Pregnancy is supposed to be a beautiful experience as you prepare to bring in a new life into your world. But a lot of elements can cause a fair bit of stress because after all pregnancy means a lot of changes for your body as well as your life. Continued stress and anxiety are not good for the health of the baby or the mother. It increases the chances of premature birth as well as low birth weight. It is important to manage your stress levels effectively so that you can enjoy yourself during your pregnancy and have peaceful childbirth. Here are a few things you can do to manage your stress and anxiety.
Take a Birthing Class
Enroll in a Birthing class as early as possible. Classes are prone to fill up pretty fast and some classes only run for a limited time of the pregnancy period. Search in your local area for birthing classes you can attend. There are also
online birthing classes you can take, like these offered by Hearth and Home Midwifery midwives perth and Midwifery Services Albury Wodonga.
Consult with your doctor about natural birth vs C section and epidurals vs drug-free pain management. Don’t be hesitant to ask any questions that you have in your mind. Remember that no question is stupid when it comes to pregnancy. It is also important to learn about the different stages of labor and be prepared for each of them. The better prepared you are before you go into labor, the lesser you will be surprised. You should never take the chance of going into labor clueless of what is going to happen.
Focus on Your Baby
Think about the new life coming into your world once the pregnancy is over. It should help you relax. Remind yourself that the baby can feel your emotions, hear your voice, and absorb your positivity. The more relaxed you are, the better your body will respond to the pregnancy and the health of your child. It is also a great time to create a bond with your baby, so try different things like talking to the baby or reading to it.
Get Plenty of Rest
There is absolutely no reason why you should cause stress for your body during your pregnancy. Make sure you take a nap or get some rest every time you feel exhausted. Keep track of your sleep cycle and ensure that you get enough time to sleep. In case you are facing difficulties to sleep in peace, try and get tips on how to sleep better during pregnancy. It is not only important for your physical health but mental health too. It might seem difficult at times to take a break from everything going around you. But you have to prioritize your comfort above everything else.
Eat Well
It is needless to say that your body is going to need a lot of extra nutrition during your pregnancy. Eating well will ensure that you have a healthy body and a healthy baby. Eat regular and proper meals all through the day. It might seem difficult at times due to emotional turmoil or pregnancy sickness. Ask your doctor or midwife for certain healthy eating tips.
You must also keep yourself properly hydrated at all times. Dehydration can not only be harmful to the baby, but it will also affect your mental health during this time. Ensure that you drink the recommended amount of fluids in a day. It is quite natural to miss having an alcoholic drink once in a while but avoid that for the sake of your baby. You can have a non-alcoholic mocktail or a shake to compensate for the cravings.
Try Recommended Exercises
You might feel too brought down by your pregnancy, but try out some gentle exercises. Mild exercising can lift your emotions and spirits because it helps in the release of endorphins in the brain that make you feel happy.
Many kinds of exercises are perfectly safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor or midwife before you try anything too strenuous. Swimming and aqua natal classes are great options because they are easy on your joints and act as a relief for your added bodyweight. There are certain pregnancy yogas you can try to stretch out your muscles and help with your breathing. If everything else seems inconvenient, or too taxing for you, just try and walk around as much as you can. There’s nothing like a little walk in the park amidst nature and fresh air.
Remember that the key to the least challenging labor and childbirth is a peaceful pregnancy. If you can stay relaxed during the period of pregnancy, you will be able to think calmly and clearly once you are in labor. If you start to feel stressed, imagine yourself holding your baby in a happy and peaceful place. But if you feel overwhelmed by your stress levels or you start to feel depressed, consult your doctor immediately. Getting help at the right time will strengthen your support system and coping mechanisms for when you have the baby.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
