by Amber Stewart

Created on: August 11, 2008

Being pregnant is a wonderful time in a woman's life. It is a time of happiness, joy, excitement but also anxiety. This begins the minute you find out you are expecting a little bundle of joy and continues throughout the entire pregnancy. As you and the fetus grow, so does the anxiety. Even for seasoned moms who think they know exactly what to expect, this anxiety can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you deal with and reduce this anxiety.

The first thing you should do when you think you are pregnant is find a doctor. This step is very important because you need a doctor you can connect with and that is there for you every step of the way. Once you have found the right doctor, be sure to keep every appointment. Most appointments are just basic checkups but each of them is very important in assessing the health of you and your baby. Remember, there is never a dumb question or concern. Always ask and continue to ask until you get the answer you need. If you have a problem in the night or on the weekend, don't hesitate to call your doctor's office. They are there for you and it will at least relieve your stress to know what, if anything, you should do. There are also some great books out there that explain what you should expect each month and what to expect for labor and delivery.
Secondly, relax and enjoy. This is a very special time that you should embrace. You are carrying your baby and it is going to change your body in so many ways. Don't look at each pound gained or each stretch mark as a bad change but as something necessary for your baby to be healthy. Many women and their partners love the changes in their bodies during pregnancy and it brings them closer together. This is a time to pamper yourself. Indulge in those cravings, take up a new hobby, keep your feet up, and don't worry about the housework. Let your partner take over some duties and if you need to, ask your mom or someone else close to come and help out.
Get plenty of rest. Take a 20 minute nap if you need one and get plenty of sleep at night. Don't overwork yourself. Most things that you think have to be done today can be put off for awhile. Your job is to take care of the baby growing inside you and to do that you need to take care of yourself. It takes a lot of energy to grow a new life and when you sleep this energy is replenished.
By communicating with your doctor, reading and asking questions, relaxing, and getting plenty of rest, you will be able to reduce your anxiety and have a happier, more enjoyable pregnancy.

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