Ironically, worrying about pregnancy can be a cause of worry. Other symptoms of anxiety include restlessness and irritability.
It is important to understand how to reduce stress and manage it. We explore below a few simple and proven techniques for stress reduction that you can easily integrate into your daily life, both during pregnancy, and after.
Avoid couch potato syndrome
Exercise is important to maintain good health during pregnancy, even if you don’t feel like it. It’s important to change up your exercise routine in a way that will benefit your body without overdoing things.
Swimming or aqua aerobics is a great way to exercise while pregnant, as are cycling and weight lifting. Yoga is another popular form of exercise for pregnant women. Combining these methods will prevent excessive weight gain, keep you strong and limber and prepare you for birth.
Eat a healthy diet
The best pregnancy diet is one which provides all the nutrients you need for both yourself and your baby. This means eating from all five food categories, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and dairy products that are low in fat. It is also important to know which foods you should avoid.
Related: 6 Things to do Before Getting Back to Work Post-Pregnancy
Know that cravings during pregnancy for high-sugar, high-salt or fat foods are normal and usually harmless. Remember that a healthy diet during pregnancy and post-partum is the best way to reduce stress. This is also important to ensure that your baby has the best start in life.
Rest up
It is normal to feel tired while pregnant. You would be the minority not to. This is why you should take the time to rejuvenate and rest. Lack of sleep can put both you and your child at risk for other conditions. Medical professionals say that pregnant women should sleep eight to ten hour every night. Those who don’t get this amount of sleep are more likely to develop serious conditions such as gestational diabetics and preeclampsia. They also have a higher risk for complications during delivery. When in doubt, nap!
Discuss it
It’s true what they say, a shared problem is a half-solved problem. Talking about your problems with a partner, trusted friend, or family member can help you to process your emotions and redirect your energies in a positive direction. You may also be able get more practical assistance, such as help with cleaning, shopping, cooking or watching other children. If you still don’t feel better after speaking to your network of support, you can also reach out to professional support services if needed.
Create a new network of support
You don’t have friends or family who are ready to support you throughout your pregnancy? Join a pregnancy group and don’t worry. There are many groups that offer everything from phone counselling and information to social time with new parents.
It can be stressful to navigate pregnancy for the first-time, so it is important to acknowledge any anxiety that you may feel. Growing a child is not an easy task! If you feel that anxiety is affecting your life negatively, you can improve your situation by making some simple lifestyle changes.
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