It’s likely (not necessary though - we all do this differently) she’ll feel exhausted and she may see some other niggles arising too.
It’s often about this time that hips start to ache and lower back too. It can be hard to sleep - accommodating a big ol’ bump in bed is difficult, plus you have to get up to pee and often. Smells are heightened and things you used to love to eat or drink repulse you. They may even make you feel nauseous. To be frank, some people may make you feel the same!
And then of course there’s your skin and hair.
Throughout pregnancy many women experience the most glorious hair imaginable. Some believe that hair is thicker and more lush during this time, but it’s an illusion. What’s really going on is that during pregnancy hair loss reduces dramatically so you literally have more. So that’s a bonus and it’s one that the Duchess of Sussex does seem to be enjoying.
Pregnancy skin ... well that’s not always such a positive story.
There’s itching and dryness for one thing. Also, many mamas-to-be develop dark patches on their faces, often referred to as the ‘pregnancy mask’.
This is due to hormonal changes (oestrogen to be specific) and sun exposure makes it worse. At least Meghan is in the cool climes of the UK and not here in Australia!
Thankfully this condition usually resolves itself post birth. Phew!
Then, there’s stretch marks.
These are a little more tricky and given Meghan’s African American heritage, she may struggle with these as darker skins tend to develop stretch marks that are more visible to the eye.
That said, many women swear that they avoided these by applying oils and creams throughout their entire pregnancy. The truth, however, is it’s largely due to genes and there’s not a great deal you can do to prevent these squiggly lines where your skin stretched to accommodate a bub.
Post birth you can talk to a cosmetic doctor about light treatment and perhaps laser. Both can help to less the appearance of these marks. Meghan will at least have access to the world’s best practitioners if she decides she needs them.
Here’s what we recommend ... slathered yourself in natural sunscreen and moisturisers and do your best embrace all of these changes.
It’s not always easy. Any mother will tell you that.
But the fact is pregnancy changes your body and in more ways than you might expect. And it is entirely out of your control.
Further, when we say that, we don’t necessarily mean that pregnancy changes your body for the worse. Many women are not only back in shape within a year or so, they’re in better shape than they have ever been!
And even if they aren’t I am yet to meet a woman who cares that much and no doubt Meghan will be the same.
A healthy, happy baby and a healthy happy mama (plus partner) is really all that matters.
