Pregnancy might not always be blissful, relaxing and dreamy.
Most often the stresses of life don’t just disappear once we discover we are pregnant.
In some women the stress actually increases as they juggle normal life and the future changes.
The elation and joy of discovering you are pregnant for the first, second, third, fourth or more times can quickly be overshadowed by the demands of everyday life.
The housework still needs to be done. Other children, often toddlers, still need to be fed, entertained, calmed and nurtured.
Financially you may need to work a lot more than you feel you want to. You might have to move into a larger living space to accommodate your new arrival. You need to go to house inspections, visit solicitors, organise appointments, pack and move home all before you enter the “waddle stage”, or at least before your due date.
You may be feeling unwell and experiencing restless nights sleeps.
You may be feeling like an outright nervous wreck! Isn’t pregnancy supposed to be “slower” and more about me? Aren’t I supposed to be sitting in a meadow of chamomile flowers, draped in white silk, holding my belly and dreaming of my baby? Aren’t I at least supposed to be glowing?
Modern life sometimes doesn’t allow these fantasies to become reality; however we continually see pictures of relaxed and calm pregnant women in the media. Making the comparison can make us even more stressed.
Stress during pregnancy can have significant impacts on your overall wellbeing. Much-needed sleep can be affected, energy levels plummet, and your blood pressure may rise. Other common pregnancy symptoms may worsen such as heart burn, muscle cramps, fatigue, carbohydrate cravings and morning sickness.
Furthermore, as your body deals with the impact of stress, you will use up many crucial nutrients needed for the growth of your baby.
To get specific advice on stress-relieving medicines see your naturopath privately or contact Blackmores free Naturopathic Advisory Service.