Ways to reduce stress when you are expecting

Mothers, whether on their first time around or having their fourth and final child, all need to be able to relax, It is important to the health of both the mother and her unborn because stress can lead to significant health risks. Reducing a pregnant mother's stress level is not only her job, but is her partner's as well.

Friends and Family

Talk to others about your emotions and how you're feeling. You can talk to your partner, family, friends or your own doctor. Communication with others and knowing that you have people who are on your side willing to help can go a long way in reducing stress while you're pregnant. Friends are especially useful in the later months when movement for the budding mother becomes a tad more difficult to manage. If there are too many errands to run or the housework is overwhelming, be sure to ask for help. Friends and family are almost as anxious as you are about seeing the new addition and want the baby to arrive as safely as possible, so they'll be more than happy to help out in whatever way they can.

Bubble Baths

Bubble baths become quite a chore toward the end of the third trimester, so take advantage as much as possible while you can. Select the soothing music of your choice, light a few candles, turn the lights down low, sprinkle your favorite bubble bath, oil, or bath salts into the tub, close your eyes, and enjoy the tranquility of a long soak.

A bubble bath can do wonders for those aches and sores you have been developing, and get rid of all the exhaustion during pregnancy. 

A bubble bath also helps in moisturizing the whole body, which may be difficult during the period of pregnancy.

Leisure Time

Minimize your exposure to worrisome issues and you’ll minimize your stress. Sometimes, too much information about pregnancy complications and problems can cause unnecessary stress. If your pregnancy is proceeding along normally without any complications, reading about these possible problems can make you stressed for no real reason. A good relaxation CD will not only prove useful to alleviate stress during pregnancy and make you feel better, but can also be very beneficial in preparing you to relax your mind and your muscles during labour and birth.

Massages

One of the best ways to keep physically relaxed is either to visit a salon or getting a relaxing massage. Use an aromatheraphy oil blend to help influence the senses and ease the stress away. For partners: Careful consideration of her feet, legs, hips, and lower back is a must. Take time to pamper yourself during your pregnancy. Massage is beneficial during pregnancy (be sure to visit professional massage centres who can deal with pregnant mothers) because it::

•   aids circulation, helping with blood pressure control.
•   creates tranquil relaxation to relieve depression, anxiety and reduce stress.
•   alleviates muscle cramp and discomfort.
•   reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
•   can help the mother sleep more peacefully and restfully.
•   stimulates glandular secretions, which helps stabilize hormone levels.

Exercise

Exercise has huge stress reducing qualities. It will also leave you feeling more energetic and ready to tackle the day's challenges. Before doing anything too strenuous, be sure to consult your doctor, but some simple stretching exercises are a good start. Walking is another activity you can do in order to keep fit and reduce stress. Exercise can also help ease labour and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the upcoming labour and delivery. One more thing to keep in mind is that sex is an exertion as well. The good news is sex doesn't stop at conception.

Laughter

Laughter is a great way to reduce stress during pregnancy. Laughter releases chemicals in the brain that improve our mood and help us feel better. Take time during your pregnancy to rent some comedies. Spend a quiet evening or afternoon watching movies that make you laugh. Look for the amusing things that naturally happen around you. Laughter will make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Mini-Vacation

With the expenditures from having a baby, vacations are typically not feasible. However, you don't have to spend money to go on a short excursion. There are fun things to do all around you like going to a zoo, a museum, or a free concert. Here's a place to let your creativity flourish. A pretend bed and breakfast get away for you and your partner is a fabulous idea. Make the provisions a day or two in advance, so there's little to do but enjoy the goodies. Launder your sheets and leave special touches like mints on the pillows and the edges turned down, then stay in bed cuddling the entire morning long.

Sleep

Get plenty of sleep. The less sleep you get the more stressed you are likely to be. If you find you are having trouble sleeping invest in a comfortable body pillow, some new sheets and even a white noise machine to help block out outside noises and help promote more restful sleep. A pillow positioned between knees and thighs will help keep your body aligned properly and aid in sleep. You may find it helpful to take a relaxing bath before bed. Try not to drink beverages in excessive amounts right before bed. It will reduce your trips to the bathroom to a minimum.

Water Therapy

Water is highly important for more reasons than keeping your body hydrated. A common reason for headaches is a lack of water in the system. Your doctor should have prescribed vitamin supplements containing folic acid. The nutrients are important to decrease birth defects, but they're for you as well. The baby is tapping in on your resources, so maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Be sure to reduce your intake of caffeine. Believe it or not, there are stress reducing foods out there and they're all in the veggie and fruit section. So, be certain to consume the FDA recommended requirements.