Every expectant mother experiences stress at times throughout her pregnancy. This is a normal part of pregnancy and, in fact, even prepares your little one for his journey into your arms. However, there are times when regular every day stress can move into overdrive. Especially when mothers see their To Do lists getting longer instead of shorter. There are so many things they want to accomplish before the baby arrives and it seems as though there is so little time.
It is important for mothers to pause, take time to reassess what is necessary and what they can let go of. Creating some breathing room during pregnancy can actually contribute to a healthier mom and baby.
Time to relax and slow down reduces stress. Here are just a few ways lowering stress levels can be of benefit during pregnancy:
· Healthier sex drive and fertility (important if you are trying to conceive)
· Reduced risk of preterm birth
· Reduced risk of baby born small for gestational age
· Reduced risk of depression in the mother
· Developing a mature hippocampus in your baby (the emotional hub of the brain)
· Promotes healthy physical development in early infancy
· Increased cognitive scores for your infant
· Normal stress threshold for your baby (babies become stressed less often)
· Reduced risk of your baby’s brain becoming habituated to stress hormones, which makes her feel unsafe and scared
· Reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism and schizophrenia)
· Higher IQ
· Decreased behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence
With all of these benefits, stress reduction should be at the top of the To Do list! Start with simple things that are scientifically proven to reduce stress:
1. Smile. Schedule time to do activities that increase your joy. Hang out with girlfriends who make you laugh. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.
2. Yawn. Repetitive yawning actually helps reset the brain and allows you to refocus.
3. Meditate or Pray. This can be accomplished in many ways. You can simply find a quiet space, close your eyes and think about the
people and things in your life that you have gratitude for. You can also participate in activities that help you to feel calm and centered, like walking in nature, gardening or swimming.
4. Move Your Body. Movement is one of the best ways to remove stress from your body. Take a walk. Go swimming (also great to line your baby up for birth). Take a belly dance class. Try prenatal yoga.
5. Practice Deep Breathing Techniques. Slow your breathing. Try and count to four while you inhale and count to 8 as you exhale. Do this for several minutes when you feel stressed.
6. Take a Daily Nap. Yes, it’s true, you should lie down. Cuddle with your partner, your dog or your teddy bear. Napping for just 15 minutes a day has direct health benefits and reduces stress levels immensely!
While it is impossible to avoid stress at time, it is possible to help your body manage stress. Take some time every day to practice stress reduction and you and your baby are sure to he happier and healthier. Want to learn more about ways to de-stress and bond with your baby prenatally? Read best-selling book The Greatest Pregnancy Ever, available on Amazon and Kindle.
By Laurel Wilson and Tracy Wilson Peters
www.thegreatestpregnancyever.com