15 unexpected perks of being pregnant

Of course being pregnant brings challenges: the morning sickness, the aches and pains and worries along the way. But there are some little things that lift the whole experience.

Any time you do or say something daft, you can just blame it all on your baby brain. Genius!

Wowzers! You finally have a cleavage! If you had smaller boobs before, now you can marvel at your assets. And if they were big before, double wowzers!

We all know that we need to eat well in pregnancy, but the odd indulgence is a given when you're expecting. You've got to keep your strength up, after all, eh ladies?!

You can be a bit of a diva and ask for foot rubs and back massages on tap. Ah - bliss!

Glossy, shiny, thick tresses. Swish them around for the whole nine months with pride. Never, have you been MORE worth it!

Not being allowed a tipple is a bit boring but hey - you never have a hangover and feel all healthy and virtuous.

Your body is amazing. YOU are amazing. Hell - you should probably wear a cape!

Aunty Mildred's deathly dull tea party, that boring after work thing ... play your pregnancy card right and stay at home snuggled on the sofa watching Orange Is The New Black on Netflix instead.

Need we say more?

For a full nine months. Yay!

... except for those times when no-one gives up their seat despite your obvious bump! Grrr

All your dreams and thoughts about your little baby, all the times when you feel them moving inside. You are going through something amazing and special when the rest of the world seems to be just going about their own business.

It might be tricky finding the right maternity clothes but you can buy shoes and feel fab in an instant. Also, your feet can go up a size in pregnancy - even more of an excuse to go shoe shopping!

... now's your chance to get your other half to step up while you head to bed for 40 (make that 400!) winks. It's only right ...

When you're pregnant the world smiles with you ... awwwwwww.