How to Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous times of your life and it can also be one of the most stressful. Your hormones are all over the place and you can't fit into anything (including your favorite chair!) Excessive stress isn't good for you and it might even harm your baby. Take steps to relieve the stress now.

Instructions

1. Write down all of your commitments and take a good, long look. What can you do away with? Make sure there is at least one item that you enjoy doing and want to do. Keep it on your list.

2. Give yourself a break. While you may think that you ought to be able to do everything you did before becoming pregnant, realize that your body is (temporarily) going through a big change. It really is okay to "baby" yourself a bit and that doesn't make you any less spectacular.

3. Delegate. If your mom offers to come hang curtains for you, let her! If your husband says he doesn't know how to do laundry, teach him! You will be amazed at how freeing it is to let go of some of the control.

4. Communicate with your husband, friends, family members, and anyone else significant in your life. Just talking about what you are going through, emotionally and physically, can help alleviate stress. Besides, a loved one might offer help and solutions you had not thought of.

5. Pamper yourself. Before you know it, you will be spending nearly every waking (and many you'd like to be sleeping) moment meeting the needs of the most perfect little person you have ever met. So, fill up your reserve tank with as many pedicures and massages as you can garner.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to seek professional help. Depression can be brought on by the changes in your body chemistry.

Resources

• Pregnancy Relaxation Techniques