How to go Through a Pregnancy Smoothly

Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also leave a woman feeling unsure about things that used to be simple such as what to eat or how often to exercise. Additionally, questionable advice from loved ones and even strangers can leave a pregnant head spinning. But it does not have to be this way--progress through your pregnancy smoothly by focusing on what really matters: you and how you feel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Think positively. When you are pregnant it is easy to slip into worst case scenarios since they seem to surround you at every turn. Many of the most popular pregnancy books on the market showcase uncommon but dangerous pregnancy outcomes. Do educate yourself about these things, but try not to focus on them in lieu of other, more routine pregnancy issues.
2. Find a midwife or doctor who takes the time to talk with you about your concerns without feeling rushed. Prenatal appointments can sometimes seem very much like you are on a factory conveyor belt since doctors in particular tend to overbook leaving little time to really flesh out a client's concerns. If you get this feeling from your prenatal care provider, find an alternative provider who makes you feel at ease and not rushed.
3. Put an end to listening to "bad birth" stories from friends, family members or even well-meaning strangers. Nothing can stress a mom-to-be out like hearing scary birth stories. Unfortunately, many of those around you will think nothing at all of recounting such stories. If you sense that someone is about to unleash a scary birth story that happened to their cousin's daughter's best friend's sister, politely stop them in their tracks by saying something like, "Thanks, but I think I'd like to focus on the positive right now."
4. Seek out stories of women who had good birth experiences. This might mean that you need to find books that contain these stories. Hearing about these successful labors and births can boost the confidence of any woman--particularly one who has a bit of anxiety about labor.