Relieving Stress During Pregnancy

Simple and Practical Tips to Recharge

Pregnancy can be an exciting and stressful time. It’s physically exhausting as your body works hard and undergoes constant changes. It’s also mentally and emotionally taxing as you dream and plan for the near future. All these factors can leave you feeling drained and can ultimately affect your overall health, so finding ways to relieve stress during this time is more important than ever. Here are some simple and practical ways to do just that.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

A poor diet can put your body under stress, so what you’re eating is important. While we’ve all heard about the foods that can be harmful and should be avoided during pregnancy, there are even more foods that can help support the health and development of you and your baby. Not only do these foods improve your physical health, they can help to support your mental health too by boosting your serotonin levels.

Although you may have certain food cravings during pregnancy, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. When planning meals, include the following:

• Protein
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• Healthy fats
• Dietary fiber
• Complex carbohydrates
• Plenty of fluids, especially water

Set Aside Time for Refreshment

While pregnancy can be a beautiful experience, it’s also a lot of hard work. Your body is constantly going through physical and hormonal changes which can be emotionally and physically draining. That’s why it’s important to regularly set aside time to allow your body and mind to be refreshed.

Some relaxing activities to try include:

• Getting a massage
• Sitting outside
• Taking a nature walk
• Doing prenatal yoga or stretching
• Taking naps
• Soaking in a warm bath
• Practicing meditation
• Curling up with your favorite book
• Sipping a cup of tea

Ask for Help When You Need It

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at points during your pregnancy, so it’s important to remind yourself that you are not alone. Even if you feel like no one around you can relate to your experiences, it’s important to communicate regularly with your loved ones. Explain to them how you’re feeling and ask for help whenever you need it. Chances are they will be more than happy to listen to and support you in any way they can.

If you notice that you’re feeling low or your sadness lasts for more than a few weeks, reach out to your prenatal care team. Remember that looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Labor and Delivery in Duluth, Minnesota

At St. Luke’s, we are committed to providing you with the customized birth experience you’ve always dreamed about. To do this, we make it a priority to exceed the highest standards of care and seek the training we need to best serve our patients.

To learn more about St. Luke’s Birthing Center or establish care with a provider visit our website.