8 Ways to reduce stress during pregnancy

Many women don’t realize how much stress they may be under and what negative effects excessive stress can do their bodies (and their babies). It’s crucial that the health and well-being of your baby is a top priority.

1-Say No

It is OK to choose to stay home to rest, especially if you have been dealing with morning sickness. Remember that reducing stress is important for your health and the health of your baby, and removing those imposed deadlines and events will go a long way to reducing stress.

2- Be Prepared (just in case)

Winter weather is unpredictable, and that means you will want to be prepared as much as possible. Make sure your hospital bags are packed and ready to go. While your due date may not be for another few months, there is no reason that you can’t be prepared for any occasion or circumstance that may arise. When traveling, keep a weather kit in your vehicle with blankets, mittens, hats, and anything else that will keep you and your baby warm.

 

3- Exercise Daily

Exercise is a great stress reducer for everyone, and it’s still the case even during pregnancy. Taking a 20-30-minute walk can really help clear your head. Every pregnancy is different, so you have to speak with your doctor for specifics on exercise recommendations for your unique situation before beginning any exercise routine.

4- Snooze with a Silent Night:

It’s important during pregnancy that you receive extra sleep. Having a newborn will be a lovely experience, but you may lose some much-needed rest. Try to add some downtime to your schedule. Whether it’s a nap in the afternoon or going to bed early, getting those extra hours will be blissful this winter.

5-Ask for Help

Your spouse, significant other, close friend, and family members are all great resources to help you keep your stress levels low. Just ask. They can act as a buffer or help you identify stressful situations.

6- Wear comfortable clothing
In order to make yourself comfortable, wear clothing that incorporates your expanding belly. Put together a couple of comfy outfits you can wear. For example, a dress with an empire waist that grazes your belly while highlighting your décolleté is comfortable and beautiful. You can also put on a pair of black stretchy pants with a loose top and comfortable flats.

7- Watch your food
There is no need to deprive yourself, but balance the treats with nutrient-rich food selections. If you’re someone who tends to get heartburn during pregnancy think about steering clear of acidic foods or items high in sodium. Think about incorporating these items into your diet: dairy, sweet potatoes, eggs, legumes, broccoli, leafy greens, lean meat, berries, and whole grains

8- Shopping

When you are pregnant shopping is even harder to manage, and not just because of the aching back from carrying all of the packages. That’s because being on your feet increases swelling, so online shopping might be the answer.