There are many ups and downs while being pregnant. On the one hand, you have the future of looking forward to meeting for the first time the little human that is growing inside of you; and on the other hand you have all of the hormonal ramifications that comes with growing a human!

Pregnant women can experience stress and/or anxiety for several different reasons, and this is very common. Here are some tips on how you can manage your stress so that you continue a healthy and happy pregnancy:

Ask for help

As moms we tend to always want to do everything, and this is just not possible. Many people are willing to help pregnant women, so don’t hesitate to reach out! Simple things like asking for help when carrying your groceries to the car can go a long way with your cortisol levels.

Take a bath

You may have heard or read that pregnant women should stay away from taking baths. WRONG! We absolutely can take baths, and hot ones too. Just not hot to the point where your internal temperature rises too much, i.e. a hot tub. Hot tubs are not recommended, and I agree with that. But baths at home don’t remain as hot as hot tubs, so we are in the clear on that one. Light some candles, play some soothing music, turn off the lights, throw in some bubble bath, get in and relax. You deserve it mama!

Play what you love

Do you have any TV shows or movies that just make you happy? Like, really happy? I’m talking about a total feel-good, knee-slapper type thing. Well, throw that on. Anything that’s going to make you smile or laugh is bound to decrease your stress levels. After all, don’t they say that laughter is the best medicine?

Exercise

I bet you knew this was coming. And that’s because it’s true! Exercise helps release endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands. (See what I did there? #LegallyBlonde). Just don’t over exert yourself. A light workout can still make a difference.

Take a deep breath

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, then you know what I mean by “take a deep breath”. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds. Repeat three times. Try to be sitting or lying down when doing this so that you’re comfortable. Breathing is not only a relaxation technique, but it also provides more oxygen to your blood, which in turn provides healthy blood cells to your baby. Keeping you and baby both happy and healthy.

You’re doing great mama!

Sacha xo