5 tips for...Having a more relaxed pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, especially with the ongoing uncertainty of covid. So here’s five simple ways to help you have a more relaxed pregnancy.

1. Connection & Community

A sense of community and connecting with other pregnant women who understand what you are going through can make such a big difference. You really cannot underestimate the power of this. Meeting regularly with other pregnant women throughout your pregnancy is hugely supportive, it can uplift you, help you to feel less alone and relax into your pregnancy more. A great way to do that could be a local weekly pregnancy yoga class.

2. Make time for self-care

Taking time out for some self-care can have a really positive effect on your body and mind. Do make sure it's self-care and not self-maintenance - they are different things. Do something you really want to do - not something you 'should' do. Make it something simple that's a treat for you. It could be as simple as an undisturbed bath with candles, curling up under a blanket reading a book or more special like a pregnancy massage or reflexology.

3. Get educated about birth

Sadly many parents-to-be spend a lot of their pregnancy worried about the birth. And that can be really stressful. So to stop stressing out get yourself onto a course that educates you on the truth about labour and birth (not so scary actually). And find one that gives you techniques that will help you stay relaxed in both pregnancy and in labour - erm hello hypnobirthing!

4. Learn Relaxation Techniques

Learning some simple but effective techniques to calm the overwhelm and help you relax more can help. That could be pregnancy-specific calming breathing practices, listening to a guided relaxation in bed at night, doing some pregnancy restorative yoga to relax the body and release tension, self-massage to calm. Simple things to relax body and mind can make a big difference.

5. Get your words out

Share your worries with your partner, talk about your fears and your hope. Letting out the words and having a conversation can make things feel so much lighter. You don't keep everything inside your head - that can feel pressured. If you don't have a partner then talk with a friend instead. 

Another great thing to do is journal - write down what you are feeling, what's worrying you, what you're looking forward to - it can be really enlightening and release worry through writing.