Last
week we talked about how being stressed during pregnancy can affect up to four
generations down the road. To help cope
with a stressful pregnancy, we have put together our top 15 ways to reduce
stress during pregnancy.
1.
Practice Saying “No” — Pregnant women tend to try to work much harder
at the beginning of their pregnancy to compensate for the fact that they might not
be able to do as much later on and when little one arrives. So if you really can’t do it don’t take on
that extra project at work and don’t volunteer to make 100 cupcakes for the
bake sale when you know you can’t. It
will be a lot less stressful and you will thank yourself later on.
2.
Limit “information overload”— Reading a few pregnancy blogs and books
will help you prepare for the future but reading too much or reading the scary
(and probably unlikely) stories might just stress you out a little too
much.
3.
Rest—If you need to take some extra time to take that nap at 2pm then
do it. Consider calling on close family
and friends to help you if you need it.
4.
Mediate—If you are beginning to come undone, take 10 minutes are
relax. Shut your eyes and just imagine
your future child.
5.
Asking for advice—If you want the best advice ask your friends, mom,
aunt, MIL, or even your grandparents.
The best advice tends to be from your close friends and family. Remember
though, even though you asked you are not required to take any advice if you
don’t feel that it is right for you.
6.
Talk to your baby—Starting at just 23 weeks your little one can hear
you. Make the time count by talking to
your baby throughout the day or putting headphones on your bump. Your soothing voice will comfort the baby
when he is out of the womb and in your arms.
7.
Go to bed early—There is nothing wrong with going to bed at 7pm after
dinner. You don’t need to stay awake to
see the newest episode of “So You Think You Can Dance” if you would rather
sleep.
8.
Talk about it—If you have any concerns about your pregnancy talk to
your partner about it. Keeping these
fears in will only build up stress and hurt you later on.
9.
Consult your doctor/ midwife—If you have a feeling that something is
wrong with your or your baby talk to a professional about it. A professional will also help you with any
questions you have about the labor itself.
10.
Visit with friends—Go to your local coffee shop with friends and get
some green tea and a slice of shortcake.
Talk about anything under the sun and just relax. If you are on bed rest or extremely tired at
the end of your pregnancy have a few friends come over and bring the coffee
shop to you… and don’t worry about the dirty laundry on the floor, they don’t
care!
12.
Go shopping—There’s nothing less stressful than shopping for cute little
baby clothes and accessories. Who doesn’t
love onesies with monkeys on them and hats that have Minnie Mouse ears on them?
13.
Eat a well-balanced diet—Even though you are craving Buffalo wing pizza
with a side of mac and cheese try to eat a well-balanced diet when you can. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, healthy fats,
and grains. It’s ok to give into
cravings here and there but for the most part try to eat healthy.
14.
Decorate the nursery—Once you find a designated area in your home for a
nursery start planning it out. For more information
on decorating your nursery see our top ideas on Pinterest.
15.
Pamper yourself- Being pregnant is stressful so consider making
yourself an appointment at your local salon.
Make sure to tell them you are pregnant when booking the appointment. Consider making your appointment early in the
morning so you can avoid the chemical smells in the salon that build up over
the course of the day.
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