Pregnancy labor can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Your level of stress goes up because your body is working hard to deliver the baby. The stress of pregnancy labor can also take hours, which by the end of the delivery you have drained every bit of energy and strength you ever had. The total amount of stress during labor cannot be eliminated but there are simply things you can do to help reduce stress during pregnancy labor.
Move around. Many doctors will advise you to stay in bed and relax during pregnancy labor. However the stress on your body is greater if you try to lay in bed the whole. Unless you have some serious medical issue being in bed won’t help you. Get up out of bed. Walk around, crawl or make any type of movement you feel will help your body to relax and feel more comfortable.
Take a bath or warm shower. Water is on your side. Warm water will immediately reduce the stress and pregnancy labor pains. Women have come to enjoy the water and that is why some have chosen to give birth in a bathtub.
Get a massage. Not everyone likes being touched during pregnancy labor but if your okay with it have someone give you a massage. A massage can help loosen up some of those tense muscles and ease the stress on your back.
Take deep breaths. What can contribute to the tension during pregnancy labor is a lack of oxygen to the body. Women often don’t breathe when they are feeling stressed during pregnancy labor, which can add to the tension throughout their body. I also think the process of labor slows down if your not getting oxygen in your body. So breathe in through your nose and blow out through your mouth.
Squeeze something. Pregnancy labor can be painful. Try eliminating that pain by squeezing something. For example trying releasing some of that stress by squeezing a stress ball, top of a lipstick tube or a stuffed animal.
Watch television. You can reduce pregnancy labor stress by focusing on something other than your labor pains. Watching television is a great way to do this.
Drink liquids. Your body will feel stressed if it is dehydrated. To help reduce the pregnancy labor stress have a cup of iced water or apple juice nearby.
Use aromatherapy in your room. The fragrances of aromatherapy can help reduce the pregnancy labor stress. Think about what aromas you most enjoy. Some popular aromas are jasmine, rose, vanilla, lavender and sandalwood.
Recommended Readings:
Tips for Pregnancy Bed Rest
Tips on Handling Morning Sickness in the Work Place
Asthma During Pregnancy
