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The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the “honeymoon phase” – morning sickness subsides, energy returns, and the initial shock of pregnancy has settled. Yet for many women, this period brings unexpected emotional fluctuations that can feel confusing and overwhelming. One moment you’re glowing with excitement, and the next you might find yourself crying over a pet food commercial.

Have you noticed how quickly celebrities seem to “bounce back” after having a baby? One day they’re announcing the birth of their child, and seemingly the next, they’re on a magazine cover looking as though pregnancy never happened. This creates an impossible standard that affects new mothers everywhere.

Have you ever noticed that special radiance many pregnant women seem to have? That luminous, dewy appearance isn’t just your imagination—it’s a real physiological phenomenon often called the “pregnancy glow.” But what exactly causes this coveted complexion change, and is it the same for everyone?

The early days of motherhood can feel like navigating uncharted waters while sleep-deprived and emotionally raw. With postpartum depression affecting [1 in 8 women](https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/) in the US—that’s over 460,000 new mothers annually—self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for healing and wellbeing.

Are you tossing and turning at night with your growing belly? You’re not alone. A staggering 45.7% of pregnant women experience poor sleep quality, and 38.2% report insomnia symptoms, according to recent research in the [Oxford Academic Sleep Journal](https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/48/7/zsaf095/8120787). But why does quality rest matter so much during pregnancy, and what can you do about it?

Are you meticulously crafting the perfect birth plan? Detailing your preferences for everything from lighting to labor positions? While having a written birth plan certainly has merit, there’s something even more powerful at your disposal: education.

If you’re pregnant and dealing with nausea, you’re certainly not alone. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects a staggering 70-80% of pregnant women—approximately 4 million women annually in the United States alone, according to [medical research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3676933/). Despite being commonly called “morning sickness,” this misleading term doesn’t capture the full experience, as most women experience symptoms throughout the day, not just in the morning.

Pregnancy often comes with a flood of well-meaning advice from family, friends, and even strangers. When it comes to exercise during pregnancy, outdated myths can leave expectant mothers confused about what’s safe for them and their baby.

That sudden urge for pickles and ice cream at 2 AM isn’t just a pregnancy cliché—it’s a real phenomenon experienced by the majority of expectant mothers. If you’ve found yourself desperately needing specific foods during pregnancy, you’re in good company. Between 50-90% of women experience food cravings during pregnancy, according to research at [Beginning.com](https://home.beginning.com/blog/pregnancy/pregnancy-cravings-meaning-and-handling-healthy-swaps/).

The birth of a baby brings overwhelming joy, but also unprecedented challenges—especially when it comes to sleep. While everyone jokes about new parents being tired, few discuss how crucial sleep is for a mother’s physical recovery and emotional wellbeing. Nearly 71% of women report poor sleep quality in the first month after giving birth, making it a universal yet often overlooked aspect of postpartum healing.

You’ve just been through one of the most transformative experiences of your life—bringing a new human into the world. Now begins another journey: postpartum recovery. While many new mothers expect to bounce back quickly, the reality is that postpartum healing is a gradual process that unfolds over weeks and months.

Beginning.com, the award-winning women’s wellness app, is proud to announce Estonian national competitive swimmer and environmental advocate Merle Liivand as our new international ambassador. This partnership unites Beginning.com’s commitment to women’s holistic wellness with Liivand’s inspiring mission of physical achievement and environmental protection.

When it comes to preparing your body for conception and early pregnancy, what you eat truly matters. While nutrition is often overlooked until after a positive pregnancy test, emerging research shows that dietary choices made before conception can significantly influence fertility and set the foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of preparing for childbirth? You’re not alone. For generations, expectant mothers have gathered in community centers and hospital basements to learn about pregnancy and childbirth. But today’s mothers are increasingly turning to a more convenient alternative: online pregnancy courses.

The first weeks and months after giving birth can feel like navigating uncharted waters. While everyone focuses on your newborn, you’re experiencing profound physical and emotional changes that often go unacknowledged. This period, often called the “fourth trimester,” deserves as much attention as pregnancy itself—especially when it comes to your mental health.