Mid-Michigan Moms is thrilled to partner with McLaren Lapeer Region and McLaren Flint to bring you Navigating Your Pregnancy, an editorial series event. In this installment of our Editorial Series Collection, McLaren, and the #MidMichiganMoms team share fifteen different posts addressing all aspects of life as a pregnant woman. From humor to stories of perseverance, no topic is left off the table. Below, Dr. Jennifer Carty McIntosh, Ph.D., shares her best tips for managing stress during pregnancy. Tune in, learn, share, and join the conversation!
Thankfully, there are plenty of science-backed tools and tricks that can help with managing pregnancy stress!
- Ask yourself – is this thought true? Is it helpful? How else could I think about this?
- Then, see if you can find a more balanced thought.
- If this thought crops up again {which they like to do!} remind yourself of the new, balanced thought you created.
Keep practicing until it sticks! Mindfulness allows us to bring our attention to the present moment without judgment and can be done anywhere while doing anything, like while doing the dishes, eating, or going for a walk.
A simple way to practice is to focus on your breath. Start by paying attention to your breath – notice what it feels like to breathe in, as the breath travels down into your lungs, and as the breath exhales from your body. Take 5-6 breaths like this, or however many feel good to you, and then return to your day.
For more guided mindfulness check out these helpful videos on mindful walking and eating.
Focus on things you are grateful for. Write down three things each day that you appreciate, bring you joy, or that made you smile.
For an extra challenge, try to find three new things each day. And, remember to drink water, eat, move your body, and rest!
If tricks like these do not help to reduce your stress, consider talking with your PCP or OB/GYN about additional treatment options.
