Neha Arti 
If you are pregnant you should realize that it is quite normal to be under stress like most other expecting moms. The stress is caused by the bodily changes that take place during pregnancy, and you are quite helpless as there isn’t much you can do about it. If the stress is occasional, it is certainly not going to affect your baby, so you can relax. However, if being stressed is a daily affair, you need to sit up and take notice. You can turn to your doctor for advice and help as if continuous stress is left untreated, it could lead to premature birth or giving birth to a baby that is underweight.
Here are 5 easy ways to handle stress during pregnancy:
Try to get more sleep
It is an unsaid truth that when you get more sleep your stress levels automatically go down. Not without good scientific reason though, because a good night’s sleep ensures that your brain’s neurotransmitters get a good chance to restore themselves. Moreover, if you fight sleepiness and force yourself to stay awake it affects the parasympathetic nervous system that works by default. It is the parasympathetic system that helps balance stress.
However, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. Especially, the third trimester is when you are most restless and sleep eludes you. The things you can try include eating at least a couple of hours before bedtime, setting the temperature at the most convenient level that suits your body, and using body pillows as per convenience.
A warm, relaxed bath
Nothing like a soothing soak to calm your nerves. Having a warm bath (use bathing salts) is still one of the best ways to beat stress. A warm soak can be very refreshing as it has a soothing effect on the aching muscles. Regular warm baths can help you handle the trauma you’ll experience while going into labor.
Regular, refreshing baths during pregnancy are known to help with normal labor that is marked with reduced pain normally associated with labor. Always remember to set the water at the right temperature – never too hot and not lukewarm. This should be followed religiously, especially during the first trimester when the fetus is still in the developmental stage.
Workouts can help
Regular workouts during pregnancy help enhance blood circulation as they help with the release of endorphins. Moreover, focusing on the exercise regimen helps you take your mind off the mild irritants that usually bother you during pregnancy.
While choosing your regimen, do consult your physical therapist and doctor to ensure it is safe for you and your baby. The secret lies in learning to train and never to strain under any circumstances. You could experiment with prenatal yoga, Pilates and do a lot of walking, which is still one of the best forms of exercise for an expecting mom. Choose simple and easy-to-do yogic poses that should be learned under the supervision of an expert.
Body massages are good
Getting a soothing massage from a certified masseur or massage therapist can work wonders. Make sure you get the massage from a person who is experienced handling pregnant women. Remember that the positions that are suitable for a normal person during a massage are often quite unsuitable for a pregnant woman. It is best to leave it to the massage therapist to suggest the best positions that do not cause you any discomfort.
Normally the therapist prefers to have you lie on your side so that there is less abdominal pressure. There are special tables that help accommodate your bump, and if you think you need something like that, have on installed at home. Whatever you do, make sure you get the OK from your doctor before commencing.
Take a dip
Taking a cool dip, especially if it is summer, is one of the best ways to beat stress. Swimming is not only healthy exercise, it also helps get relief from stress as your body feels a lot more lighter while in water.
Moreover, swimming is a complete body workout and does a lot for cardio as well as muscle-building activities. An hour or so of swimming every day can work wonders on your nerves and keep you in a shipshape condition. Start looking for a pair of comfortable maternity tankinis and start your swimming regimen today.
