Falling pregnant is incredibly exciting, and the chances are that you were over the moon when you first saw those two red lines. Since then, though, you've started to feel a lot less positive about your pregnancy journey. Reasons for this can vary from nausea that lasts all day to mood swings and even susceptibility to pre-pregnancy antenatal depression. 1 in 10 pregnant women also experience severe anxiety at some stage.
A certain degree of anxiety seems inevitable considering that you're facing the largest life change possible. The sheer idea of coping with a baby can get on top of you, as can the stress of increased medical appointments and a need to find a health insurance quote that isn't going to bankrupt you before baby's born. When you think of it that way, it's astounding the anxiety figures remain as low as they are!
Sometimes, though, changing hormones pair with these pressures to create an altogether more worrying pregnancy anxiety. If you feel that you're falling foul at the moment, then don't hesitate to take the following crucial steps towards managing or even overcoming symptoms.
Seek a personal and professional support team
Support from medical professionals and your loved ones is always fundamental to a healthy pregnancy but never is that more the case then where anxiety is concerned. As soon as you notice symptoms, you should talk to people on all sides. Midwives always look out for issues like these anyway and will be able to point you towards the right resources. Equally, understanding how you're feeling should see your partner doing what they can to ease your burden at home and help you to work through these feelings at last.
Find healthy releases
Healthy undertakings, including gentle exercise, swimming sessions, and yoga can all help pregnancy stay on track at the best of times. And, these activities all prove invaluable when anxiety starts getting on top of you. As well as helping to focus your mind, there's a high chance that the endorphins released by these undertakings will keep anxious feelings at bay, at least in the aftermath of sessions. Get into a regular habit, and you could find it much easier to manage your worries moving forward.
Speak with other moms-to-be
Finding fellow moms-to-be is another benefit any pregnant woman should prioritize, but it's especially useful for helping you to manage anxiety. Sometimes, speaking to others in the same boat is the best way to put worries into perspective. More than your loved ones or even your midwives, these women will be able to share their own stories and laugh with you. And, sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine for helping you to realize that things might not be so bad after all.
Pregnancy anxiety can be crippling, and seeking medical help should always be your priority. Then, pair professional advice with these pointers to ensure that you're able to keep your anxiety under control in the lead up to the birth of your beautiful child-to-be.
