Taking a Less-Stress Approach to Pregnancy
By Janna Morris-Meeks
Pregnancy, without a doubt, is one of the most amazing life journeys a woman can experience; however, those special nine months can be stressful, too.
While finding time for any new responsibility is challenging, pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience – regardless of how much time you have to devote to the process. You may worry about possible complications, the health of your child or your relationship with your spouse. Since other aspects of life don’t stop just because you are pregnant, you will also have to deal with any family, work or friendship issues that might arise and cause you concern.
According to Dr. Kendall Handy, chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Medical Center, not managing stress properly during pregnancy does have associated risks. “One risk of stress during pregnancy is preterm labor, which could lead to prematurity,” Dr. Handy explains. “Also, a mother who is under a great deal of stress may have an infant that is small for its gestational age.”
The good news is you can reduce your risks of experiencing these complications by managing stress effectively. To help you take a less-stress approach to pregnancy, Kimberly Dalgety, a licensed professional counselor at the Pastoral Institute, has the following tips for Muscogee Moms readers:
Be your own filter.
Many documentary-style TV programs that focus on pregnancy exist today. Too often, though, these programs show traumatic experiences and difficult deliveries. Even if you enjoy these shows, it may be a good idea to watch something else if you’re pregnant. “Now is a great time to focus on positive stories and images about pregnancy,” Kimberly says. It may also be helpful to use caution when deciding whether or not to listen to friends’ birth stories. Some may try to bombard you with overly dramatic or graphic accounts of their experiences. However well-intentioned this sharing may be, it isn’t helpful if it causes you to worry. “Explain that you appreciate their willingness to share their experiences with you,” advises Kimberly, “but also explain to them that you would like to focus on positive birth stories. Avoiding stories or comments that are negative or frightening can help you avoid unnecessary stress.”
Maintain or adopt healthy habits.
Kimberly says eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you to manage stress effectively. Talk with your health care provider about your current sleeping, eating and exercising habits, and discuss maintaining these routines during your pregnancy.
Focus more on being and less on doing.
How many times have you said that you would do something, such as agreeing to bake two pies for your company’s spring luncheon, and immediately regretted the commitment? That “yes” knee-jerk reaction can really get you into trouble during pregnancy. The last thing a mom-to-be needs is to miss out on an extra hour or two of sleep because she’s baking pies. Maybe this is a good year to simply be a guest at the luncheon. In that same spirit, you may want to take Kimberly’s advice: Focus on appreciating the experience of being pregnant and becoming a mom, rather than adding extra items to your to-do list.
Practice gratitude.
Pregnancy is a time when emotions – negative and positive – run high. Many women enjoy making plans for the birth of their dreams, the nursery of their dreams, the baby of their dreams. But because the world isn’t perfect, it is inevitable that something about your plan is not going to go the way you hope. Rather than focusing on things that aren’t the way you envisioned, work on being intentionally thankful for the things that are positive. “Adopting a mindset of being intentionally grateful helped me manage stress during my own pregnancy,” Kimberly confides. If the paint color you bought for the nursery didn’t turn out exactly as you pictured it, don’t worry; instead, be grateful for the time that you and your husband spent together preparing your little one’s room.
Take time to pray or meditate.
Try setting aside 10 minutes each day for prayer or meditation. Kimberly explains that this practice can help you relax and provides a great opportunity to connect to the purpose of what it means to be a mom. She suggests using a prayer journal to explore topics such as the values you want to express for your child. For meditation, memorize a favorite verse or prayer that is meaningful to you and let it become your mantra.
Communicate openly and authentically.
If someone asks you how you’re doing, what is your automatic response? If you’re like most people, you say you’re well, even if that isn’t exactly true. We do this because we don’t want to burden others with our problems, and while there’s probably something to be said for that, it is important to be able to be real with your family and closest friends, especially during pregnancy. Are you feeling a little weepy this afternoon? Is your back hurting? That’s OK, and, according to Kimberly, it’s also OK to express those feelings to the people in your support system.
See challenges as opportunities.
Often, our stress level is directly related to our perspective on things. Pregnancy-related stress is no exception, and neither is the stress that comes along with having a brand new baby at home. It can be helpful to look at challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. “Pregnancy is a good time to practice for the stress that comes with a newborn,” Kimberly says. Just think – any challenges you encounter during your pregnancy are really chances to get yourself ready for the opportunities you will face once your little bundle of joy arrives!
Photo Credits: istockphoto.com
