A lot of pregnant women worry whether the stress they experience on a daily basis could be affecting their baby. With today’s workload for women and other issues they experience on a daily basis, stress is a common factor. While it is very likely that you will experience some stress in life; especially about the changes in your body and life in general, it is nothing to be worried about. However, if you are consistently stressed out and anxious all the time, high levels of anxiety can actually harm the baby. Cortisol, the stress hormone can pass through the placenta and can have an effect on the emotional development of the baby.
If you are looking for ways to reduce stress, these are the best ways to ensure you can do so.
Take some time off
While it is not always possible to leave work and focus on resting, most countries offer paid maternity leaves and you should take full advantage of that. Taking time out from your busy schedule to focus on the baby is extremely crucial. From the 23rd week, your baby can hear you and it can be a good idea to converse with the baby. One of the key practices you need is to listen to your body and not push it too hard and resting when your body needs it.
Talk to someone
Since the hormonal levels in your body are undergoing changes, if you are feeling stressed about the baby or other subjects, it can be a really good idea to opt for some counseling and talk to your therapist about it. Since high stress levels can harm the baby, it can be a crucial step to recognize the stressors and working out ways to bypass them. If you do not want to talk to a therapist, talk to your partner or other mothers-to-be who are at the same stages of pregnancy at any classes you take. This may help to calm your worries and make you less stressed out.
Food habits
Take care of your diet. Food can directly affect the levels of serotonin in your body and can ensure that you stay happy and not stressed out at all times. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids can help you stay happy. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid can help to boost your mood and can be found in nuts, seeds, chicken, turkey, fish, cheese, eggs and yogurt. Ensure that you consume plenty of water, around 6-8 glassed a day which can ensure that your body stays hydrated and healthy.
Exercise
Exercise can help boost your mood and is perfectly safe to do some types of exercise. Swimming can be a good exercise and anaqua natal class can be an extremely good for you. Even a 20-minute walk can be a good idea as well as pregnancy yoga, which helps stretch and tone your body and can teach you how to deep breathe, relax and meditate, which comes in handy during childbirth.
If you are a working woman, working out can be difficult. Ensure that you take some time out to stretch out your body, do some ab and side stretches, neck stretches and back stretches to ensure that you get some relief.
Start preparing for birth and family life
Taking antenatal classes can help to ensure that you have an idea of what to expect when you’re having a baby and can help you relax about the stress attached to it. Talk to your doctor or midwife and arrange for the birthing plan. Talk to new moms and ensure you plan for a family life with a new baby. Look for resources and centers to help you during this phase.
Finances
If you are looking for how to pay for the things you need, making a list and finding whether you can borrow from family or friends. Local children’s centers and charities can help you out, while there are plenty of cost cutting ideas you can find on the internet. Talk to HR representatives to know your entitled benefits from your workplace as well.
If you are still stressed and feeling overwhelmed, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor. Mental health issues may complicate pregnancies and it may be a good idea to opt for therapy to deal with stresses.
