Handling Pregnancy Without Stress

Author: Dr. Archana Dubey MBBS, MS (OBG)
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Indore

Pand celebration and not stress. It is a time of many changes. You may welcome these changes, but they can add new pressures to your life. Relieving stress during pregnancy might be easier than you think.

When you're pregnant, there are days when you may cycle through every possible emotion. And one of the most common feelings that many expecting mothers tend to experience throughout their pregnancy is stress—stress about your baby, your body, prepping for the baby's arrival, and life changes.

High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a premature or low birth weight baby, increasing the risk for other health problems.

What causes stress during pregnancy? 

Here are some common causes during pregnancy: 

• You may be dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy, like morning sickness, constipation, being tired, or having a backache.
  
• Your hormones are changing, which can cause your mood swings that make it harder to handle stress.
  
• You may be worried about labour and birth or how to take care of your baby.
  
• If you work, you may have to prepare your team for when you take maternity leave.
  
• You may worry about how you eat, drink, and feel and how these things affect your baby.

If managed well, a little stress can help you overcome new challenges. Chronic stress during pregnancy, such as work deadlines, probably doesn't add to pregnancy problems. 

However, severe stress during pregnancy may increase your chances of specific problems, like premature birth. Most women who have severe stress during pregnancy can have healthy babies. Some of the issues that can cause severe stress.

• Negative life events 
• Catastrophic events 
• Long-lasting stress 
• Depression or anxiety 
• Neighbourhood or societal stress 

While it's normal to experience these emotions, prolonged or severe stress during pregnancy isn't good for you and your baby. In fact, high levels of constant stress can even make pregnancy symptoms worse.

Finding ways to manage stress is essential for any mother-to-be. Here are a few stress reducing tips to try:

• Take good care of yourself
• Don't stress out about stress 
• Avoid negative responses to stress 
• Schedule time for yourself 
• Exercise & meditate 
• Ask for help when needed

Mind-body techniques, such as yoga and massage, can also help reduce pregnancy stress levels. Mind-body techniques are beneficial for both mother and child.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Indore. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best womancare hospital in Indore at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Archana Dubey, please book your appointment here.