Stress is a common feeling during pregnancy due to a range of different reasons. Physical changes in your body can cause discomfort or sleep problems, the effects of hormones and the coming changes to your lifestyle. This can cause problems like high blood pressure, but don’t worry, there are lots of things we can do to reduce low level stress during pregnancy.
Sleep
It does become increasingly difficult to get a good night’s sleep as your pregnancy progresses. But there are some things you can do. Invest in a pregnancy pillow. There are different shapes and sizes to suit your preferences. Have a bath with magnesium flakes as magnesium can help your body and brain relax, it regulates neurotransmitters, which send signals throughout the nervous system and brain. It also regulates the hormone melatonin, which guides sleep-wake cycles in your body. Try reading a book before bed instead of looking at your phone or watching TV. Reading can help to lower cortisol levels and therefore reduce stress by up to 68%.
Exercise
For some people, the last thing you may want to do during pregnancy is exercise but some gentle exercise can be so beneficial to help lower stress. A gentle walk, some stretching or pregnancy yoga
Products
At Baboo Box, we provide a few products containing lavender. Lavender is known to be uplifting, as well as soothing and helpful for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The SBC Lavender Gel can be applied on the body before bed or when feeling stressed to help calm the mind. Spritz a little Lavender Room Spray above your bed to aid a restful night’s sleep. Finally, the Wheat and Lavender Bag can be warmed up to release the relaxing aroma of the lavender flowers, then placed on areas of aches or pains.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to calm the mind and reconnect with the body. Focussing on breath work is a form of meditation, allowing the mind to switch off and gentle stretching is a great way to keep the body supple and relax the muscles. There are lots of apps that can offer guided classes, or find a qualified practitioner in your area.
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is a great way to take time out each day and mentally prepare for the birth. Setting aside half an hour each day to listen to the audio is the perfect opportunity to create some ‘me time’ and to completely relax and unwind. There are a number of hypnobirthing classes around, so take a look for one local to you.