hormonal!!?

Question

ive never been so hormonal before, im getting really upset that ill misscarry..and about silly little things. the midwife told me to relax and do something to keep me calm.what can i do to keep my mind of it?

Answer 1

Even though it is easier said than done, you need to relax and make time to rest. It's a simple thing, but sometimes so difficult to take time out for yourself. Not only is this good for you, but also extremely good for your baby - so don't feel guilty about 'doing nothing'.

At work, find somewhere to put your feet up and relax during your lunch break and, in the evenings, try to cut down on chores. Leave the laundry until the weekend, and forget about housework for a while. Obviously, if you have a child already it can be hard to find the time to rest, so why not get your partner, a friend or grandparents to amuse them for an afternoon, while you have a well-earned break?

You could always try something like Yoga. Yoga during pregnancy not only helps tone your body, but the relaxation techniques that will assist you in labour can have a beneficial effect during pregnancy. If you are prone to feelings of anxiety or have experienced panic attacks, practising your breathing techniques can really help. Ask your midwife if she knows of an antenatal yoga class in your area.

You are certainly not alone when you are worried whether your baby is healthy or whether he will be born safely - my wife also had concerns and it is natural. Talking about these concerns will really help, whether it's with your partner, mother or a friend who already has children. Other women at the same stage of pregnancy as you, perhaps at your antenatal class, will undoubtedly share your concerns, and your midwife, doctor or antenatal teacher can also reassure you.

Massage in pregnancy is a fantastic way to de-stress and my wife often fell asleep during a massage!

Why not try aromatherapy or essential oils? However, it's important to make sure they are safe for use in pregnancy as some are not suitable for the first or third trimester. Oils safe for use after 20 weeks include most lavender oils, citrus oils and ylang ylang, but you should check with a qualified aromatherapist.

Reflexology is also a lovely way to relax, but make sure the therapist is qualified in working with pregnant women. 'There is no evidence of reflexology triggering miscarriage, but it is sensible to ask your midwife if she knows of a good reflexologist.

Some mums-to-be find that Bach Flower Remedies, available from health food shops or pharmacies, can help with feelings of stress or panic, particularly the Walnut Remedy and the Rescue Remedy.

Meditation and positive visualisation techniques can also help. Meditation is a way of relaxing by concentrating on a mental focus, and positive visualisation is a technique for releasing anxieties by creating an inner picture of a peaceful scene. You can find books in your library which show you how to relax in this way if you haven't tried it before. Buy some special relaxation tapes to play in the background - great for helping your mind switch off. Choose a time when you know you won't be disturbed and try to give yourself at least 30 minutes.

Like a lot of women these days, you may plan on working until just a few weeks before your due date because you want more time off with your baby after he's born. Commuting is one of the major sources of stress for expectant mums and one which is made worse the more heavily pregnant you are.

Ask your employer if you can avoid rush hours, particularly if you use public transport. Perhaps starting work earlier and finishing earlier would be possible, or even working from home one or two days a week.

Make sure you always sit down while travelling and if you are not offered a seat, don't be afraid to ask for one! Don't feel embarrassed - it's really not safe to be swinging around in a train, tube or bus - and most people are more than willing to give up their seats, they just need to be reminded sometimes!

Eating calming nutrients can help suppress the hormones that rise at times of stress. Foods containing B vitamins, such as yeast extract, wholegrain bread and wholegrain rice, increase your levels of the anti-stress hormone serotonin. Ensuring that you eat well in pregnancy is very important.

Physical exercise also has proven benefits in terms of relieving tension - so long as it is safe for you to do so. If you're in any doubt, check with your GP. If you attend exercise classes, always inform your teacher that you are pregnant.

Swimming is the perfect exercise for pregnancy as it keeps you toned and healthy, without being too hard on your joints, although be careful with excessive breaststroke as it may cause backache. Aquarobics classes for pregnant women are also a fun way of keeping fit.

At work, make sure you get up and walk around regularly, especially if your job is mainly desk-bound, and pop out at lunchtime for some fresh air, even if it's only for ten minutes.

Laughter is one of the body's best ways of relaxing, so meet up with some friends or go to the cinema and see the latest comedy.

Go on a weekend break and make the most of your time with just you and your partner, or treat yourself to a spa that offers treatments for pregnant women.

Pregnancy is also the perfect time to treat yourself to all those beauty treatments you never normally splash out on. When your bump gets too big for you to cut your toenails, enjoy regular pedicures instead!

Pregnancy is hard work so be nice to yourself - you deserve it sweetheart!

Answer 2

Totally 100% normal, I was the same :o)

If you feel you need a good cry then watch a soppy film and get it all out.

Other than that look for distractions. Join an online community like Babycentre.co.uk, take up arts and crafts, get a foot rub, go out for a gentle walk.

Try not to worry about a miscarriage. If it's going to happen then it's out of your hands and it happens for a reason. Plus the more stressed you get, the worse it is for you! Horrible cycle isn't it?!

Wishing you all the best x

Answer 3

Its normal to think like this, we've all been there and felt the same way. How many weeks are you?
Once you've had your scan and you can see everything is fine, you'll just find something else to worry about - I worried the whole way through about loads of things with both of my pregnancies.
I bought a baby book that shows how baby is developing each week and I used to really look forward to reading what was happening inside me.
Hormones are a horrible thing but trust me, it usually gets better after the initial 12 weeks
Good luck and congratulations

Answer 4

You're prego of course u are hormonal... Yah try to meditate... read the bible... take a hot lavender bath.... go get a pedicure... or a manicure or both even... if you could plan out atleast 1 thing a week u go do for yourself, then u will have something good to focus on and look forward too during the hard times...

Good luck

Answer 5

Find a hobby.. something that will keep u busy and keep ur mind off of it. The more u stress about it the more likely u will have a miscarriage. So try not to stress and pick a hobby up in the mean time

Answer 6

Hi, all i can think of is taking up a hobby, or maybe read a book, baking, Paint! I honestly have no idea what could take your mind off things, ive never been through what your going through, but thats all i can think of at the moment. Hope that helps
Good luck XX

Answer 7

People generally don't know about emotions. A lot has happened in recent years and this book will change you life as well as help you now. The whole site is great with 64 free ebooks. The book is "Emotional Intelligence" by Peter Sheperd.

Answer 8

The only thing i can think of is find yourself a hobby to help take ur mind off things. I know it's sometimes easier said than done, but believe me, almost all pregnant women will be worrying about the same things you are.

congrats and good luck! :)

Answer 9

See if you can answer some questions in here!Helping others will keep your mind away from your problem and besides you will have the chance to help people that are in need of advise.

Answer 10

go and get yourself a really good book/DVD, a box of chocs and immerse yourself in someone else's life for a while. Or at least try, I know that it is hard to take your mind off things when your body is ruling every aspect of yoru life...

Answer 11

Lots of sex, lol....Seriously, just find something healthy to do when you start stressing, go for a walk, get up, get active (sex also really is a pretty good one)....something that will eat up that nervous energy, and it's good for you to boot! Rest assured, you won't miscarry from being hormonal (EVERY pregnant woman is hormonal, mine drives me CRAZY sometimes....but I still love her to death!)