1. Dont let anxiety and stress take a toll: There is a growing body of
research that shows anxiety and stress, in some women, lead to pre-term
birth, smaller babies, and potential problems later for the child from
respiratory illness and developmental delays.
2. It takes simple steps: Reduce the stress risk by using techniques
from yoga and meditation. The March of Dimes suggests meditation and
exercise designed for pregnant women as effective stress techniques.
There are CDs specifically for pregnant women that help enormously.
They can even be used during delivery and after the baby is born.
3. Reducing the risk during pregnancy: Women in the past often talked
about the need to take it easy during pregnancy. During the 1980s and
1990s there was a tendency to downplay this need as women evolved in
the work place. However, Dr. Calvin Hobel, professor of obstetrics at
the University of California, Los Angeles has found out that chronic
stress in pregnancy can raise the likelihood of complications such as
pre-term birth, smaller babies, respiratory illness, or developmental
delays. Women who work very hard in high stress jobs may be predisposed
of these problems.
4. Develop an attitude of gratitude: Some women are able to operate in
high levels of stress without ill effects on their pregnancy. These are
women who have positive attitudes and low anxiety levels about life
challenges. Mother Theresa once said our greatest protection is a
joyful heart.
5. Dont just survive visualize: Visualization techniques include having
the pregnant mom picture herself as calm and relaxed. One mom who used
these techniques reported that when she did this her baby in utero
would become very still. She laughed that the baby went from crawling
around her belly to becoming absolutely still. Using these techniques
as the child develops can help mom and baby practice relaxation
strategies that are known to reduce anxiety and stress.
6. Become a mommy whisperer: Dr. Miles used these techniques
extensively during her pregnancy and after her baby boy was born in
1973. Children are so responsive to relaxation techniques that her son
would become still and quiet.
7. Steer your career: Moms need to remember they have 30 years left in
a career, so she might want to consider taking some down time during
pregnancy if she is prone to worry and tension.
8. Learn to self-soothe: Many women have never learned to speak to
themselves in kind, loving tones. They may not have received enough
mothering. Learning to have a compassionate voice, even when silent,
will soothe mom along with her child.
9. Make connections: Social support and nurturing by a partner is
linked to higher birth weight and healthier infants. Dr. Miles
encourages women to use soft eyes with their partner and continue to
make positive connections during pregnancy. It is important for the
mother and baby and it generates healing chemicals. Bonding behaviors
secrete oxytocin a chemical that leads to positive bonding in the
family.
Copyright 2006 Linda Miles Ph.D
Author,
Dr. Linda Miles, is deeply committed to helping individuals and couples
achieve rewarding relationships. She is an expert with a Doctorate in
Counseling Psychology, and has worked in the mental health field for
over thirty years. She has been interviewed extensively on radio, TV,
and in newspapers and magazines. Find more relationship ideas and
relaxation techniques on her web site and in the award-winning book she
co-authored, The New Marriage: Transcending the Happily-Ever-After
Myth, and numerous CD's, that Train Your Brain.
http://www.drlindamiles.com
Contact the Author
Dr. Linda Miles
Personal Relationships
drlinda@drlindamiles.com
