Get Your Hair Did

If there's ever a time a lass needs a new haircut, a massage, a manicure/pedicure, new clothes, moisturizer that will break the bank, pricey makeup, and all things flashy, it's when she's expecting. The truth is, while an MTB is widening around her equator, it can be hard for her to feel good about herself. An extra "woe" for those women who are pregnant in the dead of summer when having extra poundage feels unforgivable.

So let me make this clear: MTBs, this is not the time to wear horrid hand-me-downs (unless they come from a fashion-friendly woman) and low-price lipstick. I'm not saying to blow your life savings at upscale pregnancy boutiques, I'm saying it's OK to splurge on a few items that will help you feel good.

Before I get complaint emails: yes, I realize this is all very superficial, but no matter how you cut it, it's a reality that MTBs--blame hormones, if you want--can feel down about their bodies. How would you feel if your feet swelled, your pants wouldn't fit, your skin freaked out like a 13-year-old's, varicose veins popped out of nowhere, your back hurt, you slept uncomfortably every night, a vertical line appeared on your belly, parts of you were sore for no reason ... *pant, pant* ... your head hurt, you couldn't take strong medicine when you needed to, your hands swelled--OK, this is turning ugly, so I'll stop; but, you get the idea.

The point is, good makeup and a new outfit can make MTBs feel temporarily better about a temporary problem. So, go ahead and encourage them to splurge now and then!

If anyone knows my husband, feel free to forward this to him ... several times. If possible, do not disclose your source. Better yet, tell him you read it in a mental health magazine, like the Journal of American Pregnant Society Something or Other (any good abbreviation will do).