A child entering the world, whether it’s your first or third, is a huge occasion that will impact upon every area of your life, so it’s no wonder you feel a little stressed at times. You’re probably tired out from growing a whole new person, you’ve got a to do list the size of your arm, and you’ve got lots of loose ends to tie up at work before you start maternity leave. Stress during pregnancy is pretty much inevitable and all women will experience it at some point.
Here are some tips to help you cope with stress during pregnancy:
- Relax – easier said than done when you’re feeling stressed, but it is really important to relax. Leave your work worries, birth fears and to do list outside, and take some time to sit down and breathe for a while. Having a nice bubble bath (not too hot!) is a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day, and it will do wonders for those pregnancy aches and pains you’re no doubt suffering from.
- Talk – if you’re feeling apprehensive about the birth, speak to your healthcare provider. If you are worried about the affect a new baby will have on your relationship, speak to your partner. You will need a support system in place for after the baby comes, so why not put them through their paces now by listening to your pregnancy woes?
- Delegate – you have enough on your plate without also worrying about which type of baby bath to purchase. You’ve probably got two sets of soon to be Grandparents desperate to help out with any kind of baby related duty, so why not delegate a few of the less important jobs? That way you get to tick a few chores off your to do list, and Granny has been given something useful to do (so she can stop commenting on how much weight you’ve gained).
- Rest – you might be struggling to sleep during pregnancy due to the huge bump getting in the way, but rest is a really important tool for fighting stress. Try using extra pillows in bed to provide comfort, and have naps during the day if this helps.
- Planning – good planning is important for keeping stress at bay. If you’re feeling worried about money, try drawing up a budget for once the baby arrives. If you are losing sleep because you have too much to do, try to break down your to do list into manageable jobs and do a little bit each day. There’s no point overdoing it and putting yourself out of action because you’re exhausted.
- Birth – some women cannot help but worry about the birth itself. Remember, women have been giving birth for thousands of years, and it is a natural process. Your healthcare provider will be on hand to help you during labour, and provide any medical support necessary. Try not to worry too much about the birth, and instead focus on meeting your baby for the first time.
If stress is causing you to lose sleep, or if you have lost your appetite or are more irritable than usual, and none of the above tips have helped, you should ask your healthcare provider for advice on stress management.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.
