before.

So practice that husky voice and rehearse your best lines – if it doesn’t spice up your sex life, at least it’ll be good for a laugh!

Pretty impressive

Did you know that during pregnancy, the amount of oestrogen you produce is the equivalent to what a non-pregnant woman would produce in 150 years! You’ll be pleased to know, then, that a Scottish study found that women with higher levels of oestrogen in their bodies are more attractive.

So, while you may not feel that gorgeous with your big bump, greasy hair, and swollen ankles, you’re actually quite mistaken. You’re 150 times more gorgeous than ever before. Forget waddling around; it’s time to strut your stuff.

That loving feeling

Feeling soppy and sentimental? It’s no wonder - your surge in pregnancy hormones includes prolactin and oxytocin, which encourage feelings of connection and contentment.

Prolactin causes you to focus on your baby, putting you in a protective and nurturing mood, and oxytocin makes you feel loving and chilled out. So you’re left feeling totally loved up – ahhh!

Pain relief

Sometimes pregnancy is a pain. Your back hurts, your feet ache and junior’s playing football with your insides. But this suffering now may save you from a lot more pain in the long run. When your periods start again after birth you may find that you no longer suffer period pains.

Doctors have found that pregnancy reduces the number of pain receptors in your uterus so period cramps are less likely to hurt. So grin and bear it now and it’ll pay off in the long run. smiling!