Pregnancy Hacks for Reducing Stress
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A new pregnancy can cause celebration or be a catalyst for feeling overwhelmed.
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This is an excellent opportunity to take stock of your situation to understand why you feel stressed.
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Try these five practical steps toward a less overwhelmed you.
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- 🤰Unsure whether you are pregnant or not? Take the Online Pregnancy Test!
Pregnancy Hacks for Less Stress
“Pregnant again - how am I supposed to manage?” If that is you, these self-care tips are for you. They aim toward more breathing room and a fresh perspective.
Even the slightest change can positively affect your quality of life.
#1: Seek Out Emotional Support
Having the opportunity to say, “I am not happy about this pregnancy” or “I am wondering whether I should have an abortion” without being judged is priceless.
Friends or family often provide this kind of support. Think about whom you would like to confide in.
ℹ️ The more undecided you are, the more exasperating the advice you will receive. Your loved ones may feel helpless when they see you flounder, reacting by giving circular advice and arguments, which lead you nowhere.
This is where we come in. Our digitalized counseling resources are designed to help you abandon the mental loop which is playing like a broken record in your mind. This allows you to gain a fresh perspective on your situation.
- ⛑ Try our First Aid Test!
#2: Take Time and Be Patient - Even With Yourself!
Pregnancies take much patience, especially when they come as a complete surprise.
Stress magnifies worries and concerns while blocking out any positive emotion. Taking time to assess your situation will help you make practical changes.
Your partner may also have a knee-jerk reaction and need time for the news to sink in.
Under these circumstances, it makes complete sense that you would not feel any joyous anticipation.
#3: Worst-Case Scenario
What is the worst-case scenario in this situation? Asking yourself this question will narrow down the area in which help is needed.
For example:
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If your relationship is rocky, leading you to think about the implications of single motherhood, you may want to try couples counseling. Plan regular date nights to have much-needed one-on-one time with your partner.
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If your concern is for the needs of your other children to be met, consider who would be willing to lend a helping hand. Signing kids up for extracurricular activities may give you quality time with each child individually, or some much-needed alone time.
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Are you outgrowing your living space? Check out family assistance programs such as United Way (call 211), Habitat for Humanity, or your local Department of Social Services.
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For more support options, go to Financial Assistance.
💡 Try our Solutions Finder Test!
#4: Me Time
Routine is a mom’s lifeline. Still, you may not have included time to yourself in the daily mix. You can change this in good conscience, since the kids will benefit from having a more relaxed mom.
How about next weekend? Would it be possible to get some time away? Perhaps you could meet with a friend. Taking time for yourself can lift the pressure you are under, giving you a fresh perspective and the opportunity to take a deep breath.
For long-term relief, discuss your family schedule with your partner. This will clarify expectations and help you plan toward regular periods of alone time. Your revised schedule should include:
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Time to do whatever you want: a nap, a hobby, getting together with friends, or anything else you desire.
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Your partner also needs time for himself rather than focusing solely on work and family.
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Planning one-on-one time as a couple is equally crucial since your little munchkins will take as much attention as you are willing to give.
When you start feeling worn down, anticipating your next scheduled downtime will feel like a lifeline.
Beyond that, it may be helpful to remember that this exhausting phase in life won't last. The kids won't stay toddlers forever. Soon you will enter an easier stage in life that leaves you more time for other things.
#5: Look Back and Celebrate How Far You Have Come!
You probably have already experienced that being a mom often brings you to the end of your rope. Looking back makes you realize that you have accomplished what you had previously considered impossible.
In advance, while sizing up the situation, we rarely realize what we are made of. Only while we tackle a hurdle do we display our true colors. In retrospect, it becomes clear that your mothering heart always rose to the occasion. Become aware of your inner strength which has brought you this far, and be proud of it!
- 💪 What are your strengths? Take the Strengths Finder Test!
Pregnant Again – And So Many Questions
As an experienced mother, you understand what mothering is all about. You know what this pregnancy holds and are familiar with the beauty of motherhood – the sense of fulfillment, the joys, the priceless moment of holding your baby for the first time. Having a baby makes your life richer.
But taking care of a child can also be very draining, including sleepless nights, terrible twos, sibling rivalry, mounds of laundry, and not having enough time for one’s relationship. Other things may be added to the mix - a move, a challenging job, or the care of a family member. Without the necessary support, your needs are most likely on the back burner.
Under these circumstances, it is understandable that a pregnancy would give rise to mixed emotions. You may even feel a sense of anxiety or panic. Perhaps you are only just realizing how overwhelmed you are.
Taking Stock - A Real Opportunity
One thought may be dominating right now: There is no room for an extra child in my life!
This is a great opportunity, as it could present a turning point in finally receiving the help you need. Life may in fact become simpler – despite adding an extra child.
This is the time to take stock:
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What is going well? Why?
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In which areas do I feel overwhelmed? What is hard for me?
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What kind of support would be helpful (even if this initially sounds unrealistic)?
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What are my needs?
Even if specific solutions are not readily apparent, the first step is to know your needs. Only then is it possible to seek some long overdue relief, such as an occasional babysitter, a cleaner, or a weekend getaway as a couple. Life with an additional child may end up being more relaxed and peaceful than before!
Go to local organizations that support family life or complete your own online search for “family services near me” to find what is available in your area.
Where to Go From Here:
Have you just read this article and like some ideas but feel too overwhelmed to start? You are not alone! Allow us to walk alongside you. Our judgment-free resources help you take one small step at a time. Why not give it a try?
- ⚖️ Wondering whether you should have an abortion or not? Take our free Abortion Test and receive a detailed, personal evaluation!
You are undoubtedly well prepared to be the best mom possible for your child. Your specific personality traits allow you to meet your child’s needs in a way only you can. You were made for this!
- 👤 Unsure how to recognize your unique attributes? Take the Personality Test!
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