It was funny, when I was pregnant because on more than one occasion my husband would state categorically (and very emphatically): “The pregnant woman wins. No contest.” It would be nice, if that were always true. That philosophy would mean that stress at work, stress at home and stress of life would evaporate for that nine months and just make your life easier.
Of course, reality sets in and all the nice thoughts in the world will not make the stress of living day to day life go away, nor will it alleviate other sources of stress – including other children, your family, your spouse and throw that all into the same blender with the fact that you are coping with the physical and hormonal changes of being pregnant and you have the recipe for a too thick to be taken in by straw stress shake.
Chronic Stress is Bad for You
Whether you are pregnant or not, chronic stress is bad for you. So here are a few tips to help cope with stress while you are pregnant. (Chances are – they’ll be helpful after the baby is born too!)
- Exercise – In all stages of life, exercise is a great stress reducer because it helps to improve your health, boosts your energy levels and can even help eliminate some aches and discomforts related to pregnancy. Walking is among the best exercise, but be sure to check with your physician prior to starting any exercise program
- Meditation – Meditation is a great way to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and even help you sleep better. This can be great, especially for women experiencing problems with sleeping because they are pregnant. You can pick up guided meditation tapes at most bookstores if you are looking for a way to get started
- Plug in to the Mom Network – There’s nothing like a change in your life to have you reaching out to others who’ve been there before. Your mom or mom-in-law might be helpful, but their pregnancies may very well have been years and years before. Connecting with someone who’s been there and done that can help you to keep perspective and may also offer you the support and insights you need to overcome the nagging worry that may often accompany stress
What other methods did you use to cope with stress while pregnant?
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