Posts Tagged ‘stress’

I apologize for telling you all about how to recognize stress and why it is important to deal with your stress, without providing you with some healthy ways to cope. Hopefully, you had a relaxing holiday weekend.  Below you will find a few simple ways to cope with your stress; however, if you feel overwhelmed by stress, you should consult your health care provider ASAP!

1. Eat regularly and nutritiously and drink lots of water.
2. Rest when you can and when your body needs it.
3. Exercise (with your health care provider’s OK).  Exercise helps keep pregnant you fit, helps prevent some common discomforts of pregnancy (such as backache, fatigue and constipation) and relieves stress.
4. Resist any urges to drink alcohol, smoke or take herbal products or drugs (except those prescribed by your health care provider).
5. Stay away from stressful people and stressful situations, when possible.
6. Consider cutting back on unnecessary activities when you are uncomfortable.
7. Ask for and accept help from people who are close to you. Having a good support network, including your partner, extended family and friends can help relieve stress.
8. Go to all your prenatal care appointments. This will give you the reassurance that everything is okay with your baby or let your health care provider know about a problem while there is still time to do something about it. You’ll feel less stressed because you know you are doing the best for your baby.
9. Relax by meditating, listening to music, writing in a journal, or taking a prenatal yoga class.
10. Take a Childbirth Education class. Some classes teach relaxation techniques and help reduce anxiety by educating parents-to-be about what to expect during labor and delivery.

For a Healthy Pregnancy Class, Childbirth Preparation or Breastfeeding Class, call one of the following locations:

Canton-Potsdam Hospital: (315) 261-5965

Carthage Area Hospital: (315) 493-1005 ext. 2445

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: (315) 393-5998

E.J. Noble Hospital: (315) 287-1000 ext. 273

Lewis County General Hospital: (315) 376-5602

Massena Memorial Hospital: (315) 769-4349

Samaritan Medical Center: (315) 785-4050

Do you have any healthy pregnancy tips for other moms-to- be? What worked, what didn’t, how did you make it through?

Source: “Stress,” March of Dimes, 2008  “Stress and Pregnancy,” March of Dimes, 2010

 Stress can take its toll on all of us and impact every part of our bodies. The impact of stress can range from minor to severe. Minor side effects may include: heartburn, nausea, aches and pains, acne, lack of energy, decreased or increased appetite, etc. Wow! If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably experienced some or all of these. Stress effects are very similar to the symptoms of pregnancy, so it may be difficult to differentiate whether it is pregnancy or stress that is causing your complications. The best thing for you to do is to try to manage your stress and hopefully reduce some of the side effects.

Yes, we all experience stress, but it is especially important for pregnant women to try to reduce their stress. High levels of stress can contribute to preterm birth or low- birthweight. Refer to our last post to see how you can recognize when you’re stressed.

 Sources: Mental Health America ; March of Dimes