Pregnancy
Stress during pregnancy
This article may help answer:
Why does pregnancy feel stressful?
What are the main causes of stress during pregnancy?
How can I cope with stress during pregnancy?
Find out more:
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming at times. The questions are endless. Is my baby ok? Will I be a good mum? Will labour be too painful for me? Will my partner still think I’m sexy? Will my body ever be the same?
Every woman has her own experience of pregnancy and no two are exactly the same. When you consider what you are undertaking – not only growing a tiny human, but then taking responsibility for many, many years to come – it’s easy to see how a little anxiety, stress or worry can creep in.
Remember that most women feel some level of stress during pregnancy and that it’s normal.
Identifying the source of your stress might help you decide how it can be reduced.
If pressures at work are becoming too much, it might be an honest conversation with your boss. If you’re worried about how you and your partner will cope financially after the birth of your baby, getting some professional advice could help.
The important thing is to address your stress if it is affecting your life, making it hard for you to work or sleep, or making you feel unwell.
Different strategies to reduce stress will work for different people. Finding your own way to relax is essential, especially when stress levels are high.
If at any time on your pregnancy journey you are feeling extremely anxious or stressed, talk to your GP.