Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time, when a woman is joyous and glowing with good health. But many women also feel stress and anxiety during pregnancy because of the changes pregnancy brings to the body, worry over labor and delivery, and concerns about finances. While some anxiety is to be expected, excessive stress during pregnancy can lead to complications for the mother or the baby. Here are 10 things that pregnant women can do to reduce their stress levels.
1. Take a Trip With Your Partner
At some point well before your due date, consider taking a vacation — a “baby moon” with your partner or with a friend. If this is your first child, it can be a great opportunity for a little fun downtime before your focus shifts to your growing family. If you have older children, this is a chance to give them a little special attention from you before the new baby takes center stage.
2. Get Some Spa Treatments
Mothers, especially those with a newborn at home, tend not to get much time to themselves for spa days. Taking the opportunity to get a haircut, a manicure and pedicure, and a massage can do wonders for your stress level. Getting a pedicure can be a real luxury, especially during the last months of pregnancy, when it becomes difficult to bend over and reach your own feet. New moms usually find it difficult to get away, so getting a haircut in the last weeks of pregnancy can help you look and feel better during those first days at home with baby.
3. Delegate Some Tasks
There is much to do before a baby comes, and a pregnant mom may find herself with a to-do list that’s far too long. But some of these tasks can probably be given to others, such as washing baby clothes, putting together a crib or bassinet, or buying supplies such as diapers. Most people are happy to help prepare for a new baby, so don’t hesitate to ask friends, neighbors, or family members to take over some tasks.
4. Get Gentle Exercise
Exercise is not only a great source of stress relief, it is also free. Some forms of exercise that can be helpful for pregnant women are yoga, walking, and swimming. Of course, you should always clear any type of exercise with your doctor, and avoid any activities that could lead to injury. Make time for exercise every day in order to make the most of this powerful stress-busting tool.
5. Share Your Worries
Pregnant mothers are worried about a great many things, from concerns over labor and delivery to wondering if the baby will be born with any health problems. Sharing these worries with friends or a healthcare professional can help take the anxiety down a notch. Discussing labor and birthing plans and the health of the baby with a healthcare provider may allay some worries. Talking with another new mother about everything from sleepless nights to the best type of diapers can also help you get a fresh perspective and help you to put some worries to rest.
6. Eat Healthfully
When you’re pregnant, some people think that it’s acceptable to eat cake, cookies, and other types of empty calories. In truth, pregnancy is the time to eat even more carefully than ever before. Pregnant women don’t need as many extra calories as most people think, and any added calories should be from healthy foods, not junk food. When you are feeling stressed, it is tempting to give in to convenience and comfort foods, but eating more healthful foods is the best choice for pregnant moms who are looking to reduce their feelings of stress.
7. Take a Nap
Pregnant women are often tired, and with good reason. Growing a baby can be exhausting. Getting enough rest is very important, and not just because sleep will be in short supply once the baby comes. Being well-rested can reduce stress, which is always better for the baby. Pregnant women should take any opportunity they can to sleep late, go to bed early, or even take a nap.
8. Make a Working Plan
New mothers who work outside the home will need to make arrangements for maternity leave,. They will need to decide when to come back to work, and they will need to find child care. The time you will need to take for maternity leave will depend on your health, your method of delivery, and your financial status. No matter how long you take off after you have your baby, your employer will want to know what your plans are. Finding child care can take some time, so getting it wrapped up before going on maternity leave can eliminate a lot of stress as you go into the last weeks of pregnancy. With a plan in place well before your due date, you can focus on the last days of your pregnancy and then on your new baby.
9. Spend Some Time With Your Best Friend
Pregnancy and preparations for a new baby tend to take a lot of time, and you may not get to spend as much time with your friends as you might like. Being with your friends and doing the things you enjoy can reduce your stress and strengthen your relationships. Having a good support system in place before you give birth is not only going to improve your mood now; it is going to help you in many ways during the coming weeks and months of new motherhood.
10. Give in to the Nesting Impulse
Some pregnant women feel a strong urge to be more domestic, especially during the last weeks of pregnancy. Cleaning and arranging the house and the baby items can be therapeutic. Having your home, and especially the baby’s room, in proper order can help make an expectant mom feel both more prepared and more in control. Knowing that the baby will come home to an ordered environment stocked with diapers and clean blankets can help reduce anxiety.
No matter how a pregnant woman decides to reduce stress, finding a way to relax is very important during this time. Pregnancy is full of expectation and change, and while these changes can be welcome and exciting, they can still be stressful. Putting a stress-reducing plan in place can help a pregnant mother to be more relaxed, which in turn is good for her baby.
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