You’re not alone. Yes, it’s a beautiful experience, but it can also be one of the most stressful, irritating, and uncomfortable times in your life. But never fear: solutions abound. Yes, a (semi) blissful pregnancy is possible if you cultivate a positive mindset. We don’t expect you to deny the aches, pains, anxiety, and worries. But applying a few tips and tricks — like implementing a pregnancy mantra — can elevate the experience.
How Can I Fight Negative Thoughts During Pregnancy?
Occasional stress is perfectly normal. Heck, during pregnancy, anxiety, and worry are common. Unfortunately, it’s not the best for your baby from a biological standpoint. Sustained stress throws off your hormonal balance, which can be unpleasant for your little passenger. So how can you fight negative thoughts during pregnancy?
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga does a body good — physically and spiritually. It stretches your tendons and muscles and opens energy channels in your body. People who report doing yoga regularly are often happier, healthier, and even smarter. Prenatal yoga is specifically geared toward pregnant women and can work wonders during your nine-month haul.
Massage Therapy
Your muscles, tendons, and skin love being massaged. So does your brain. Study after study proves that it’s an excellent treatment for anxiety and mood swings, which, as discussed, are staples of the pregnancy experience. So if you feel like you’re on edge, enlist a professional masseur or your partner to treat you to a body rub. Or, you can go the electronic route and get yourself a massaging chair, wand, or shoulder collar.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the ability to remain focused on the present instead of catastrophizing about the past or worrying about the future. Studies prove that living in the “now” is a mental health tool that significantly eases anxiety, and there are several ways to practice it, including meditation and pregnancy affirmation work. While there’s no way to prevent you from thinking about your baby’s future and the delivery day, if you find yourself spiraling into a drain of apprehension, try to guide your focus to the present moment.
Eat Well
Food is fuel for the living. And when you’re pregnant, you are, in a sense, eating for two. That doesn’t mean you eat double, but what you put in your body affects your fetus. Eating well makes us feel better, function better, and look better. Moreover, your child may develop better. So reach for lean proteins, veggies, and complex carbohydrates. When it’s time for dessert, pick fruit. (Although, it’s perfectly fine to splurge on sugary goodness a couple of times a week. No, it won’t hurt your child, but it will keep you happy.) Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and keep up your blood sugar. Doing so will keep you from becoming tired and irritable.
Engage in Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene can make a world of difference in how you feel. Here are the key points:
Turn Off Electronic Visuals: Listening to soothing music or sounds as you drift off is fine, but try not to fall asleep in front of a TV or computer.Stay Away From Caffeine at Night: Stop drinking caffeinated drinks an hour or two before bed. Generally, reducing your caffeine intake while pregnant isn’t a terrible idea either.Set the Thermostat: Temperature affects whether you get restorative sleep. So set your thermostat accordingly. It’s better to sleep in a slightly colder room than a warmer one. Budget allowing, pick up one of those temperature-controlled beds.Get Into a Routine: Try to go to bed at the same time nightly. Our bodies love routines.
What Are the Benefits of Using Positive Pregnancy Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are another effective tool for staving off stress when pregnant. Benefits include:
Decreased stressMore emotional and behavioral controlDecreased anxietyIncreased self-esteem and clarityAbility to shift negative thoughts patternsBetter problem-solving acumenBetter sleep
75 Momma-Positive Pregnancy Affirmations
We’ve discussed how and why avoiding excessive stress while pregnant is vital. Now, let’s dive into some affirmations you can use along the way.
- I love my strong and beautiful body.
- I’m in awe of my body’s abilities.
- I am grateful for my body’s power and protection.
- Miraculously, I’m growing another human inside me.
- I am nourishing a ball of love and cherish the experience.
- My baby and I are growing together and share an unbreakable bond.
- My pregnancy makes me more radiant.
- I am at my best when using my body to nourish another human.
- Life is miraculous when I am pregnant.
- I am a living, breathing example of the Universe’s magic.
- I take excellent care of myself and my child.
- This discomfort is temporary and will pale in comparison to the joy of meeting my child.
- My baby is developing exactly as it should.
- I protect my baby at all costs.
- The Universe is conspiring to keep my child and me safe.
- My bundle of joy will arrive at the exact right time for its schedule.
- I honor the soul developing inside me.
- Already, my child is learning important lessons, and I am helping.
- I learn about parenthood so that I can be the best possible parent.
- I send my loving baby good vibes every day.
- My baby knows I love it very much and forgives my mistakes.
- My body instinctively knows how to care for my baby on board.
- My body nourishes my child.
- I am thoroughly enjoying my pregnancy.
- I revel in the joy of parenthood.
- Even when things are tough, I appreciate every moment of my pregnancy.
- Pregnancy is teaching me great responsibility, and I’m thankful.
- I will be able to handle my labor without a problem.
- Whatever decisions I make when I go into labor will be the right ones for my child and me.
- The best thing I can do for my baby is not to worry and have faith in their development.
- I am going to be a wonderful, caring parent.
- I will work as hard as possible to give my child everything it needs.
- I trust my instincts and intuition. Tune In To Your Emotions With These 15 Feelings Charts For Adults (Printables) 13 Of The Best Women’s Retreats 25 Exquisitely Beautiful Poems About Life
- I love participating in the cycle of life.
- I can overcome all obstacles that stand in my and my child’s way.
- My emotions are part of who I am, whether good or bad.
- I am instinctively in tune with my child’s needs.
- Positive energy fills my home.
- I am more than capable of looking after myself.
- Pregnancy can be tough, but I am tougher.
- I welcome my body’s changes and know they are for the best.
- My body is made to give birth, and I know it will be a wonderful experience.
- Stress and fear are not a lasting part of my pregnancy experience.
- The physical discomfort I feel is only temporary and serves a greater good.
- I choose to pamper my body and mind for the sake of my baby.
- My body is incredible and capable of doing challenging things.
- I am proud of the life I am creating.
- I am destined to be the best mother I can possibly be.
- My baby bump is a beautiful extension of me.
- I am strong, healthy, and ready for motherhood.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to nourish another life.
- I love that my baby is dependent on me for everything right now.
- I feel needed, wanted, and loved.
- All my feelings are valid, and I know my loved ones understand my mood swings.
- I may be scared and anxious, but that is perfectly normal and OK.
- Each day that passes is one day closer to meeting my baby face to face.
- I know the bond with my baby has already begun.
- My baby is glad that I am its mother. It chose me.
- The soul of my child and I are currently one.
- My child has a bright future because it’s coming to Earth surrounded by love and acceptance.
- I am doing the right thing by giving up this baby for adoption, and it will always know that I loved it.
- The most significant act of love I can give this child is giving it up for adoption.
- Sharing our baby with its adoptive parents is the ultimate act of love.
- I trust that my body will know exactly what to do when labor hits.
- Birthing is encoded in my DNA; I am built for the experience.
- Labor is a source of strength, not discomfort.
- I will educate myself about my baby’s birth to be completely ready when the time comes.
- I will be proud of my birthing experience, regardless of its direction.
- Today I will be kinder to myself than usual as a treat to myself and my child.
- I am not lazy; I’m pregnant. Relaxing is good for my body and baby.
- Today, I will listen to my baby’s needs and wants and honor them.
How to Best Use Affirmations for Pregnancy
What is the best way to use pregnancy affirmations? Ultimately, it’s up to you, but there are several tricks you can implement to make them more effective.
Set Them in the Present
When saying affirmations, set them in the present. In other words, instead of saying “I hope to be healthy,” go with “I am healthy.” Acting as if a need or want already happened tricks the energetic Universe into making it happen.
Pick Ones That Resonate
If a given affirmation doesn’t resonate with you, don’t use it. Only use ones that speak to your soul and situation. Otherwise, it’s like an atheist going to church. Sure, it can be a pleasant experience, but it won’t profoundly impact their lives.
Make It Specific
Be specific as possible when choosing your affirmation stable. Tweak them to your life’s contours and add personal details that will make it more authentic for you.
Make It a Routine
Good habits make life smoother. Start with 3- to 5-minute-long sessions daily — one each in the morning and night. How you choose to “execute” your affirmation practice is up to you. Some people say them internally, others do it aloud, and others write them down. Whichever method you choose, be patient. After about a week, you’ll realize that it’s working! Even if you don’t believe what you’re saying at first, keep doing them. With consistency, the positive affirmations will replace your inner critic and worrywart.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on your coming bundle of joy. We know you’ll be the best parent for your child’s needs. And remember, pregnancy happiness is possible! It just may take a little inspired action to find it.
