Like a horse and carriage, stress and pregnancy tend to go together. If you're one of those who can just let it all slide like water off a duck's back, good for you.
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.
However, excessive, chronic stress is another matter. And, without doubt, the worst - because least productive - kind of stress is stress about being stressed. And, since excessive, chronic stress in pregnancy can lead to problems for the baby, stressing about stress in pregnancy is understandable and common.
Feeling stressed about whether we're too stressed is pointless and harmful. So, it is necessary to avoid descending a downward spiral created by yourself.
Whenever an awareness of stressing over stress comes apparent to you, preventative action is prescribed. When you find yourself in that situation, there are two strategies I'd suggest you try: 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.
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.
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.
My dear, you are after all living in the most remarkable age of knowledge access in the history of the world. You know, that little old Internet thing? Use it! A wealth of health information, from the most credible scientific medical and maternal care professionals, is available at your finger tips. So, if you start feeling yourself begin to stress out, about your dietary or other decisions, stop fretting and start researching. When you have 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.
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.
And, give yourself time to relax. Many women are just too accustomed to being on top of everything for everyone. If that's your nature, so be it. But while you're pregnant, you need to let go a little bit. Put your feet up and let others bear some of the responsibility for a while. If you work outside of the home, don't be ashamed of taking off some sick days. Even if you're not technically sick. I mean, really, aren't you already doing the most important job of your life: bringing a happy, healthy child into the world?
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.
However, excessive, chronic stress is another matter. And, without doubt, the worst - because least productive - kind of stress is stress about being stressed. And, since excessive, chronic stress in pregnancy can lead to problems for the baby, stressing about stress in pregnancy is understandable and common.
Feeling stressed about whether we're too stressed is pointless and harmful. So, it is necessary to avoid descending a downward spiral created by yourself.
Whenever an awareness of stressing over stress comes apparent to you, preventative action is prescribed. When you find yourself in that situation, there are two strategies I'd suggest you try: 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.
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.
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.
My dear, you are after all living in the most remarkable age of knowledge access in the history of the world. You know, that little old Internet thing? Use it! A wealth of health information, from the most credible scientific medical and maternal care professionals, is available at your finger tips. So, if you start feeling yourself begin to stress out, about your dietary or other decisions, stop fretting and start researching. When you have 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.
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.
And, give yourself time to relax. Many women are just too accustomed to being on top of everything for everyone. If that's your nature, so be it. But while you're pregnant, you need to let go a little bit. Put your feet up and let others bear some of the responsibility for a while. If you work outside of the home, don't be ashamed of taking off some sick days. Even if you're not technically sick. I mean, really, aren't you already doing the most important job of your life: bringing a happy, healthy child into the world?
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 excessively stressful pregnancy, you should be staying abreast of all the great info available on the Stress and Pregnancy website. Also, check out this concise, informative video about stress and pregnancy to be better informed. Knowledge is strength!
