Maternal Health: Managing Stress

Introduction

What are some of the things someone who is pregnant can do to help manage stress?

  1. Nutrition
  2. Exercise
  3. Routine care and management of chronic health conditions
  4. “Self-care” – relaxations techniques, spending time away from screen, engaging in leisure activities
  5. Support network and treatment, when warranted
  6. Anticipate and problem solve problems as best as possible (work accommodations, etc.)
  7. May need to be your own advocate but know when and to whom to ask for help

Importance of Nutrition

  • All important nutrients need increase during pregnancy for both mother and baby’s health
  • Need for protein, iron, vitamin D, folacin, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium increases by at least 50 percent.
  • Typically given prenatal vitamins as standard
  • Malnutrition
    • Infants who are born smaller than average for their gestational age are more vulnerable to infections.
    • Infants who are much larger than average increase the length of labor and the risk of difficulties during the delivery itself. Women routinely monitored for gestational diabetes.

Physical Activity

  • Regular exercise improves respiration, circulation, muscle tone, and skin elasticity, all of which contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy and an easier, safer delivery.
  • Activity level should somewhat match how you were prior to pregnancy
  • Strenuous working conditions, occupational fatigue, and long working hours may be associated with a greater risk of premature birth.
    • Reasonable accommodations, disability leave where possible
    • Legally “special needs” category