Stress!!!

[Louise87]

Hi everyone I don't no if its just me but I have quite a stressfull job usually I manage it quite welll but over the last few weeks the smallest thing has left me shaking with anger and I'n snapping a lot more which isn't like me! Is anyone else experiencing this and any advise on how I could lower my stress levels as I no its not good for my baby? X

[bookbabe]

Hi. Sorry to hear you're having a rough time. I've had a little bit of this. I think this might be partly because you're tired and also because of the hormonal changes. Looking on the NHS website was what made me decide these were my problems. Sounds like a cop-out, but when you think about it, it kind of makes sense as we're going through an awful lot of stuff physically at the moment The website recommends physical activity in moderation, resting and a healthy diet. I found explaining this to my husband helped, as he could understand why I was flying off the handle at him more (as I have been repressing these emotions at work and on the commute, mostly successfully). As I'm not usually prone to using the excuse of my hormones as an excuse for bringing the crazy, he actually did believe me and was quite helpful.

They also suggest the old chestnut of a soothing bath at the end of the day- but not too hot- don't want to cook your baby! Definitely limit your caffeine intake, as this is not good if you're stressed, and worse if pregnant- sometimes stopping this will make people worse at first as they are basically going through withdrawal, although you can use this as a excuse for looking tired and being stressed at work! (Worked for me thus far with the tiredness).

If things continue, you would be well advised to have a chat to your GP or your midwife (although I'm still waiting for my m'w to acknowledge my existence, which isn't exactly helping my stress levels!). Oh- and something I have really struggled with: don't beat yourself up if you don't get some of your normal household jobs done. You clearly work hard, I'm guessing long hours too. If you're house isn't magazine-cover worthy, it isn't the end of the world.