Disclaimer: This information is not medical advice. Please consult your physician or health care provider for medical advice.
So you’ve read the baby books, attended the baby classes, done the virtual hospital tours, done your registry, had your baby shower, packed your hospital bags and nested/baby proofed as much as humanly possible but you’re still feeling...anxious.
Here are 3 ways you can help ease the pregnancy jitters!
1. Connect. Especially with the those who make you feel grounded. Pregnancy can, at times, feel very isolating because no one knows what you are feeling in your body or processing in your mind but you; not even your partner...just you.
Resist the urge to socially isolate. (Well unless you have Covid 19)
Trust me when I say there are many more isolating moments to come as a mom of a newborn.
For starters, you are awake when the adults in your life are asleep and you are napping when they are awake and busy. As busy and intrigued as you may be with your little one, you will eventually crave adult conversations - so be sure to take advantage now.
Go on those (Covid responsible) lunch dates, social gatherings, nature walks, etc. or have virtual chats. Bask in having those interruption free heart to heart conversations because there are days coming where you may be unable to get a good word in with your little one around.
Healthy social connection, during pregnancy, is also a good way to practice emotional hygiene and reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression.
2. Play. Define what is fun for you and be intentional about having as much of it before baby. Having a child changes and or delays the way you experience fun and sometimes for the better sometimes not. Be sure to connect with the activities that bring you personal joy and happiness, in case that changes.
So whether it’s attending dance classes, spending hours doing crossword or word puzzles, painting, blasting loud music, binge watching a series on TV.
Fun fact: Singing in the shower or around the house is great practice for breathing through labour contractions and a great way to ease Braxton Hicks.
Whatever it is that's good fun for you, make time for it. There are days coming when you may not have as much time to dedicate to your personal fun. Here are some interesting movies you can watch about motherhood if your fun involves watching movies.
3. Rest. If you’ve been reading up those baby books and articles, you’ve probably heard this advice before and it’s probably sounding like a bit of a cliche. Trust me when I say this is BIG facts. You will never rest the way you rest now, never again, once you become a mother. Unless you have some sleep disorder that knocks you all the way out, or something, you are going to become a light sleeper and be operating on less sleep than you are accustomed to.
Really take the time now to prioritize your rest and enjoy it! Here are some tips for getting great rest now and after baby is born.
In all things take a deep breath and ground yourself. Pray, meditate, spend time in nature, think of the many mothers who have successfully laboured and find your inner peace.
Here's wishing you an enjoyable pregnancy and a safe, healthy delivery. 💜
