Any woman who has ever gone through a pregnancy will tell you that it drastically changes the body. For example, the average woman has 17 square feet of skin when she is not pregnant. This stretches to an unbelievable 18.5 square feet by the ninth month of pregnancy. Due to these intense physical, mental, and emotional changes, many women find solace in being mindful. Being mindful takes some practice, but those who have mastered the art have experienced lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially during a high stress event like a pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about practicing mindfulness during your pregnancy.
Slow Down
First and foremost, try to actively slow down during everyday events and activities. Your life will be hectic enough after the baby is born; the least you can do is keep your mind and body at ease as you nurture yourself and your baby. Again, it takes some practice, especially for those who are used to always being ‘on the move.’
“Pregnancy can be a great opportunity to take your time. Try to avoid over-scheduling and block off some time for yourself. If you think it takes you a long time to get anything done while you’re pregnant, just wait. Suddenly, you’ll be contending with snowsuits, carriers, strollers, and car seats — not to mention diapers that always seem to explode right as you walk out the door, and a plethora of other minor emergencies,” writes Mindful.
Prioritize Sleep
It’s hard to stay mindful when you don’t have the mental energy, so try to get as much sleep as possible during your pregnancy. If you can get in the habit of taking naps during your pregnancy, you may be able to keep this habit going after the baby is born, which will help you stay mentally sharp and alert during your waking hours.
Find the Right Gynecologist
Finding the right gynecologist isn’t always easy, but it’s important that you feel comfortable with the womens health care professional you’re working with. Don’t hesitate to do some extra research when looking for a suitable OBGYN professional that meets your needs and can suggest further tips for mindfulness.
Ultimately, understanding these tips can help you to navigate through your pregnancy as comfortable and stress-free as possible. For more information about finding the right gynecologist, contact WomanCare PC.
