Pregnancy is both an exciting and scary experience for moms, not just the first-time moms-to-be, but even those who have already experienced it once, twice, or more. Pregnant women frequently experience tension or anxiety. Being overly nervous all the time might have an impact on a baby’s wellness and emotional growth. My babies are have now grown, but I still remember the things that made me relax during my pregnancies.
Surely relaxing for a pregnant woman would be different back in the days than now but, just the same, an excess of the stress hormone cortisol can pass from the mother’s bloodstream through the placenta to the developing child as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. De-stressing and relaxation techniques should be learned for this reason.
Learn what relaxing techniques are most effective for you. Use these stress-reducers in your new life as a mother-to-be. Here’s some that helped me.
Table of Contents
Reading
I’ve learned how to make sense of life and how to live it via reading and writing. From the mushy poetry I wrote in as a teen, to the novels I started that remains unfinished to this day, to learning bible truth, I’ve somehow let books rule my life. Even while pregnant, I read books or memoirs whenever I get the chance.
Science has proved that reading aloud to your unborn child stimulates its brain, which can help develop early literacy and language skills. After a baby is born, reading to them helps them continue to develop their literacy skills. So yes, there’d be two birds hit with one stone when you read while pregnant, it’s always a good habit to have.
You can even read books about pregnancy to get some pointers for your personal journey.
Writing/Journaling
Write letters to your infant. Keep a list of important dates. I have a book given to me as a gift which is sort of a diary – where I could write notes and important events.
Writing letters to your unborn child will remind you later of all the mixed emotions you had being pregnant and the excitement as birth comes along. Consider writing a letter to your baby if you are feeling overwhelmed, need a minute to connect with your child, or have just hit a significant pregnancy milestone as follows:
– when you initially learn you are expecting
– following your initial ultrasound
– when you learned of the gender
– the beginning of each trimester
– the days leading up to your due date
When the time comes, you can gift that journal to your child to let him or her know how much you value your journey to motherhood. It will be surely appreciated.
Music
Music, whether heard or play has always been a refuge for the tired mind, and body.
You can learn an instrument while pregnant, and just like reading – it both relaxes you and stimulates the baby in your womb. Pregnant women who listen to music during their pregnancy will feel more uplifted and at ease, and the unborn child will benefit as well.
Warm Bath/Spa
Take a warm bath, sit back, and unwind. Nothing soothes your muscles like plunging into the soothing and tranquil warmth of a bath, whether it’s during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum. Why not reward yourself by including items like Epsom salts, bath oils, and bubble baths? If you do, always check the product’s box to see if it’s safe to use while pregnant.
Zita West’s Restore And Renew Lavender Bath Therapy Oil along with its other skincare line is a good addition to your routine. This unique aromatherapy mixture contains a lot of lavender, which calms your body and mind and alleviates anxiety, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and body aches. This bath therapy oil will also soothe and comfort the body and the mind postpartum.
More Pampering
On the subject of prenatal massage, treating oneself in general is a wonderful way to unwind when pregnant! Schedule a day to treat yourself to a pedicure and a new haircut as your due date draws near.
You can treat yourself to at-home face masks, high-end creams, skincare items, and enjoyable body washes throughout your pregnancy. At a time when your body is undergoing so much change, pampering yourself with some extra-special personal care items can make you feel more attractive and wonderful.
Out to the Park with Friends and Family
Nothing is more calming than taking time away from technology and the stresses of daily life to spend time outdoors, whether it is during pregnancy or at any other time. Enjoy the sunshine, feel the wind on your face, and take a deep breath. You’ll be astounded by how much calmer being outside may make you feel. Aside from music, cats, books, and coffee, being around greenery is the most calming thing to do.
Here are a few suggestions for stress-relieving outdoor activities for the pregnant you:
– picnic with friends or partner
– watch the sunset
– a maternity photo session outdoors
– post-meal stroll
– enjoy fresh air around your neighborhood
– admiring the flowers at the park
Low-impact Exercises
Walking, swimming, running, working out at the gym, taking aqua-natal classes, and practicing yoga-inspired movements are all effective forms of exercise that will make you feel good and help you cope with your anxiety.
If you’ve never worked out, ask your doctor about the best exercises you can do while pregnant.
Eat Less Sugar
We do know that when one is pregnant, anything eaten is also consumed by the developing infant. There is some worry that consuming a lot of sugar while pregnant may have an impact on the cognitive development of the unborn kid. Pregnant or not, there will be bad effects to your health if you regularly eat meals that are high in sugar or other sweeteners. In pregnancy, gestational diabetes occurs often because of consuming sugar and carbohydrates.
Although glucose is necessary for both you and your unborn child, it will really affect blood sugar. Ask your doctor or nutritionist about getting glucose from fat and protein sources.
Each woman is different, and each pregnancy will be all the more unique. You might find something beautiful to do and relax as you progress along your pregnancy. In the end, always see the beauty of this journey.