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Getting pregnant (or attempting to get pregnant!) for the first time can be a highly stressful process. In this article, you’ll learn how to manage your mental health and keep yourself sane throughout the process.
Before you’re pregnant
There’s a lot of stress involved with trying to get pregnant – especially for women who have been at it for quite some time. It can be overwhelming trying to exercise, eat healthy, and do your BBT charting whilst you’re juggling work and your other commitments – so be sure to schedule in some me-time in which you can relax, every week.
At the same time, communicate with your partner and allow them to support you in this process. It’s not just you who are getting pregnant – this is something that you undertake as a couple!
Whilst you’re pregnant
Once you get pregnant, you’ll have to deal with plenty of discomfort, including swollen feet, back pain and nausea. During this period of time, your priority should be to take care of yourself and your baby, and slow down where everything else is concerned.
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If you work in a high-pressure environment, request for a flexible arrangement where you can work from home, or even cut back your hours for the time being. If you’re too exhausted to hang out with your friends, simply skip out on these events instead of forcing yourself to attend. If you can’t cope at home, ask for help from your friends and family, or get your partner to step in.
Many women who are used to being caregivers find it hard to put themselves first for a change, but it’s important that you do so. Bear in mind that high levels of chronic stress can increase the likelihood of complications with your pregnancy (including having your baby born prematurely) – so take this opportunity to kick back and let your friends and family take care of you, for a change.
After you give birth
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Many women experience “baby blues” – irritability, extreme emotion and mood fluctuations – immediately following their baby’s birth. If you do find yourself being more sensitive than normal, don’t stress too much about it – this is perfectly normal, and should subside in a few days. If these feelings persist for any longer than two weeks, or they get too overwhelming, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about it.
In the meantime, the best course of action is to get plenty of rest. For working mothers, make sure you get your full entitlement of maternity leave and pay, and don’t feel like you’re obliged to return to work immediately. Your mental health is the priority here! If your friends and family are too busy to be of any real help, consider hiring a confinement nanny from NannySOS or PEM Confinement.
Fertility consultation with BeNatural’s fertility coach, Marie Otsuka
If you and your partner would like to learn more about conceiving and mental health, come down for a 45-minute consultation with Marie Otsuka, BeNatural’s fertility coach. In this session, Marie will seek to understand the couple’s situation, and offer insights she’s gained through her 10 years of experience in working with infertile Singaporeans. Slots are limited and on a first come first serve basis; contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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