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Get Your Own Voice Player ManageLooking pregnant and feeling greatPregnancy can bring on a flood of conflicting feelings. Even though you're overjoyed by the new life growing inside you, there may be days when you're so frustrated by your body getting bigger that you can't wait for the whole thing to be over. As your breasts grow, your abdomen swells and your waistline disappears, you may long to have your old shape back. It's hard not to sometimes.
Women who've had the pregnancy blues often say it's hardest in the beginning when you may just look like you've put on weight ¿ but it does get easier into the second trimester, when you're clearly pregnant.
So while you're revelling in being pregnant, you might not be revelling in looking pregnant. Read on for a reminder of some of the beauty bonuses of pregnancy.
Pregnancy's pleasant surprises
• Here's a little perk that no one told you about: The sight of a pregnant woman often brings out the kindness in people. Supermarket workers suddenly volunteer to help you out to your car. People fall over themselves to hold doors open for you. Men give up seats on train and buses. Everyone smiles at you. Enjoy it while it lasts! Such niceties, along with these other pregnancy-related pleasures, may only last a few more months:
• Fast-growing fingernails: Sometime around the fourth month, your nails may start to grow faster than usual. Pregnancy hormones get the credit for this, but also the blame. Fingernails may become softer or more brittle during pregnancy, and you may notice tiny grooves forming along the base of the nail. They should return to normal within a few months after giving birth.
• A luxuriant head of hair: During the second trimester, you might notice that your hair looks extra healthy and full. You're not actually growing more hair ¿ thanks to pregnancy hormones, you're just losing less. Read what other women had to say about their hair during pregnancy.
• That celebrated 'glow': Also during the second trimester, you may notice that your skin looks brighter than usual. Hormones are partly responsible, but an increase in blood volume also brings more blood to the skin, giving it a luminescent look.
• A newly ample bosom: It's common to go up a cup size or two during your pregnancy, so you may have some new cleavage to show off!
• A very happy mate: Believe it or not, your partner may be loving your new physique. Men tend to see the sensuality in blossoming breasts and soft curves. And the sight of your pregnant form is a constant reminder of his virility.
Looking your best
Whether or not you find consolation in the pregnancy perks above, consider these three looking-good strategies:
• Accentuate the positive: If your legs are gorgeous, flaunt them in a short dress. Upper arms like a supermodel's? Show them off with a sleeveless top. Proud of your new improved cleavage? Highlight it with a scoop- or V-neck top.
