It is common for women to feel a mix of emotions during pregnancy. Managing stress during this time is important for overall health of the pregnant women and baby.
But, too much stress can be harmful for your health
Too much stress can:
- Affect your health and how you eat
- Cause too much weight gain because you may choose foods that are less healthy, or eat even when you’re not hungry
- Raise your risk of health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure
While many women may experience stress during pregnancy, it is important to learn how to manage it.
Ways to deal with stress
Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress. Here are some ideas to try:
- Talk to a friend or family member
- Schedule time to do something you enjoy
- Exercise and eat healthy
- Try yoga or meditation
- If you need more help, reach out to your doctor or nurse
Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you to clear your mind and relax your body so that you feel less stressed.
How to Practice Mindfulness
- Schedule time for yourself. Even 2 minutes counts!
- Sit in a comfortable and relaxed position.
- Close your eyes. If you find it difficult to relax, try putting on some relaxing music.
- Focus on your breathing. If your mind wanders to other things, try to bring your mind back to your breathing.
