11 Simple Ways to Keep Stress Extra Low During Pregnancy

We all know stress is not good for mama or baby in pregnancy. Here are 11 practical ways to keep stress extra low during pregnancy. You’ve got this, mama!

Snooze the News

You can stay informed without knowing every last detail of what is going on in the world. Excess exposure to news can be extremely stressful, especially when you are working on bringing a new life into the world! I recommend only intentionally reading the news instead of passively viewing it via scrolling and Instagram stories. Unfollow accounts that share the news too much. Pick a few topics and sources to stay updated on and forget the rest.

Make Lists

There’s a lot to do in pregnancy! It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Let lists be your best friend this pregnancy, sis! Write out everything you want to get done before baby arrives. Write out what meals and snacks you want to have stocked in your freezer. Write out things you need for baby. Make lists of lists you need to make!

Stop Complaining

If you follow me over on Instagram, you know I’m running a complaint-free-pregnancy challenge! Our hashtag is #pregnancyisablessing …because IT IS! There are thousands of women who would gladly take over your aches and pains in order to carry and birth a child of their own. Complaining doesn’t solve any problems and just stresses you out more.

Say Yes to Less

Pregnancy is not the time to do all the things if you can help it. If you don’t enjoy baby showers (like me) then simply do not have one or agree to a very small one. You need to conserve your energy so you have enough to do things that truly matter. If you’re a homemaker, you’ll want to prioritize your husband, home, and children. Everything else is a bonus!

Sunlight and Movement

These two are pregnancy essentials and proven over and over to combat stress! Make it a habit to sit out in the sun every afternoon or go for a sunny stroll.

Eat a Diet that Fights Stress

Pregnancy really is not the time to gorge on junk food, especially if you are concerned about stress. Junk food leads to inflammation in the body – which we do not want! Eat a stress-fighting diet! Here is a great article on eating to combat stress.

Prioritize Sleep

You probably saw this one coming…but you must prioritize sleep in pregnancy. It can get increasingly difficult as you progress in your pregnancy, so try to nap if you can as well. Sleep deprivation hinders your ability to cope with stress well — so definitely do everything you can to catch enough Z’s!

Stick to Mostly Positive Birth Stories

It can be beneficial to listen to a few birth stories that did not go as planned. Many mamas recommend knowing about cesareans and different preferences you can ask for even if you think there is no possibility you will have one. On the flip side, mostly listen to positive birth stories. Anxiety and stress are not good for a pregnant mama, and can have negative effects in labor. So keep things light!

Pamper Yourself

Do the best you can to take impeccable care of yourself and your growing baby during this time. It might seem excessive at the time, but you will reap the rewards when labor and recovery time comes around. Take baths, eat well, sleep a lot, supplement properly, pamper yourself!

Spread Out Nesting Duties

When I first found out I was pregnant, I almost immediately made a list of nesting duties. Last time around I waited until the late 2nd trimester to begin nesting and it became increasingly difficult as my stamina was pretty low! Start chipping away at your list early-on (the best you can with the nausea). A few tasks here and there will really add up in the end! Your third-trimester-self will thank you!

Get in The Word

None of these things will do what getting in the Word can do for your stress. Remember we are called to cast all of our cares unto the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Pregnancy during such uncertain times can be scary; But the Lord is sovereign over it all. Get or stay in His Word.

Feeling extra anxious? Sometimes social media is at the root. Here are 6 Signs it’s Time to Take a Break From Instagram.

Financially stressed out? Here’s one shift you can make today that will improve your finances as a homemaker!