It’s Okay to Not Love Your Pregnancy

Okay, so here’s the truth bomb: not everyone loves being pregnant. And you know what? That’s actually okay.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I thought I’d be glowing, floating around like some goddess with a hand on my belly and the perfect dewy skin. You know, like the Instagram mums who make pregnancy look like a Pinterest board come to life. Spoiler: that’s not me. Some days I feel like I’m dragging myself through mud with heartburn, bloating, and emotions that flip faster than reality TV drama.

But here’s the tricky part—when you’re scrolling online or chatting to other mums who do seem to be loving every single second, it’s hard not to feel guilty. Like, am I broken because I’m not enjoying this? Am I already failing at motherhood before my baby’s even here? The stigma around admitting that pregnancy isn’t all sunshine and baby kicks is real, and it can make you feel so alone.

The truth is, you can be incredibly grateful for your baby and still not enjoy the process of growing them. Both can exist at the same time. You can love the idea of holding your little one but hate the constant nausea. You can be excited to meet your baby but feel frustrated with how much your body is changing. You can want this baby more than anything, and still think, “Wow, this is actually really hard.”

We don’t talk about it enough because it feels taboo, but honestly, so many women feel this way. The more we share the messy, unfiltered side of pregnancy, the less guilt we’ll all carry. You are not less of a mother, less of a woman, or less deserving of your baby if you don’t enjoy every second of the journey.

Pregnancy doesn’t have to be your favourite season of life. And that’s okay. What matters is that you’re showing up, day after day, for yourself and your baby—even when it’s uncomfortable, overwhelming, or just plain exhausting.

So next time you catch yourself comparing your experience to someone else’s curated highlight reel, remember: your pregnancy doesn’t have to look (or feel) like anyone else’s. Your story is valid, even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.

If this resonates, you’re not alone—I see you.