As a pregnant woman, it's perfectly normal to feel anxious from time-to-time – especially when there are so many unknowns with the future of your pregnancy. Although some may be able to successfully manage their stress and anxiety levels through soothing activities or by talking with loved ones, this often isn't enough for everyone.
With that in mind, we've put together a comprehensive list of 11 natural remedies for managing anxiety during pregnancy, so you can find relief and alleviate any feelings of apprehension as you journey through motherhood. From dietary changes to supplements and massage therapies – discover what might work best for you (and baby!).
1- Exercise
Exercise is one of the natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy. It has been proven to be an effective way of relieving stress and mitigating the feelings of apprehension throughout this often challenging time. When parenting hormones are placed in flux, exercise can provide a natural outlet with its distinct ability to foster a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Beyond this, research shows that it is good for the health of both mother and baby as it helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue and improves posture. So if you're pregnant and feeling anxious, take time each day to understand the power of physical activity on your mental health; engaging in regular exercise routines can positively impact your mood and alleviate some of the stressors that come along with being pregnant.
2- Meditation and deep breathing
Meditation and deep breathing are natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy that can help women to relax and cope with the many mood changes which come with carrying a baby. Practicing meditation and focusing on controlled deep breathing helps to interrupt the cycle of worrying thoughts often experienced by pregnant women, allowing them to focus their attention on something other than anxieties.
Focusing on natural and slow breaths increases oxygen flow throughout the body, resulting in relaxation of both mind and body. Incorporating mediation and deep breathing into an existing wellness routine or creating an entirely new one is an effective natural approach to managing pre-natal anxieties.
3- Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a natural remedy used to improve emotional and physical wellbeing. This alternative medicine utilizes natural plants derived fragrances, such as essential oils and plant extracts, to help balance our moods, create positive vibes, or even treat ailments such as headaches. During pregnancy in particular, expectant mothers often grapple with bouts of stress and anxiety brought upon by the natural pressure that comes with carrying a new life within them.
The natural aromas of these essential oils have been shown to reduce feelings of worry and soothe anxious minds, resulting in natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy, thus providing a safe and comfortable environment for both mother and baby. So next time you’re looking for natural stress relief while expecting - consider reaching out to your local aromatherapy provider and see how the comforting scents can restore your peace of mind!
4- Make sleep a priority
Sleeping is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, yet it’s often overlooked or sacrificed when we try to juggle too many things. Making sleep a priority doesn’t just mean getting an adequate amount each night – it means using natural remedies such as relaxation techniques, recommended supplements, and other natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy to ensure that we can fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep helps us maintain our overall mental and physical health, boost our mood and energy levels, and sharpen our focus. Taking the time to make sleep a priority can help us achieve better restful nights with fewer interruptions, allowing us to live more productively during the day.
View More: 13 Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds During Pregnancy
5- Herbal teas
Herbal teas are a natural, accessible option for those who are seeking to alleviate stress, calm their nerves and generally relax during times of anxiety. Particularly during pregnancy, natural remedies can be a great way to decrease stress levels. There is a wide range of herbal teas available that act as natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy, from chamomile tea to lemon balm tea.
While there has been limited scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of these natural remedies, many pregnant women swear by the calming effects of these herbal teas. The best thing about them is that they are affordable, easy to access and gentle on your body so you can enjoy natural relief without worrying about hazardous side effects.
6- Increase your water intake
Increasing your daily water intake can be a natural remedy for anxiety during pregnancy. Water is critical for the optimal functioning of organs and helps flush out toxins from the body. Not only does drinking enough water improve overall health, but it also helps reduce anxiety and stress hormones.
Additionally, drinking adequate amounts of fluids keeps you energized and focused throughout the day. It's essential to talk to your healthcare provider about how much water you should drink each day in order to remain healthy and hydrated during pregnancy.
7- Massage therapy
Massage therapy has been used for centuries to provide natural remedies for a number of conditions, including anxiety during pregnancy. As the baby continues to grow while in the womb, feeling anxious can be a very natural emotion to experience. Massage therapy can help provide pregnant women with comfort and relaxation as it increases levels of serotonin, a natural neurochemical that helps produce feelings of well-being and satisfaction.
It also helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, allowing your body to relax into an improved state of balance. A professional therapist will use gentle applications of pressure and stretching to reduce tension, helping you achieve a sense of calm - both physically and emotionally - throughout your pregnancy journey.
8- Support network
Being pregnant can be a challenging time for many women, often resulting in feelings of stress and anxiety. Having a strong support network of loved ones to help you through this is essential. From visits from family members to weekly check-in calls with friends, know that there are people nearby who care about your wellbeing and want to provide support where they can.
In addition, natural remedies such as aromatherapy or yoga that combat anxiety during pregnancy are also great to have within your support network. Knowing how and when to reach out during this crucial time will make all the difference in getting through the nine months until you meet your little bundle of joy!
9- Essential oils for anxiety during pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an incredibly anxious time for some women, so natural remedies to try and alleviate anxiety are an important consideration. Essential oils have been used for centuries as natural remedies against stress and anxiety, and there are a number of options available specifically formulated to treat pregnancy-related anxiety. Lavender oil is particularly common in natural treatments aimed at soothing pregnant women during anxious times, with its calming scent being helpful in promoting feelings of peace and relaxation.
Other effective natural oils include ylang-ylang, bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood, frankincense, and chamomile; diffusing these natural smells into the home or directly inhaling it through aromatherapy methods can be beneficial in easing symptoms of anxiety while pregnant. While there is no guarantee that essential oils will entirely alleviate pregnancy-related anxiety, they provide an alternative natural treatment option that could prove useful for expecting mothers looking to reduce their levels of stress.
10- Eat healthy food
Eating healthy foods is essential for everyone - and especially for pregnant women. It is natural to have anxiety during pregnancy and one of the best natural remedies to help manage it is through diet. Eating nutritious, balanced meals that include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, natural fats, and unprocessed grains provides extra nutrients needed by expectant mothers and their unborn children, while also helping to promote better mental health.
It is important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before making any major dietary changes as medical-grade nutrition plans can provide optimal support. Ultimately, eating healthy food not only helps you maintain good energy levels during your pregnancy but will make you both physically and mentally healthier throughout the process.
View More: Side Effects Of Over Eating During Pregnancy
11- Limit your caffeine intake
Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to reduce the risk of anxiety and other health problems. Caffeine is linked to an increased likelihood of restlessness, insomnia, headaches, and rapid heartbeat. If a pregnant woman needs natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy, there are plenty of options that she can incorporate into her day-to-day routine such as practicing mindfulness meditation or taking regular walks around the block.
Furthermore, natural supplements such as ginger and magnesium have calming properties and can help with feelings of stress or agitation. While it's important to talk to your doctor before introducing any natural remedy, adding healthier alternatives to your daily lifestyle can help reduce any adverse effects associated with too much caffeine consumption.
Conclusion
While natural remedies can seem intimidating and time consuming, they are well worth the effort in curbing anxiety during pregnancy. Along with the support of family, friends, or a mental health professional, you should feel confident to explore the options available to you in addition to those prescribed by your doctor. After all, understanding what works best for your body is an important part of holistic care at this special time.
You can also find comfort in knowing that these gentle remedies have been used by pregnant people for centuries as a way to cultivate connection with their bodies and relax into the fullness and joy of pregnancy. So take some time to yourself and trust in your wisdom about which treatments make you feel safe, secure and relaxed during this most amazing journey!
Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/natural-remedies-for-anxiety-during-pregnancy