Besides the usual stress of
pregnancy and getting ready for your baby, the holidays often add more
pressure, which can take a toll on your health. Feeling stressed is common
during pregnancy, but too much can make you have trouble sleeping, have
headaches or lose your appetite. High levels of stress that continue for a long
time may cause health problems like high blood pressure, which can increase the
chances of having a premature baby.
December is a very busy time: there
are friends and families to see, holiday gatherings to attend, meals to cook,
and gifts to buy. So much to do! During this time, remember to take care of
yourself: breathe deeply, relax and concentrate on your pregnancy.
Here are some tips:
- Keep moving. Exercise
can help reduce your stress and prevent pregnancy discomforts. If you are
shopping for gifts, walk an extra loop around the mall before you head out
to your car. Park further away in the parking lot (this way you can also
avoid some of the traffic of shoppers trying to park close to the mall
entrance).
- Holidays are a time for delicious desserts and heavy
meals. Before you sit down and indulge in your family dinner, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch
earlier in the day.
- Extra sleep is important during this time, but taking
breaks is just as important. If you have some free time between wrapping
gifts, put your feet up, read a book or magazine, or watch a favorite TV
show. Even just a 15 minute break can help you relax before your next
task.
- Ask for help. Holidays are a time of giving, but also
receiving. Accept help when a friend or family member offers and ask for
help when you are feeling tired or overwhelmed.
- Cut back on activities you don’t need to do. Instead of
spending time making a holiday dessert, why not have your favorite bakery
do it for you?
Holidays can be stressful, but
remember to take time for yourself.
Have questions? Email AskUs@marchofdimes.org
Tags: eating, exercise, healthy pregnancy, holiday stress, holidays, Pregnancy, prematurity, sleep,
stress, stressed
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