7 Ways to Combat Stress in Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers are under large amounts of stress getting ready for a new baby in the house. This involves changes in relationships, worry of the unknown and the constant pressure to be the ‘perfect’ mother. All of these stressors can affect both the mother and the unborn child.

There are several types of stress that can cause significant issues with both mother and baby, which include physical stressors, chemical stressors and emotional stressors.

Some chemical stressors include smoking, caffeine consumption, and unhealthy eating. Combatants of these stressors include healthy eating, vitamin use, and moderate exercise use.

Stress in pregnancy predicts premature birth and lower birth weight.

Cigarette smoking predicted lower birth weight. Recent well-controlled human studies indicate that pregnant women with high stress and anxiety levels are at increased risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm labour and delayed growth (reduced head circumference in particular).

How can you change these outcomes and prevent stress to baby?

1.     Eat healthy

2.     Take time for you and take care of your health and enjoy life

3.  Make realistic expectations for being a mother- you cannot do it all- ask for help from family and friends for food preparation, cleaning, laundry and try to relax more.

4.     Rest and sleep- your body will need more of this as you get further along in your pregnancy

5.    Take your prenatal vitamins (especially B complex) and eat healthy.

6.     Make a date with your husband and get away one last time before life gets busy with baby.

7.     Chiropractic adjustments reduce strain off the nervous system, reduce pregnancy related pain and release pain relieving hormones, which elevates mood and reduces stress.