10 Ways to Fight Stress during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time to pamper yourself, but you may be feeling too stressed to enjoy it. Try these simple techniques for bringing more balance to your life.

While pregnant with baby number three, I had a hard time feeling relaxed. I couldn't find a comfortable sleeping position, and my growing baby's favorite activity involved doing gymnastics with my bladder as her springboard. But pregnancy shouldn't be uncomfortable all the time—here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy your pregnancy.

The Three-Minute Rule

I'll admit I complained any chance I got to my husband about being pregnant. Before long it seemed he stopped listening, which of course frustrated me and made me complain more. Then we came up with the three-minute rule: before we went to bed, I had three minutes to tell him about everything that hurt, and he would listen to every ill. I never made the full three minutes, but having the time helped me not to complain—or think about the discomfort—for the rest of the day. (Plus, I slept better.)

Give Yourself a Facial

You don't have to go to the spa to get a good facial—just to your kitchen. Tracy M. Luchenbill, the spa director at Journeys Spa (located at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort on St. Thomas), knows how to pamper clients. At home, she recommends using plain yogurt as a facial cleanser, a paste of baking soda and water as an exfoliant, and plain yogurt mixed with cornmeal as a body scrub. For dry skin, Luchenbill suggests mixing one avocado and two teaspoons extra virgin olive oil until smooth and applying to your face. After 10 minutes, rinse the mask off with warm water.

Go for a Pedicure

You may not be able to see your feet, but a foot massage and pretty toenails might be just the de-stresser you need. Luchenbill reminds you to go after your first trimester and to tell your nail technician that you're pregnant, since certain deep massage techniques and essential oils are not appropriate for pregnancy. If you choose to include fragrant, essential oils as part of your treatment, Luchenbill recommends soothing oils such as lavender, rose, or chamomile.

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