If you feel like worrying about your pregnancy takes up all your time, you re not alone. All moms-to-be even experienced one, stress during pregnancy, it is normal. However, if your stress starts to become overwhelming or constant, then you should think about getting some help.
When you are constantly stressed your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that prepare your body for the physical exertion of flight or fight. This can lead to your health declining and an impact on your growing baby.
Let us have a look at some of the ways you can relax below:
Make sure you are informed
There will be many people who offer their advice, and while some of it may be great, some of it may worry you and make you feel stressed. The best thing to do is to listen with a light heart and do your own research. If anyone has offered you any advice that you are unsure of and it is making you feel stressed ask your health care provider, they are the best person to settle your worries. Whatever you do, do not get lost in a minefield of answers online. If you want to know if they will be using a portable ultrasound or what pain relief there will be available, ask them directly.
Focus on your breathing
Stress can have a huge effect on your breathing. It can lead ot you taking shorter, shallower breaths which can decrease the oxygen in your body. This shallow breathing can make your stress levels rise. Yes, it’s a bit of a vicious cycle, however, you can take control by focusing on your breathing, having a breather, and meditating.
When you recognize the feeling of stress, lie or sit down, close your eyes, and practice deep breathing. In through your nose and out through your mouth. As you breathe, try to focus on relaxing and allow your stress to slip away.
Remember to stretch
Being stressed during pregnancy can lead to your muscles tensing and tightening. Stretching is a brilliant way to counteract and relieve stress. If you feel yourself getting nervous or anxious, take some time out of your schedule to stretch your back, arms, neck, and legs. Make sure you breathe deeply to help your muscles relax. Pregnancy exercise is definitely beneficial if your doctor gives you the go ahead!
Get plenty of rest
When you have lack of sleep, your mind and body quickly become exhausted. This can lead to an increased level of emotions and negative thoughts, which leads to stress. If you are struggling to sleep at night, try to have a nap during the day if you can. Even a quick five minutes can help.
Talk to others
Sometimes, the things that are stressing you out are just in your head. When you are thinking about giving birth, you might be worried about what will happen, and then bang, you are stressed. Talking things through with someone else is a brilliant way of getting these worries off your chest. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with; a partner, a therapist, a friend, and let it all out.
These five tips should help you to minimize some of the stresses you feel during pregnancy. Do you have any other tips that could help?
