If you’re feeling a bit stressed, you’re certainly not alone - many mums-to-be feel like this at some point.
After all, your body is changing fast, you’re responsible for a new person and you might be feeling tired too!
Here’s five ways to restore calm...
1. Get some rest
Give your body a break - go to bed early, take breaks, insist on help around the house and if you already have another child, enlist some help from relatives fast. It’s easy for other people to forget how tired you are, but you’re making a baby, so be clear on what you need.
2. Eat well
Lift your mood with a healthy pregnancy diet that includes plenty of omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
3. Get some exercise
Exercise is well-known remedy for stress during pregnancy and it will help you sleep at night too. Try pregnancy yoga, swimming or even just a regular lunchtime stroll.
4. Get planning
There’s nothing a good list can’t fix! So prepare thoroughly for all the things that are bothering you. It doesn’t matter if it’s the birth, parenting itself, your finances, your job or your relationship. When you’ve done your research and formed an action plan, life may start feeling pretty exciting.
5. Luxuriate in complementary therapies
For some truly wonderful ways of winding down, try reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and reiki – just make sure you‘re seeing a practitioner who’s skilled in treating mums-to-be.
When to get help
A bit of stress is perfectly normal in pregnancy, and it won’t harm your baby. But if you feel depressed or highly stressed, it’s crucial you speak to your GP or midwife.