5 benefits of being pregnant

Being pregnant is an amazing experience, although it can be tough to look and feel good about yourself due to your growing belly. But the health benefits of being pregnant more than make up for these challenges.

5 benefits of being pregnant

What could the benefits of being pregnant be? Gosh, I feel terrible and I'm getting bigger. I can't wait to pop and you're telling me there are benefits of being pregnant? Seriously?

Yes, here are 5 benefits of being pregnant but you can dig deeper to find out more. But for now, let's start with these...

1. A better sex life

You may be feeling far from sexy but being pregnant actually benefits your sex life. During pregnancy your body produces hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which can boost your sex drive.

During the second trimester, more blood flows into your pelvic region, making it feel more swollen and sensitive. This extra sensory enhancement makes it easier for you to reach an orgasm. How about that for a benefit? Wink.

2. Say farewell to menstrual cramps

Having a baby may bring you some relief from severe menstrual cramps. Many women find that their menstrual cramps are much less painful after the birth of their first baby and women who have vaginal births report more relief -- a possible factor is the stretching of the uterus during delivery .

But if your cramps are very painful and don’t get any better after you give birth, talk to your doctor. You may need to be tested for an underlying condition such as endometriosis.

3. Reduced risk of cancers

Pregnancy may reduce your chances of contracting breast and ovarian cancer. It’s a common theory, since ovulation stops during the nine months of pregnancy, and women who ovulate less are less likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

4. Enhanced sense of smell and taste

Morning sickness may put you off your food but you don’t have to feel queasy all the time. The extra hormones produced during pregnancy, such as estrogen, increase your sense of smell and taste.

You may find foods taste better during pregnancy and your heightened sense of smell helps you avoid toxic substances such as cigarette smoke and chemical fumes.

5. A healthier heart

You may feel stressed out during pregnancy but don’t worry-- your heart can take it! Higher levels of estrogen which circulate in a woman’s body could help reduce estrogen loss during menopause. It is the decrease in estrogen that can increase chances of heart disease later in life.

As an added bonus your self-confidence increases, which definitely adds to that renowned healthy glow people notice in expectant mothers. So, go ahead and enjoy this special time and the benefits of being pregnant.