10 Reasons to Absolutely Love Being Pregnant

Consider it preparation for motherhood. Once you think you've finally got the whole thing figured out, it changes on you overnight. That bout of nausea that hasn't gone away for three weeks straight? It could be gone tomorrow. The curves you never thought you'd have? Ta-da, your prayers have been answered!

Once you're visibly pregnant, expect the smiles from strangers and offers of seats on the bus or subway to start rolling it. Sure, it's a little unnerving at first, but roll with it, and when your time has passed, remember to pay it forward to other moms-to-be.

No matter how equitable your relationship is, as a pregnant woman, you bear the brunt of the tougher parts of baby making. It's biology. Your significant other is probably feeling a little bit helpless at this juncture — and you should totally take advantage of it (in the nicest way possible, of course).

It's a feeling that's hard to explain until you've been there, but even when your baby's just a few centimeters long, you'll have the incredible feeling of your baby's presence being a part of you. Magical!

There's a lot of time and attention devoted to how bad maternity clothes are and how awful it is to spend money on a temporary wardrobe.

Ignore that negativity, and embrace your changing bod by making it look as good as it possibly can. Whether this means treating yourself to a few new special pieces designed especially for moms-to-be or experimenting with the way you style what's already in your closet, have fun with it. Your bump's not going anywhere (at least for a little while), so make the most of it.

Increased estrogen levels are working in your favor, and for many moms-to-be, that means shinier, more lustrous hair and harder nails. While it doesn't apply to everyone, many will end up with "that glow," too!

I remember having the same feeling while I was engaged — waking up every morning with this great sense of enthusiasm that something wonderful was on the horizon. You're a little nervous, a little unsure, but most of all, incredibly excited about the road ahead.

Regardless of what your attitude toward nutrition and exercise was prepregnancy, the knowledge that every decision you make will impact the both of you can have tremendous (and great) consequences.

Nine months without drinking, ensuring a well-balanced diet (even if it does include an extra Haagen-Dazs binge now and again), and getting enough sleep can do your body a world of good.

. . . For anything and everything! Not up for venturing out in the snow? Call and cancel your plans. Craving a midday nap? If you have the capacity to do so, go for it. This is your time to put yourself and your baby first, so to whatever extent you're able to do so, be selfish.

OK, I'm not advocating a total nine-month binge fest, but there's something sort of wonderful about knowing that increasing your caloric intake is (for once!) what the doctor ordered. Go ahead and order dessert next time you're out to dinner. Succumb to cravings, within reason. Listen to what your body's telling you, and go with it.