49 The Emotional Toll of Pregnancy Entering motherhood is a mentally challenging -yet exciting-time BY SHARDE CARTER PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES B ecoming a mother is life-changing, yet the experience is different for everyone. Often, this major milestone is envisioned as idyllic and picturesque. In reality, it can prove to be a bit more complicated. Worry, nervousness and increased sensitivity are mental and emotional challenges you might encounter through the journey of pregnancy. After all, your body is going through a major transformation, which can include everything from physical changes, such as wider hips and bigger feet, to neural network changes-a fancy way of saying your brain shifts into protective mother mode. VIM & VIGOR SPRING 2020