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| Manage Emotional Stress |
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Pregnancy is a time of intense physical and emotional changes,
but of course the rest of the world doesn't stop when you're expecting.
There's work to show up for, meals to cook, and errands to do —
as well as a new baby to get ready for!
These tips will make your life easier during pregnancy. We hope they'll
reduce stress, save you time and money, and help you stay in touch with
the joy of being pregnant.
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Shower at night. "Taking showers in the evening and
sleeping an extra 45 minutes in the morning has helped a lot. You wouldn't
think this would make much of a difference, but I really feel like I get
enough sleep this way."
Do errands at lunch. "I work full time and do a lot of errands at
lunch before I get too tired. When I get home I have less to do and can
relax or spend time with my toddler."
Exercise for energy. "A little bit of exercise increases my energy
more than any nap I've ever taken."
Keep good communication with your boss. "I check in often with my
manager. I work on my feet, and as the months pass, I've slowed down a
lot. Taking small breaks helps a lot. She understands this, and doesn't
seem to mind."
Nap during lunchtime. "I used lunch breaks at work to cat nap. Fortunately
my office had a quiet lounge with a couch where I would curl up and snooze
— even 20 minutes worked wonders. Co-workers didn't mind leaving
me alone. In fact, it became the pregnancy couch for a string of pregnant
women."
Learn your workplace rights. "It helps to know your rights. I had
horrible, debilitating morning sickness with both my pregnancies and was
so relieved to learn I could take disability leave for the worst stretches
and return to work for the last trimester."
Be good to yourself. "Pamper yourself with fresh nail polish, lovely
bath oils, or even a professional facial. These can go a long way in nurturing
your spirit."
Pamper your belly. "Rub natural massage oil on your tummy every
day after your shower. It might be an old wives' tale that this prevents
stretch marks, but it sure feels nice and luxurious."
Invest in a good body pillow. "I slept much better in the last trimester
after I bought a body pillow. I could curl up on my side, letting the
pillow support my back. It also helped to have a stack of pillows for
propping myself up when I got night heartburn."
Get help with the nursery. "We invited friends over to help us set
up the nursery. We got pizza and beer (and soda for me) and made a party
out of it. They helped paint and assemble furniture — and even had
a good time doing it!"
Borrow maternity clothes. "Take all the used pregnancy clothes friends
offer. It's silly to spend a ton of money on clothes you won't wear for
long. Sharing clothes is a nice introduction to the camaraderie of motherhood."
— Greta
Have home picnics. "At the beginning of my third trimester, I started
stocking up on paper plates, cups, and disposable cutlery. On days when
I'm wiped out, we have 'picnics' at the dining room table. This saves
time and energy that would normally be spent at the sink or emptying the
dishwasher. This will be useful when the baby comes, too."
Shop for pre-prepared foods. "Frozen entrees and food from the deli
department at your local supermarket are wonderful. You can have a quick,
relatively healthy meal with minimal clean up. Pre-made salads and roasted
chickens are especially convenient."
Take notes. "During my first pregnancy, I felt like the biggest
idiot on earth due to what I called 'pregnancy dementia.' I got a Pregnancy
Kit and learned to carry a note pad with me at all times to write down
even the smallest things. It really did help."
Share the ups and downs. "Get together with other expectant moms
or people with young kids — it's incredible how sharing the ups
and downs of pregnancy and new parenthood can keep your sanity intact."
Savoring the Positive.
Most couples who feel anxious and fearful in the first trimester overcome
some of these feelings as the pregnancy progresses. Research indicates
that many women who become pregnant following fertility treatment actually
feel better emotionally than those who have not experienced infertility.
After those anxious early months are over, most couples are able to experience
the joys that come with the miracle of new life.
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