Sometimes, stress and pregnancy seem to fit together like a hand and glove. This isn't true of all women, of course. Some just let troubles roll off their back, like the proverbial duck with water. If you've been so blessed, good for you; pregnancy is likely just one area of life in which you find things easier.
The rest of us have to bear the burden of our doubts and anxieties. In pregnancy, of course, it's the endless voice in our head, wondering if the baby will be healthy. Are we eating properly? Sleeping and exercising enough? And, of course, for us first timers, there's the age old doubt: will I 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.
Communication is of course important in most things. It has particularly therapeutic benefits in pregnancy. To begin with, it is important to talk about your concerns with your partner. I'm well aware that your pregnancy stress could have in fact a lot to do with your partner: particularly worrying over his feelings and reactions.
Even if that's your situation, don't refrain from discussing it with him. He might actually feel relieved at the opportunity to let out what's been feeling bottled up. And his feeling more relaxed will likely relax you, too. And even if your stress has nothing to do with him and he's totally cool with everything, often just being able to express your doubts or fears 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. Though, I suspect, the overwhelming majority of time, you'll discover what you've been doing is perfectly fine. Knowledge is your friend; let it put you at ease.
If it turns out though that neither of these strategies provide you the comfort you need, a more determined effort may be required. You just may be prone to worry. That's just the way some of us are put together. Even if so, there's still no reason to overly fret. That is, I still don't want you stressing over stressing. There are a variety of practices well proven for relieving psychological stress through the reduction of physical stress. Try these out for some relief: yoga, deep-breathing, meditation, massage, warm baths are all time-honored remedies.
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.
The rest of us have to bear the burden of our doubts and anxieties. In pregnancy, of course, it's the endless voice in our head, wondering if the baby will be healthy. Are we eating properly? Sleeping and exercising enough? And, of course, for us first timers, there's the age old doubt: will I 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.
Communication is of course important in most things. It has particularly therapeutic benefits in pregnancy. To begin with, it is important to talk about your concerns with your partner. I'm well aware that your pregnancy stress could have in fact a lot to do with your partner: particularly worrying over his feelings and reactions.
Even if that's your situation, don't refrain from discussing it with him. He might actually feel relieved at the opportunity to let out what's been feeling bottled up. And his feeling more relaxed will likely relax you, too. And even if your stress has nothing to do with him and he's totally cool with everything, often just being able to express your doubts or fears 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. Though, I suspect, the overwhelming majority of time, you'll discover what you've been doing is perfectly fine. Knowledge is your friend; let it put you at ease.
If it turns out though that neither of these strategies provide you the comfort you need, a more determined effort may be required. You just may be prone to worry. That's just the way some of us are put together. Even if so, there's still no reason to overly fret. That is, I still don't want you stressing over stressing. There are a variety of practices well proven for relieving psychological stress through the reduction of physical stress. Try these out for some relief: yoga, deep-breathing, meditation, massage, warm baths are all time-honored remedies.
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:
If you or someone you know is dealing with an unusually stressful pregnancy, you should be staying abreast of all the great info 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!