Living under constant stress every day is not beneficial for the body, and even more so for pregnant women. Chronic stress can affect fetal development as well as the mother’s psycho-physical health. Studies show that high stress levels during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks).
Nature has programmed a pregnant woman’s brain to “slow down,” operating in Alpha frequencies, which promote relaxation and balance. Unfortunately, few of us fully allow ourselves to follow the natural flow of pregnancy, often insisting on maintaining the same pace as before.
How can we reduce stress? It is important to create moments throughout the day for activities we love and that calm us. These activities support the right hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with creativity and instincts, and help maintain psycho-physical balance. Examples include music, exercise, painting, crafts, contact with nature, dance, meditation, visualization, and yoga. Each woman can discover the activity that best expresses her heart.
