By Majda Mehdizadeh
Physiotherapist at Life Ready Physio + Pilates South Perth
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Finding out you’re pregnant can be one of the most exciting moments in a woman’s life. For some, those two blue lines declaring, “your life will never be the same again” cue STRESS.
During pregnancy, mums-to-be will worry about everything.
- Is my baby healthy?
- Why does my back hurt?
- Are my breasts meant to be leaking already?
- We don’t have a nursery!
- Am I allowed to eat that?
- When should I stop working?
- Oh my, I have to push this thing out one day!
- Why am I crying?
All this stress during a time your body and baby are undergoing major growth and development is not good or helpful for anyone.
Why reducing stress is important
Too much stress during pregnancy can cause:
- Sleep issues
- Appetite changes
- High blood pressure
High blood pressure in particular can lead to babies born prematurely or at a low birth weight, both of which put the baby at risk of health problems later on in life.
It’s pretty obvious that managing stress during pregnancy is vital for the health of the mother and the baby. But with all the physical changes, emotions and fear of the future, how can you do it?
Tips to reduce stress
- Eat well, sleep well and stay active during pregnancy by participating in safe exercise such as walking, hydrotherapy, Pilates and yoga (best done under the supervision of a physiotherapist)
- Make time for relaxing activities you enjoy
- Connect with family and friends who can support you and help with any errands that need to be done
- Share your feelings with your partner or loved ones – it’s okay to not feel good all the time
- Attend prenatal classes to help you prepare for the birth and beyond
Remember, all of your stress is temporary.
Now breathe… We’re ready to help you through this difficult time with our pre and post-natal care programs. If you have any queries regarding our programmes, or would like to make a booking, reach out to us today.
