Parentpedia

What Experts Say

What Experts Say

Even if you don't have a Type A personality, pregnancy can be stressful. Your body is expanding in strange ways, your burgeoning belly makes it hard to get comfortable at night, and you're often going to the doctor even though you're not really sick. If your pregnancy is complicated by health issues or life changes (moving, divorce, a death in the family), your anxiety levels will be even higher.

Pregnancy is a time for you to take care of yourself and to let others pamper you. There are many ways to reduce stress during pregnancy. According to neuroscientist Robert M Sapolsky, author of "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress-related Diseases, and Coping," human beings, like most mammals, thrive on touch and positive social interactions. An appropriate sense of control and a certain amount of predictability are also factors that have been shown to reduce stress.

• Stay social: Now is not the time to be a hermit. Seek out other pregnant women, talk to experienced moms, and stay in touch with friends.
• Exercise: You've read about the myriad benefits of exercise. Reducing stress and improving both mood and sleep are among them.
• Read all about it: Some women find great solace in reading everything they can about pregnancy, labor, and childcare though others find the conflicting information stressful. If you feel more in control, read pregnancy books. If they don't help you, read novels and nonfiction as an escape.
• Prepare for the baby: Like buying new supplies for the first day of school, preparing for the baby can heighten your sense of excitement and occasion, reduce stress, and give you "something to do," especially in the third trimester.
• Get help: If the stress is overwhelming, find a therapist, pastor, or support group.