With all the appointments, planning and decision-making, pregnancy can become stressful. But, right now, managing stress isn’t just important for you; it’s crucial for your little one’s health and development. So, grab a cup of decaf and get comfy as we take a moment to go over the impact of stress during pregnancy, and some simple ways to manage it.
The Health Risks of Stress on Your Baby
Stress, being a natural human response to things like big challenges and life changes, will likely make its way into your pregnancy journey. But when stress becomes constant, it can have adverse effects on both you and your baby.
In fact, high levels of stress during pregnancy have been linked to several risks, including premature birth, low birth weight, developmental delays and behavioral issues. That’s why it’s important to manage your stress as you navigate pregnancy. And the best part is, it’s never too late to start. That’s why we’ve put together the following ways to help you manage stress, no matter which trimester, or which stage of family planning you’re in.
Five Ways to Manage Stress During Pregnancy
Identify Stress Triggers: What stresses you out the most? Understanding what causes your stress is the first step to managing it. Once you pinpoint the cause of your stress, you can work on new ways to manage those triggers and even your responses to them.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga can help you reduce stress levels by keeping your body and mind calm. Practices like yoga can also create a peaceful, healthy environment for your baby.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and sleeping well are the building blocks of stress management. Good news: all three also contribute to a healthy pregnancy. And, while it’s never too late to eat healthier, get fit, or focus on sleep, pregnancy is the perfect time to try a healthier lifestyle.
Try talking: Sometimes it helps to reach out to friends and family for support. Simply talking about your situation – as well as your feelings – can alleviate stress and, depending on who you talk to, provide practical advice or stress management techniques. If you know any parents who’ve been through pregnancy, talking to them can be a great idea, as they’ll likely relate and empathize with your experience.
Seek professional support: If stress becomes overwhelming, it’s essential to seek professional help. It may be beneficial to talk to your primary care physician or OB/GYN even if your stress is mild. They’ll be quick to offer guidance, resources and any needed treatments to keep you and your baby healthy and safe.
Priority Health members have access to several mental health benefits designed to help them manage stress, including the Teladoc Health Mental Health app. Members who are moms-to-be also have access to additional maternity programs including PriorityMOM and PriorityBABY. If you’re a Priority Health member and would like help navigating your mental health benefits, please call the number on the back of your member ID card for further assistance.
You got this, mom.
It’s important to remember that stress is a normal response to life. And, during pregnancy, you’re prone to be a little stressed. Keep in mind that stress management is not about eliminating it entirely; it’s about finding balance and coping mechanisms that work for you—especially right now. By taking care of yourself and managing stress effectively, you’re also taking care of your baby, setting the stage for a healthy and happy start to life together.
