Author -  Dr. Preety Aggarwal

MBBS, DGO, DNB,

Medical Director (Gurgaon) Obstetrics and Gynaecology

8 Mindful Techniques to Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

Introduction

Pregnancy is a remarkable experience. It can, however, also cause a variety of emotions to resurface. The best pregnancy doctor in Gurgaon, Dr. Preety Aggarwal MBBS, DGO, DNB, Medical Director (Gurgaon) Obstetrics and Gynaecology, tells us that majority of the expectant mothers go through emotional turmoil. Owing to the constant emotional upheaval, managing stress becomes an important part of the pregnancy routine.

An emotional turmoil may hamper the health of both the mother and the baby. Hence, you must keep stress at bay and navigate through your pregnancy with ease and joy.

1. Prioritize Self Care 

During pregnancy, self-care plays an important role in reducing your stress levels. Self-care refers to adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and a regular dose of exercise. Any change in the sleep pattern, nutrition or physical well-being can lead to stress and in turn, affect your pregnancy.

2. Seek Support  

At times, you might feel alone or misunderstood. You may feel as if your emotions are not being addressed by people around you. In such cases, having a strong support network is crucial. You can reach out to your friends, family, or pregnancy support groups to share your feelings and experiences. Moreover, you can also meet your doctor and discuss your issues with them.

3. Indulge in Relaxation Techniques

Including relaxation techniques into your daily routine such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or pregnancy-friendly yoga can help you cope with your stress levels. These techniques will allow you to release tension and lower your anxiety levels. You can join meditation or pregnancy yoga classes to maintain your well-being.

4. Try Complementary Therapies

Apart from relaxation techniques, complementary therapies including a massage can help you de-stress. You can ask your partner, friend, or a family member to give you a lower back or a relaxation massage.

5. Eat Well 

Balanced eating is good for you and your baby. Make sure that you do not skip your meals. This can lead to feeling irritable. Of course, pregnancy can at times make it difficult for you to chug even a glass of water. You can, however, divide your meals throughout the day to ensure proper nutrition.

 6. Treat Yourself 

Pregnancy emotions are challenging and you might feel down at times. Rather than being hard on yourself and shedding all the tears, you can treat yourself with things that you like doing. You can watch a good movie or a series, listen to your favorite podcast or read a feel-good book. Do more of what makes you happy and keep your stress away.

7. Talk About Your Issues 

If your pregnancy is all about worrying about the outcomes, you must speak out. Talk to your loved ones, be open and let them know how you feel. You can also discuss these issues with the best pregnancy doctor in Gurgaon to manage your stress levels.

8. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you connect with the world around you on a deeper level. Practice mindfulness even in the small moments of your life. This has proven to be effective in easing anxiety, stress, and depression

Handling stress during pregnancy is crucial as it may impact the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. A constant stress can also lead to high-risk pregnancy. If you feel overwhelmed and notice a sudden change in your pregnancy symptoms, talk about your issues and meet high-risk pregnancy doctor in Gurgaon at the Motherhood Hospital.