I am stressed up!
SO it happens… the little; blue line shows up on the self pregnancy test kit; an appointment with your doctor says as much—you’re pregnant! In an instant an intensity of emotions engulfs you. However, as the D-day draws near, anxiety might set in and suddenly the joy ride turns into stress. It may bring some comfort to know that feeling stressed and nervous is not unusual, especially early in pregnancy. In many situations, such feelings subside in a few weeks.
WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN PREGNANCY
Common reasons include concerns about becoming a mother; concerns about your baby’s health and well being: changing circumstances in your relationship with your partner and the increased financial obligations that come with pregnancy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MANAGE STRESS
It is wise to exercise caution and speak to your doctor about how you are feeling. Often, the symptom and solution for stress is simpler than you think, provided you act promptly.
BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF As women we all want to be super woman and as mothers we want to be super mum. This perfectionist ambition leads us to sometimes put an unrealistic amount of pressure on ourselves. Nature a lighthearted self, laugh, pamper yourself physically and nourish your spirit regularly. Spend quality time with your partner. It is a simple step, but sometimes it is unbelievably difficult to take time out for yourself. Most important of all. enjoy your pregnancy! It’s a gift, a blessing and a miracle. It has been said that indulgence keeps mums sane!
LEARN TO LET GO. The easiest way to avoid stress is ’Don’t sweat the small stuff… and then it’s all small stuff’.
RELAX. Massage in pregnancy is a fantastic way to avoid and remove stress. If you are using aromatherapy or essential oils, ensure they are safe for use in pregnancy by checking with a qualified aroma therapist. Meditation and positive visualization techniques can also bring restfulness.
PREPARING FOR BIRTH. If you are worried about your baby’s health, whether delivery will occur safely, or how you will cope with labour pains, you are certainly not alone! For some women, the fear of childbirth can be so overwhelming that they would rather have (elective) Caesarean section than face a normal delivery. This fear is known as ‘tocophobia’ and is not uncommon. Simply tell your midwife or doctor about your fears.
Tip. At Karen Hospital, Nairobi, we will give you a tour of the labour and delivery rooms beforehand. This will ease your curiosity and related anxiety. We will ensure you get to know, rather than guess, what to expect. Being informed will help you feel more confident and in control.
RELATIONSHIP CHANGES. It is perfectly understandable to worry about how a baby will affect your love life or how you and your partner will cope as parents. Communicate these feelings. Parenting is something you learn along the way. Try and spend sometime with a friend who has an infant or toddler to pick up some useful tips and Ideas. Speak to a relationship counselor, if necessary.
MONEY MATTERS. The knock-on effect of having a baby is the dent it makes in your finances. Plan ahead. If you are worried about how you are going to afford everything, make a list of the items you need— in order of priority then decide which ones you could borrow from friends or family.
DIET AND EXERCISE. Physical exercise has proven benefits against stress. Swimming and aqua-aerobics are excellent exercises that keep you toned without putting too much pressure on your joints. If you attend exercise classes, always reveal your pregnancy to your instructor beforehand. Consult your medicare giver before starting any new exercise regime. Eating calming nutrients can help suppress the hormones that rise at times of stress. Foods containing B vitamins, such as yeast extract, wholegrain bread and wholegrain rice, increase the levels of the anti-stress hormone serotonin. Ensuring that you cat well in pregnancy is essential.
Tip Visit our nutritionist at The Karen Hospital, Nairobi for help with your food plan.
END: PG12/7