Do you have an unplanned pregnancy? Here are some tips to deal with it.
1. Don’t Compare
While plenty of books on pregnancy, many Instagram posts, and blogs are available, each person is unique. Don’t compare your pregnancy to another. It’s easy to read something and stress over it. Don’t allow yourself to stress over something you’ve read. Ask your doctor if need be. The truth of the matter is that no pregnancy is perfect. Don’t stress over the little details like a thousand-dollar crib or bedding set that looks like it was just on Pinterest. For thousands of years, women have been having babies. Each pregnancy, even for women who have had several babies, or undergone fertility tests, is unique in and of itself. Take some time and relax and try to enjoy this special time.
2. Pamper Yourself
Relax and pamper yourself; you’re going to be busy once that little one is here. Your body is working hard to create a baby. If you’re tired, don’t feel guilty. Take some time for yourself. You don’t have to go to a spa, but you can buy a nice facemask and take a special relaxing day all to yourself in the comfort of your own home. Use a bath bomb and relax in a warm tub with some soothing music. Prepare for your new little one by doing some cleaning or nurturing yourself. Relax and watch a favorite movie or read a good book.
3. Snuggle Time
Wear your favorite comfy clothes and snuggle up with someone you love. It could be a friend or your pet. Hugging someone that you love releases oxytocin which is a feel-good hormone. It will help you to relax and be happy. While there are no scientific facts, you’re going to feel better when you release that feel-good hormone, and take time for you. Hugs can come from pets as well. Animals help to decrease stress levels. Four-legged friends like hugs too. So get those hugs in and enjoy them. Soon enough, you’ll be hugging that little baby.
4. Mental Health
Don’t forget your mental health. Your hormones are shifting around, and there are going to be some strange feelings. It’s not easy to just get over anxiety or depression. If you’re stressed, talk to your spouse, a good friend, or even a counselor or doctor. Professionals can see things that you don’t necessarily notice and help you on your health journey. Be open and honest about how you’re feeling with your doctors. It’s common to have some anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Make sure you’re taking time to talk to friends, family, and even a mental health counselor if you need to. Don’t be ashamed; it frequently happens during pregnancy. Take a walk, read a good book, or watch a funny movie. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re weak or acting silly. Stay positive and look forward.
5. Accept Help
Don’t be afraid to hire a Doula or Midwife to help you through. Not all women use one, but it may be a great option for you. Midwives and doulas are highly trained professionals and can help you in your journey to stay healthy and create a birth plan. They’ve helped with thousands of deliveries and can give you tips and tricks that will get you through. You’re not under pressure to go this route, but it’s a great option. It can help reduce stress and give you some peace of mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for assistance. If you can’t comfortably push that heavy vacuum, ask for help. Keep your stress levels low and create your own support system so that you’re not doing it all. It will ease your mind and give you a lot of comforts to have some help and support during this time. Your body is working hard to create this little baby, and you’re stressed. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone; ask for help, and don’t be ashamed to ask. If someone offers to help, take them up on it, chances are they’ve been through this themselves and remember well how tired they may have been. Accept offers of help.
