Three Ways to Cope with Stress When Pregnantby Heather Long | More from this Blogger 11 Aug 2006 01:30 PM It was funny, when I was pregnant because on more than one occasion my husband would state categorically (and very emphatically): "The pregnant woman wins. No contest." It would be nice, if that were always true. That philosophy would mean that stress at work, stress at home and stress of life would evaporate for that nine months and just make your life easier. Of course, reality sets in and all the nice thoughts in the world will not make the stress of living day to day life go away, nor will it alleviate other sources of stress - including other children, your family, your spouse and throw that all into the same blender with the fact that you are coping with the physical and hormonal changes of being pregnant and you have the recipe for a too thick to be taken in by straw stress shake. Chronic Stress is Bad for You Whether you are pregnant or not, chronic stress is bad for you. So here are a few tips to help cope with stress while you are pregnant. (Chances are - they'll be helpful after the baby is born too!)
What other methods did you use to cope with stress while pregnant? Related Articles: Romance is Born During Stressful Times Is the Stress of Multitasking Too Much? Learn more about Heather Long  Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments needhelp (5) 11 Aug 2006 11:38 PMHi all, Apologize for a need of nickname, I am a husband in dire need of advice on how to communicate with my pregnant wife. Since she got pregnant, which about 7 weeks ago, she increasingly critized me on every words and moves I made. We have been together for 14 years, and it started on wearing me down. Recently, we had a discussion about when my parents can go visit the baby once the baby is born. She told me that she didn't my parents to see the baby until the baby is 2 years old. So I was trying to understand why and negotiate with her, then she told me that it would 1.5 years when my parents will be able to see their grandchild. I told her that it would break my parents heart if I told them that they have to wait 1.5 years. This is only one example of the discussion that we had. I am in dire need of help because I am at the end of my rope. I felt like I got caught between hard place. I want to be a good father and husband, but at the same time, I felt miserable listening to her criticism. I also understand that she is under a lot of stress, but me too. I am not doing well in my career right now. Please let me know if you have any advice. I tried to persuade my wife to go for counseling, but she refused it. As a husband, what should I do? michelledawn02 (5) 24 May 2008 05:39 PMHello needhelp, Sounds like you need some serious help. I am currently 10 weeks pregnant. I am not married but I have a boyfriend and he has been driving me crazy and we have been fighting over some stuff lately. I can't see why your wife wouldn't want your parents to visit for the first 1.5 years maybe its because she is afraid of germs or getting the baby sick when actually the child is only more at risk for getting sick the first 2-3 months. My advice is that you just drop this topic and all other topics about when the baby is born until later in the pregnancy or until the baby is actually born. Her hormones are no doubt running very high right now so trying to pursuade her to see things your way probably wont go over so well. It will probably get better in the coming months and maybe if she talks to some other moms and realizes her fears are irrational she will give in. Hope I was of some help. Also, have you considered that maybe she just doesn't like your parents? Just a thought.  Beth McHugh (13216) 24 May 2008 08:01 PMHi NeedHelp, has your wife's behavior suddenly changed since she became pregnant? If she has not always been "difficult" there may be many reasons for her current behavior. Perhaps it wasn't a planned pregnancy and she is feeling out of control and desperately trying to regain control at any price. She may have issues with your parents or she may even have issues with you that the pregnancy has brought to a head. I am a psychologist and the resident Families Mental Health blogger. If you feel you or your wife would benefit from counseling, you can contact me at http://youronlinecounselor.com I know you said your wife has refused counseling, but often when one partner starts,the other will follow. It would be good if she could sort out this issue because the ongoing stress that is causing her behavior is no good for her, yours or the baby's health. Best wishes, Beth Community Tags coping, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, relaxation, stress Discuss this article
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