During 9 months of pregnancy, women have many things on their mind: “Will the baby be a boy or a girl? Is the baby healthy? How will the baby look like? Who will take care of the baby when I return to work?” Pregnant women also tend to feel nauseous during the first trimester. Some might not be in a very good mood due to hormonal surges while others might have food cravings. There is a lot of stress involved during the pregnancy period and after childbirth.

A stress-free pregnancy can be achieved if pregnant women follow these 9 Keys to a Stress Free Pregnancy:

1. Always have Control Over Stress and Anxiety
Worrying too much or being too stressed during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, underweight babies, respiratory illness in the child, and developmental delays. Freeing your mind of worries is vital during fetal development. Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy. Also avoid alcoholic drinks. Smoking and drinking promotes stress and anxiety even in those who are not pregnant, and they hazard both the mother’s and baby’s lives.

2. House Mom versus Career Mom
A house mom might have less stress compared to a working mom. A mother who has a career might be exposed to stress in the workplace, which may also cause miscarriage, premature birth, underwight birth, and birth complications. Career mothers are advised to do light work in the office, and go for regular medical check-ups.

3. Do Light Exercises
Exercise programs specifically produced for pregnant women are easily available on video and DVD. Exercising can relax your muscles and lead to an easier childbirth. Yoga and meditation are also good choices for pregnant women.

4. Visualize the Situation
Visualizing can reduce stress and anxiety in both mother and baby. The mother must always picture herself as calm and relaxed as possible when the big moment comes. This is because the mother’s emotions would affect the baby’s emotions too.

5. “Our greatest protection is a joyous heart”, by the late Mother Theresa
Mothers with more positive attitudes usually have low anxiety and stress. This is because they believe that there is a reason for everything that God wills, and those with a heart of gratitude always look at the bright side of things. Thus, they are able to overcome high levels of stress at home or at work, without feeling sick or getting ill effects of pregnancy.

6. Become a Mommy Whisperer
Continuous use of this technique during pregnancy and after childbirth is proven to be an effective method in reducing stress and anxiety in mom and child. Children respond well to relaxation techniques of this kind, as it causes them to be calmer, quiet and still.

7. Take a Leave from Work
Do consider taking a rest during pregnancy. Pregnant women have the tendency to worry about work and feel pressured. Feeling stress is not healthy to both mothere and baby. Mothers can resume work after healing from childbirth.

8. Self-Soothing Method
Soothe yourself and the baby by saying things like “don’t worry, everything’s going be OK” in a loving and compassionate voice. This helps to reduce stress during pregnancy and promotes positive thinking.

9. Create Family Bonding
Work with your spouse to make positive connection with the baby during pregnancy. The father may touch the mother’s belly while talking to the unborn baby, how much you love him/her. This action can generate healing chemicals by secreting oxytocins, a chemical that promotes positive bonding in the family.