The level of stress and anxiety a woman feels during her pregnancy can cause long-term side effects for baby, that’s why it is so important to try for a stress-free pregnancy.
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in a woman’s life, but it can also be a time of great stress. The nine months leading up to the birth of your baby can be filled with all sorts of new and unfamiliar emotions. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to have a stress-free pregnancy. Let’s discuss four different ways to achieve this goal. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to having a relaxed and enjoyable experience!
#1 Get Plenty of Rest
This may seem like an obvious one, but it bears repeating. Pregnancy can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Make sure to get plenty of sleep each night and take the occasional nap during the day if you feel tired. Your body will thank you for it. Pregnant women should aim for at least seven to eight hours per night. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or reading before bedtime. Additionally, consider taking a pregnancy yoga class which can help promote better sleep by reducing stress levels. While napping during pregnancy is perfectly fine (and even encouraged!), make sure not to overdo it. Napping for more than an hour or two during the day can make it harder to sleep at night.
#2 Eat Healthy
Eating a nutritious diet is vital when attempting to reduce stress on both you and baby. Foods that are high in sugar, bad fats, or are processed, can cause medical problems to arise during pregnancy like high blood pressure. That’s why it is better to eat veggies, healthy proteins, and yummy fruits. Be sure to include plenty of green vegetables, and lean protein in your diet. When you are grocery shopping, try to avoid the middle section of the supermarket, as that is where they normally stock all of the processed foods and it is best to avoid temptation altogether! There are also some foods that pregnant women should avoid altogether, such as unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats, raw fish and shellfish, undercooked eggs, and alcohol. Remember, your doctor is a great resource ally when it comes to what other food restrictions you may need to follow.
#3 Use Technology To Join a Pregnancy Community
Pregnancy can be lonely, especially if this is your first child. Luckily, there are many great apps out there that can help connect you with other pregnant women and new moms. These apps can provide valuable support and information during pregnancy and beyond. Some of our favorites include What to Expect When You’re Expecting, BabyCenter, and The Bump. These apps offer forums where you can ask questions and get advice from other users. They also have articles on everything from pregnancy nutrition to labor and delivery. Additionally, many of these apps have GPS tracking features that allow you to find nearby resources such as hospitals, clinics, and OB-GYNs. Finally, some apps help you order your prescribed medications, like the Benecard PBF app, to ensure you take your prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your physician.
#4 Pay Extra Attention to Yourself
Once the baby arrives, you will have barely any time at all to worry about your personal needs and well-being. During these months of pregnancy, it is best to give yourself a little extra love and care. The first thing in each stage of your pregnancy you should do, is set yourself up with a prenatal massage, this way you and baby can release any stress you might be carrying. Next, treat yourself to a mani and pedi, and make sure you request for the extra foot rub. Your feet will thank you for that! It is important to remember that you exist as well as the baby, and if mama isn’t exactly feeling good about herself then the baby will feel that, too.
The Takeaway
It is possible to experience a stress-free pregnancy, with a little help from others who have gone through it. Sure, pregnancy can be wonderful, but it does weigh heavily on the mental and physical aspects of a woman. By following the tips above, you can help reduce your stress levels and have a healthy and happy pregnancy. So take care of yourself, get plenty of rest, and eat well! And don’t forget to download some great apps to help you through this exciting time.