Staying Sane During Pregnancy

Let's face it. Pregnancy is enough to face on it's own. When you try to tie in a job, other children, a spouse or significant other, and peace and quiet, pregnancy is enough to send your stable-thinking brain into overload. I dare say that most of us suffer from a combination of a raging influx of hormones and worries, stresses, fears, and physical discomfort during one of the most special times in our lives. The "norm" for pregnancy is dealing with discomfort and emotional instability. Here are just a few tips to hang on to your sanity as the baby's birthday gets closer.

Be a little more selfish.
Hunny, before you know it, you'll be bombarded with dirty diapers, unyielding 3 a.m. feedings, and shrieking cries. Take a little time for you and your significant other, if there is one. If not, cherish the time you have with your friends. A lot of time will need to be carefully devoted to your new special edition in a few months, so enjoy your free time while you can. Get a manicure and pedicure. Schedule a prenatal massage. Buy yourself something nice. Clothing and shoes aren't really the best options during this time, as you won't really know what size you'll wear after you deliver. I like buying myself pretty nail polishes and cosmetics. I also like indulging in fresh fruit smoothies. Another wonderful thing to do for yourself and your family is to get some pregnancy photos taken. Yes, you look beautiful. No, no one is going to think your bulging belly button is ugly. Just do it. I doubt you'll ever regret capturing such a precious time in your life.

Take your self-esteem into your own hands.
I love my husband. He is great to me. But, I don't think any man was "blessed" with the know-how when it comes to saying everything exactly right when it comes to cooing his pregnant wife out of an emotional meltdown, which are usually plenty when it comes to me. It's so easy to forget that you are providing life support to a tiny human being in the making. Pregnancy is beautiful. In my own experience, it's been so easy to look at all the little imperfections (i.e. stretch marks, varicose veins, swollen ankles, a.k.a. elephant feet), and have a spell of insecurity. Then, I got this tiny little magnet to stick to my desk drawer at work. It says, "Yes, you look beautiful." Ever since, I catch it in the corner of my eye, and it reminds me that no, I am not a fat cow; I am still the beautiful, young, fiery Jessica that I have always been, but now I can add "childbearing expert" to my repertoire too.

Don't overload yourself.
Sometimes, working a full-time job is necessary. But, if you can afford to at least cut down to part-time in the last trimester, you'll be better rested for the delivery day to come. Yes, you have a little boy or girl on the way who needs his or her diapers neatly stacked in the diaper stacker and the tiny little socks folded in the dresser drawer, but...it can most likely wait until tomorrow. Overtiring yourself is never good. Your days will be less enjoyable if you have no energy to conquer them with. It really doesn't hurt to call in sick and catch an episode of "A Baby Story" on TLC.

The luckiest of us will go through pregnancy at least once and experience the miracle of a baby in the womb. Just remember, these discomforts won't last forever. You'll get your grip on your hormonal changes back soon enough. Enjoy this special time!