During your pregnancy it is only natural for you to worry and have concerns at some point. After all, expecting a baby is a beautiful, life-changing part of your adulthood, and bringing a baby into the world brings on more responsibilities than you are properly used to. You may be concerns about telling people you’re pregnant, scans, test results and your baby’s general health, anxious about the financial cost of having a baby or just the strain having a new baby could put on your relationship. Rest assure you’re not alone and many new mums-to-be and experienced mums are properly feeling exactly the same way you are.
How you can help yourself:
1) Make time for you
Take time out for yourself, it’s good for you and baby! Don’t feel guilty about not doing the housework, put your feet up, read a book or have a warm bath to release all those worries and tension.
Feeling exhausted? Have a 20 minute nap during the day; your body is working extremely hard to provide nourishment for your baby’s growth and development. Also go to bed early, a good night sleep could help improve how you’re feeling.
If your already a mum and finding it hard to have ‘me time’ it’s a good idea to ask your partner to take the other child or children out to the park or ask friends, relatives or grandparents to have your child or children for the afternoon, while you take a well deserved break. No House Work!
2) Speak your mind
If you’re worrying about whether your baby is healthy, if he/she will be born safely or if you’re up to the task of parenthood speak to your midwife for reassurance and support.
Keeps those lines of communication open with those you love especially your partner, they will be able to give you some advice and support. Talk things through with your partner as he will not know what you are experiencing inside your body and cannot anticipate what your wants and needs will be such as cravings unless you explain to him why you fancy a pickled egg with a sprinkling of coal!
3) Exercise
You may not feel like exercising but it can really help to improve your mood. Exercise is quite safe as long as you’re not doing anything to vigorous and strenuous. Swimming is ideal as the water supports the baby and doesn’t put any pressure on your joints. It gives you an hour or so to yourself and on a bonus keeps you toned.
Pregnancy yoga not only tones and stretches your body but also teaches you breathing and relaxation techniques, just what you need if you’re having a practically hard day.
Any type of low impact exercise such as walking will help to relieve stress and take your mind off things. Try to gradually add exercise into your everyday life and hopefully you will see a big improve in your well-being.
4) Prepare for birth
You may be starting to worry about the labour and how you will cope with the pain, if you sign up for antenatal classes they will be able to advise you on all options available for pain relief, how labour starts and the signs to look out for. If your having a planned caesarean, talk to your midwife about what the procedure will be during the day and discuss your birthing plan, this will make you feel more in control. It is also a good idea to visit the hospital delivery suite and make you familiar with where to go to and whether you have the option of a birthing pool. This will put your mind at rest knowing where you and your baby will be before and after birth.
5) Maintain a well balanced healthy diet!
Eating plenty of foods that contain many essential fatty acids omega 3, vitamins and minerals can help lift your mood so it is very important to maintain a healthy diet.
VIP Top Tips brought to you by: Natalie Rumble from the Life Coach Directory – providing a huge support network of life coaches, enabling visitors to find a life coach close to them and appropriate for their needs.
