Reducing Stress

We all experience stress from time to time in our lives. When stress is prolonged during pregnancy it can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and preterm labour (labour beginning before 37 weeks gestation).

Regardless of what is causing the stress, it is important for women to take steps to reduce the stress in their lives. Here are some ways to try but don't forget to mention this to your health care provider too.

1. Take time to rest - resting during pregnancy allows your body and mind to relax. You don't have to be sleeping to rest but curling up with a good book or watching a movie you enjoy are also good options. Getting enough sleep is also important and more so during pregnancy.

2. Prenatal yoga - yoga helps to bring the body and mind together. Yoga focuses on controlling the breath through the different poses. The poses learned in a yoga class can be practiced at home and they are also useful in preparing the body for birth.

3. Talk about it - regardless of what is causing the stress in your life, find someone you can talk to about it. If there is no one you are comfortable talking to, consider writing it in a journal.

4. Preparing for birth - pregnancy brings many changes and with those can come stress about the unknown. Make time for a good prenatal class and read some books. Inviting a doula to your birth can also help you prepare because you and your partner don't need to remember all the details from prenatal classes and will have focused, individualized, and continuous support.

5. Exercise - yoga isn't the only exercise that helps relieve stress. Walking is a simple, inexpensive exercise that you can do. It is even better if you go with friends!

6. Relationship talk - spend time with your partner. Take the time to have a nice dinner together, talk about your relationship and really enjoy your time together.

7. Music - listen to some music that you enjoy and sing along too. Music has many relaxing effects and with the variety of music players available today, you can listen to it almost anywhere!

8. Professional help - seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness. Professionals can often help you see what is happening from a different perspective. Different professionals have different techniques available including hypnosis, art therapy, aromatherapy and more.

Taking active steps to reduce the stress in your life during pregnancy helps promote good health for you and your growing baby.