Dealing with Pregnancy Stress

Some tips for Dealing With Stress In Pregnancy

During pregnancy there are many worries going through your head, you worry about not gaining enough weight or gaining too much weight, you worry about your baby, you worry about giving birth and you worry about finishing up work and getting everything done before that date. Then you worry about bonding with your baby, will you be able to breastfeed and how will you cope as a new parent, it seems endless!

It’s natural to feel worried during pregnancy and some level of stress seems inevitable. Life can be busy and the increased levels of tiredness during pregnancy can also affect how you are coping.

Many women ask me is stress bad for the baby? Unfortunately experts believe that stress can have a negative impact on baby. Low birth weight and preterm delivery have both been linked with prolonged bouts of stress during pregnancy. Some stress in pregnancy is unavoidable but there are steps you can take to reduce your stress levels throughout the pregnancy

Here are some tips to help reduce your stress levels:

Tip 1. Get A Massage

While also easing physical discomforts massage is a great way to relieve pregnancy stress. After a massage you should feel relaxed and free from stress. There are some really nice prenatal massages and it is important that you tell the masseur that you are pregnant before the massage.

Tip 2. Get Some Me Time

When you are busy organising everything it is easy to forget about yourself. So make sure you take time to relax and a nice lavender bath can be calming, help with reducing pregnancy stress and easing aches and pains you may be experiencing.

Tip 3. Exercise

Going for a walk, a swim or a prenatal yoga class can help you unwind after a busy day. Practice your breathing and relaxation taught during your antenatal class www.antenatalonline.ie will also help to combat stress on a daily basis. Clearing your mind even for just 15 minutes a day can help to prevent the physical effects of pregnancy stress.

 

Tip 4. Acupuncture

There is some evidence in supporting acupuncture to reduce stress levels. Acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins which help you feel relaxed and improves blood circulation.

Tip 5. Share Your Worries

It is good to talk over your worries with your partner, family member or friend. Especially if you are stressed, talk to someone. Some women say to me that they keep getting asked is everything ok and are you feeling well, you will have no shortage of people asking so make the most of it and talk about your worries. Talking can sometimes provide instant relief and you might get offers of help as well! If you don’t feel you can talk to family please talk to your midwife or doctor, knowing that someone is listening and giving you support will make you feel much better.

Tip 6. Share The Workload

If your to do list is getting longer rather than shorter it is time to start delegating. Look at your list and pick the jobs you are happy to ask a willing friend or family member to do. If you don’t you may start worrying you will not get all the workload done in time.

Tip 7. Sleep

It sounds obvious but sleep is really important in fighting and preventing stress. I know it is difficult to get comfortable in bed and most nights involves trips to the bathroom, all the more reason for you to take a nap during the day / weekend if and when you can. Low iron can also result in tiredness and feeling stressed so it might be worth getting your iron checked at your next antenatal appointment.

 

Tip 8. Know Your Limits

Some stress you can’t control and others you can. Knowing your limits is really important way of preventing stress. If you don’t have time to do a job or organise an event say no! Remember soon you will meet your baby for the first time and all the worries during pregnancy will seem unimportant. Keep your mind focused on what you are working towards and look forward to the end of your pregnancy.