Stress and pregnancy seem to go together all too easily. Some women have the capacity to just left stuff go. If you're one of them, good for you; pregnancy, and everything else, likely, will be a lot easier for you.
Most of us, though, can't escape those nagging thoughts. Will the baby be healthy? Am I eating well enough? Sleeping enough? Exercising? And, of course, if it's your first, there's always that eternal one: will I be able to be a good mother?
Look, the tendency in some circles to treat stress as a great evil is silly. Stress plays a big role in helping us create, achieve and meet responsibilities.
Excessive and chronic stress, though, is a whole different kettle of fish. The one truly completely unproductive kind of stress is stress about stress. And, since excessive, chronic stress in pregnancy can lead to problems for the baby, stressing about stress in pregnancy is as understandable and common as it is ill-advised.
The worst and most pointless stress is indeed stress about being stressed. So, by all means, it is important not to create a downward spiral for yourself.
If though you are getting just too concerned about your stress levels, then it might be wise to take positive action: even if only to relieve your stress about stress. I'd suggest two strategies: communicating and taking inventory.
Communicating is important in a number of ways. Share your worries and doubts with your partner. Yes, for some women, their pregnancy stress is directly related to their partner: wondering how he is going to react to all these new feelings and responsibilities.
Whether that's the case or not, don't be surprised if he isn't also having doubts and feeling stressed - possibly over how you're coping! Sharing your feelings, even stating the fear you feel you shouldn't be having, is an amazing elixir.
Not only is there comfort in knowing you're going through this together, but it is often surprising to discover how quickly bad thoughts dispel into nothing once finally stated: like germs exposed to fresh air and sunshine. Letting the bad stuff fester is never healthy.
And, of course, don't forget your friends. Don't assume that they can only be comforts to you if they're experienced mothers. Of course there can be a great benefit in talking to those who have been through it all. Even if not, though, sometimes just reminding yourself about your wonderful support network can be immensely comforting.
Taking inventory is another valuable strategy for stress reduction during pregnancy. When you find yourself worrying about what you're eating or how much exercise you're getting, again, don't let it fester. Do something about it.
We live in the age of the Internet for goodness sake. It's easy to find reliable dietary and fitness information from credible medical and maternal care sources. If you have doubts about some of your choices, find out what you should be doing.
If you're not doing it, then do it. In all likelihood, what you'll find out, though, is that you're doing just fine. Hopefully that knowledge will put your mind at ease - not only for the issue at hand, but also for the next time you're seized with a moment of self doubt.
Finally, if neither of these strategies work for you, perhaps you're just overly prone to worry. Some of us are like that. Then, try engaging in activities known for inducing relaxed states. Yoga, deep-breathing, meditation, massage, warm baths are old standbys.
Also, be sure to take plenty of you-time, to relax. Take advantage of sick days, if you're working out of the home. Put your feet up and let others take over the responsibilities.
Generally, stress becomes a serious problem only if we allow it. Nip it in the bud when you see it coming. Refuse to allow yourself to dwell on negative thoughts. Nothing good comes from pointless or directionless worry. A far better use of that great imagination of yours is the excited anticipation of that beautiful baby of yours, on its way. Here's hoping the suggestions above assist you in letting go of your stress and pregnancy concerns, and having a wonderful pregnancy.
Most of us, though, can't escape those nagging thoughts. Will the baby be healthy? Am I eating well enough? Sleeping enough? Exercising? And, of course, if it's your first, there's always that eternal one: will I be able to be a good mother?
Look, the tendency in some circles to treat stress as a great evil is silly. Stress plays a big role in helping us create, achieve and meet responsibilities.
Excessive and chronic stress, though, is a whole different kettle of fish. The one truly completely unproductive kind of stress is stress about stress. And, since excessive, chronic stress in pregnancy can lead to problems for the baby, stressing about stress in pregnancy is as understandable and common as it is ill-advised.
The worst and most pointless stress is indeed stress about being stressed. So, by all means, it is important not to create a downward spiral for yourself.
If though you are getting just too concerned about your stress levels, then it might be wise to take positive action: even if only to relieve your stress about stress. I'd suggest two strategies: communicating and taking inventory.
Communicating is important in a number of ways. Share your worries and doubts with your partner. Yes, for some women, their pregnancy stress is directly related to their partner: wondering how he is going to react to all these new feelings and responsibilities.
Whether that's the case or not, don't be surprised if he isn't also having doubts and feeling stressed - possibly over how you're coping! Sharing your feelings, even stating the fear you feel you shouldn't be having, is an amazing elixir.
Not only is there comfort in knowing you're going through this together, but it is often surprising to discover how quickly bad thoughts dispel into nothing once finally stated: like germs exposed to fresh air and sunshine. Letting the bad stuff fester is never healthy.
And, of course, don't forget your friends. Don't assume that they can only be comforts to you if they're experienced mothers. Of course there can be a great benefit in talking to those who have been through it all. Even if not, though, sometimes just reminding yourself about your wonderful support network can be immensely comforting.
Taking inventory is another valuable strategy for stress reduction during pregnancy. When you find yourself worrying about what you're eating or how much exercise you're getting, again, don't let it fester. Do something about it.
We live in the age of the Internet for goodness sake. It's easy to find reliable dietary and fitness information from credible medical and maternal care sources. If you have doubts about some of your choices, find out what you should be doing.
If you're not doing it, then do it. In all likelihood, what you'll find out, though, is that you're doing just fine. Hopefully that knowledge will put your mind at ease - not only for the issue at hand, but also for the next time you're seized with a moment of self doubt.
Finally, if neither of these strategies work for you, perhaps you're just overly prone to worry. Some of us are like that. Then, try engaging in activities known for inducing relaxed states. Yoga, deep-breathing, meditation, massage, warm baths are old standbys.
Also, be sure to take plenty of you-time, to relax. Take advantage of sick days, if you're working out of the home. Put your feet up and let others take over the responsibilities.
Generally, stress becomes a serious problem only if we allow it. Nip it in the bud when you see it coming. Refuse to allow yourself to dwell on negative thoughts. Nothing good comes from pointless or directionless worry. A far better use of that great imagination of yours is the excited anticipation of that beautiful baby of yours, on its way. Here's hoping the suggestions above assist you in letting go of your stress and pregnancy concerns, and having a wonderful pregnancy.
About the Author:
Whether it's you or someone you love is dealing with an unusually stressful pregnancy, you need to follow all the news and tips available on the Stress and Pregnancy blog. Also, check out this concise, articulate video about stress and pregnancy to be better informed. Knowledge is strength!
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