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.
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?
I've never been persuaded by those who would have us regard stress as some sin or evil. Stress can be a very productive force in our lives. It facilitates our creativity, achievement and the ability to meet our 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. Don't create a downward spiral for yourself.
When you find yourself getting stressed about whether you're too stressed, then, it is probably a good idea to do something about it. If you feel as though that's your situation, there are two strategies I'd like you to consider: 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.
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.
There's tremendous benefit in going through these doubts together, feeling less alone. And, it is always striking how doubts and fears, like germs exposed to fresh air and sunlight, can almost instantly vanish once removed from their dark, festering place.
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.
The other strategy is to take inventory. If you're worried you're not eating enough or the right food. Not exercising enough. Whatever. Don't stew in self doubt.
Lady, you're living in the World Wide Web Age: make use of it. Never in history has it been easier to research health information from credible scientific medical and maternal care professionals. When you start stressing about whether your choices are good ones, stop stressing and find out what's really true. If you've doubts about what to do; find out what to do.
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.
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.
Finally, as a general rule, please, expecting mom, give yourself time and space to relax. If you're a chronic worrier, it is likely that you're used to always feeling like you have organize and double check everything for everyone. If that's your nature then I say, in general, so be it. You are who you are, right? However, maybe, just while you're pregnant, you might want to give yourself a little break from all that. Once in a while you've got to put up your feet and chill. Others can handle the responsibility for a while. And another thing: if you have a job outside of the home, don't hesitate to take some time off. Cash in some of those sick days. After all, aren't you working 24 hours a day on the biggest job of all?
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?
I've never been persuaded by those who would have us regard stress as some sin or evil. Stress can be a very productive force in our lives. It facilitates our creativity, achievement and the ability to meet our 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. Don't create a downward spiral for yourself.
When you find yourself getting stressed about whether you're too stressed, then, it is probably a good idea to do something about it. If you feel as though that's your situation, there are two strategies I'd like you to consider: 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.
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.
There's tremendous benefit in going through these doubts together, feeling less alone. And, it is always striking how doubts and fears, like germs exposed to fresh air and sunlight, can almost instantly vanish once removed from their dark, festering place.
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.
The other strategy is to take inventory. If you're worried you're not eating enough or the right food. Not exercising enough. Whatever. Don't stew in self doubt.
Lady, you're living in the World Wide Web Age: make use of it. Never in history has it been easier to research health information from credible scientific medical and maternal care professionals. When you start stressing about whether your choices are good ones, stop stressing and find out what's really true. If you've doubts about what to do; find out what to do.
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.
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.
Finally, as a general rule, please, expecting mom, give yourself time and space to relax. If you're a chronic worrier, it is likely that you're used to always feeling like you have organize and double check everything for everyone. If that's your nature then I say, in general, so be it. You are who you are, right? However, maybe, just while you're pregnant, you might want to give yourself a little break from all that. Once in a while you've got to put up your feet and chill. Others can handle the responsibility for a while. And another thing: if you have a job outside of the home, don't hesitate to take some time off. Cash in some of those sick days. After all, aren't you working 24 hours a day on the biggest job of all?
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 coping with an unusually stressful pregnancy, you need to follow all the great info available on the Stress and Pregnancy website. Also, have a look at this concise, informative video about stress and pregnancy to be better informed. Knowledge is strength!
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