Stress can rear its head during pregnancy in many forms, from headaches to overeating to having trouble sleeping. But that’s just the start – excessive levels of stress can cause serious complications, like increased risks for preterm delivery, miscarriage, and/or low birth weight of the baby.
While the issue remains debatable, some studies have also found a link between behavioural problems in children to chronic stress experienced by their mothers while pregnant.
There’s no dearth of triggers which will set you off – anxiety about the birth, about your body and health, about your baby. Also, about the rising expenses (some of which can take you by surprise), and plenty of other stuff!
In fact , short bouts of stress that result from these triggers, also as arguments or severe mood swings, won’t have you rushing to the hospital all the time. But if left unchecked, these little bouts can cause bigger problems within the future.
Eat and sleep well to keep stress under control
There’s nothing like the benefits of excellent food and sound sleep. Ensure that you simply follow a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a healthy amount of water. Daily (2 – 2.5 litres of water each day is suggested during pregnancy, as you’ll be drinking for two).
Having your meals at regular times can help prevent your blood glucose levels from dropping, which successively will keep you from feeling moody and tired all day long. As for sleep, we’re sure you recognize that feeling tired and sleep-deprived doesn’t put you in your best mood. It certainly does its bit in increasing stress levels too. So shut those eyes and maintain eight hours of sleep nightly without fail!
Ask someone you trust to avoid building stress
Feeling as if you’re jittery the entire time? Or worried about yours or your baby’s health? If you are feeling like there’s a drag that must be addressed, speak to someone who you recognize you’ll believe .
This can be anyone, from your spouse to your parents to your best friends – anyone you think that can assist you out. albeit they aren’t ready to do so directly, they’ll be ready to direct you to someone who can. But keeping mum about something that’s troubling you isn’t the solution!
Benefits of regular exercise during pregnancy
We don’t mean strenuous workouts, in fact – gentle exercise should do the trick just fine. There are several sorts of exercises that are perfectly safe to try to to during pregnancy, be it swimming, walking, stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics then on. Not only will exercising regularly assist you stay fit, but it also lowers the extent of cortisol (also referred to as the strain hormone) in your body, thereby reducing stress levels too.
Don’t skip appointments with your doctor to handle stress during pregnancy
Make sure you often visit your doctor in order that you’re cognizant of how you’re progressing in your pregnancy. Especially, if there are any problems you would like to discuss about, regarding you or your baby. Regular appointments can help screen any complications right from the start ensuring appropriate measures are timely taken.
Meditate to keep away stress during pregnancy
Practicing meditation has numerous benefits which will assist you during pregnancy. For eg. Promoting better sleep to relieving stress and anxiety (especially if you begin practicing meditation or yoga in early pregnancy) to reducing the likelihood of postpartum depression. You can try guided meditation or follow videos online to know the proper techniques.
Prepare yourself for the birth
A lot of times, stress can stem from the very thought of getting to travel through the birthing procedure. In any case , you’d have heard many stories which will cause you to anxious for what’s ahead. But you’ll always be prepared by asking the right people about your doubts. Be it your doctor or someone you trust. Some measures are are often helpful in combating stress levels. For eg. Making a versatile birth plan, treating any suspicious symptoms early , or maybe going for therapy (if you’re extremely anxious).
Prioritise ‘me time’ to cope with stress during pregnancy
If not now, then when! Carving out a couple of minutes of your day to try to do something you wish is super important. Whether it’s simply to concentrate to soothing music, journal your thoughts, meditate, watch TV or to try to do nothing in the least. Ensure that you simply prioritize your comfort and some time . Try it for yourself; taking an opportunity can do major wonders for your mental health!
Don’t forget the post-delivery part!
You may be aware that stress isn’t something you would like to require care of only during pregnancy – in any case , what comes after those trying 9 months is that the actual difficult part.
There might be many triggers to crank up your stress levels. These can be expenses doping up post the baby’s arrival, any possible health complications you face after the delivery, or maybe arranging funds for post-natal treatments.
Choose a secure financial measure which will help keep your reserve funds and therefore the money saved away for your baby intact. Make sure it can cover all of your maternity care needs. For eg. Sessions with nutritionists, health check-ups, IVF treatment, delivery, and even somatic cell preservation once the baby is born.
Identify triggers that cause you to anxious and be prepared for the items you recognize are headed your way. Invite help whenever you would like it.
Check out our maternity department for further details or book an appointment with our experts.
