Do you find that your pregnancy is causing you additional stress? If so, you are not alone. The reality for many women, at least at some point during pregnancy, is that it may be a source of stress.
It is never a great idea to dwell on only the negative effects of stress. Yet refusing to get help or learn ways to cope with pregnancy stress can affect your baby in some substantial ways. One recent study indicates that a stressful pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of stillbirth. Another study has shown links from pregnancy stress to an increase in allergies and asthma for the baby.
Stress can also affect the mother negatively. Stress can cause digestive problems, cardiac issues, headaches and a host of other health related problems. Stress can even lower your immune system and decrease your resistence to disease and illness.
During pregnancy, some causes of stress might include not having enough emotional support, not feeling ready to be a mother, dealing with complications or having a high-risk pregnancy, or recognizing that your pregnancy is bringing back unresolved issues from your past.
So what can we do to avoid pregnancy stress? The truth is that we do live is a stressful environment and it is unrealistic to think we can avoid all stress all of the time. But there may be ways to manage your stress so that it does not affect you or your baby in harmful ways.
Here are some helpful stress management tips:
- Learn to prioritize daily. If something can wait, let it wait.
- Learn to say "no". This can be hard for women who want to help others.
- Learn what you can and can't control. Frequently stress comes from situations we cannot control. You may need to learn to let go of those situations you have no control over.
- Evaluate whether something truly is "life or death". If it is not a major event, remember that it is not worth your stress.
- Find ways to relax - exercise, deep breathing, prayer and meditation, etc..
- Remind yourself that in 1 week or 1 year, this event will likely no longer be stressful to you.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat nutritious meals and snacks and drink plenty of fluid.
- Avoid sleep-inducing drugs or alcohol. Chemicals will only mask your symptoms.
- Get away from stress, go for a walk in the park, call a friend, take a vacation.
- If you continue to suffer from stress and need additional stress management techniques, seek professional help.
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