10 Ways to handle the stress during pregnancy

Thursday, October 15, 2015


stress during pregnancy

Why are you stressed out during pregnancy?

It is quite natural that you feel stressed at some point or another in your pregnancy. After all, expecting a baby is a life changing event! You already feel responsible for this little being that you will give birth. Your questions are many?

You worry about the health of your baby, the results of your tests and ultrasounds or your birth. Your work may be exhausting and you wonder if your finances can bear the costs related to the arrival of a baby. Or, you wonder about the changes that this baby will bring about your relationship with your companion.
How to appease you?

Whatever the reason you are feeling stressed. Here are 10 steps you can take to fight against stress:


1. Take time to relax
Make time for you. There is no reason to feel guilty because not only will you feel better. At work, try to elevate your feet and you really relax during your lunch break. Once at home, limit, if possible, household chores.

If you feel exhausted, go to bed early. Your body works hard to feed your developing baby and it needs a maximum of sleep.

If you are a mom, you may have more trouble finding the time to rest. Why not ask your partner, a friend or a grandparent to keep your kids afternoons per week? This allows you to give yourself a break.


2. Talk
If you worry about the health of your unborn baby or your baby? If you are afraid of not being up to your role as a parent, know that you are not alone in this case. Your midwife will probably reassure you. But also talk to your companion. Evoking your concerns, you will feel better, and your companion too.

Remember that your friends and family can bring you a precious help. You can also meet with moms at the same stage of pregnancy as you, why not in preparation for childbirth. Some of them will surely have the same feelings as you. You can then discuss your doubts and difficulties, and find the support you need.


3. Eat well
It is important to eat well, for your mind and for your body. A healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids omega-3, vitamins and minerals, helps to feel good.

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid and increase the levels of melatonin and serotonin in your brain. These chemicals help you sleep well and increase your sense of well-being. Tryptophan is found naturally in many foods, including nuts and seeds are easy to snack.

It is useless to have a special diet to be sure to absorb all useful nutrients. You will find, for example, in:

  •     oily fish,
  •     the fruits,
  •     nuts,
  •     seeds,
  •     dairy products,
  •     lean meat,
  •     Poultry,
  •     cereals,
  •     the vegetables.
4. Exercise
Exercise can really affect your mood. It is quite safe to exercise during pregnancy as long as you do not choose too intensive activities. Swimming is ideal: it tones while preserving the joints muscles.

Pregnancy yoga helps tone and stretch your body. It also teaches you breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation. All these techniques will help you relieve your anxieties.

Try to incorporate exercise into your daily life. At work, get up and walk around regularly, especially if you are sitting all day at a desk. Take out lunch for some fresh air, even if it's only for 10 minutes.


5. Prepare for childbirth
You may worry about your delivery. How bother you pain? How does your partner react? To learn more, about preparation for birth read related book.
If your baby to be born by cesarean section, ask all the questions that concern you to your midwife or obstetrician. They will answer you.

If you give birth in hospital, you may be able to visit the delivery room before. If this is not possible, perhaps you will enjoy at least a virtual tour. You probably feel more reassured if you have a better idea of ​​where you are going to give birth.

If your fear of childbirth is such that you would rather have a cesarean section rather than vaginal birth, talk to your midwife or doctor. With their help, perhaps you will manage to overcome your fears.


6. Prepare to family life
It is quite natural that you  asked what the effect of your baby on your relationship. Wondering if you'll live up to your role as a parent? Parenting is learned over days and learning is long. If you have friends parents of young children, they will probably give you useful advice.

You may be stressed about your finances, your work, your relationship or your home.
To get a good start, you can read  our Beauty section on the care of the newborn.


7. Organize your trips home / work
Most women continue to work until a few weeks before the date of the term. The journeys home / work can be a major source of stress.Find there alternatives?

Ask your employer if you can avoid peak hours, such as beginning and ending earlier than usual. Always sitting in travel by public transport. If we do not offer you space, ask for one.

Pregnant women who use metro, buses have reserved places. Do not feel embarrassed. Most people are quite ready to give up their places, you just remind them!


8. Money matters
It is certain that a baby can make a real hole in your finances. If you are wondering how you are going to make ends meet, make a list of everything you think you really need. Then think about what you could possibly borrow from friends or family.

You certainly will not need to buy everything on your list. Some objects, such as the basket, serve a month or two. Do not forget that you can also find used baby gear.

Ask about your maternity leave and any aid for which you qualify.


9. Try complementary therapies
Massage is a fantastic way to less stress. Try them now with your companion. This will relax you and your companion will be so well trained to massage your big day!

You can also learn more about the massages through during childbirth preparation.

Some women also like reflexology, pressure massage on certain points of the feet. Be sure to consult a qualified therapist and used to working with pregnant women.

The techniques of meditation and positive visualization, also used for yoga, can also be helpful. Meditation is to relax your mind by concentrating on something. Positive visualization is to mentally visualize a peaceful scene.

10. Indulge
Laughter is one of the best ways to relax the body. Get together, for example, friends, watch a DVD fun with your partner or go to the movies. If your finances allow you, treat yourself to a romantic weekend and enjoy it to the fullest.

Pregnancy is also the perfect time to enjoy beauty treatments that you do not you normally would offer. If your stomach bothers you to cut your toenails, why not make an appointment with a podiatrist? If you want to save, create your own small beauty parlor at home. Pamper yourself, you deserve it!

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