Anxiety is especially common for some women while they are pregnant. There are many different reasons that this is the case. Your body is undergoing tremendous changes while you’re pregnant. Hormone levels are all over the board, for example. Add in all of the dramatic life changes that are going on around you while you’re pregnant, and it’s somewhat surprising that anxiety isn’t just normally treated as a part of pregnancy.
Many women worry about the birthing process, and might be afraid of what to expect. Some women worry about whether their baby will be healthy. Others concern themselves with questions about what kind of parent they might turn out to be. You might worry about how having a baby is going to impact your relationship with your spouse, or with other friends and family.
Fortunately, there are some ways to handle pregnancy anxiety. One of the best ways you can do that is to make sure you’re getting enough relaxation. Take the time that you need to rest when you need it. Slow down your pace a bit. Drink a cup of relaxing herbal tea, or listen to some soft music or a relaxation CD. Realize that everything will get done in its own time. Sit down, take a few minutes to breathe, and to think about the good things in your life. Take a relaxing bath, or read a good book. Just slow down from the hectic pace of modern life for a little while.
Exercise is also a wonderful way to handle pregnancy anxiety. The serotonin released during exercise is good for your mood, and the exercise itself will help to keep you in shape, and to prepare your body or labor. (Incidentally, exercise is also a great way to handle postpartum depression and anxiety, and it helps ready your body for postpartum weight loss as well.)
If your anxiety is severe or if it’s accompanied by serious depression, talk to your doctor. Anxiety and depression can be tremendously dangerous when left unchecked, and at the very least they can rob you of some of the joy you should be experiencing during this wonderful time of your life.
