Hellobee Boards

Yes with DD I believe it is what sent me into preterm labor at 32 weeks, ultimately causing me to give birth at 36 weeks. It was mostly work stress and I could feel my belly get hard every day when I went into work. At home I would have a lot of BH. It is just how my body deals with stress DD also has delays and sensory issues, but I never thought about it like it could have also been caused by the stress I hope not!

It is so much harder this time around, since I already have DD. I hope you can start to find some alone time to relax a bit, I think it is even harder when you SAH to find time for yourself. Whatever makes you happy. Mine is a cup of coffee and quite time during nap, but that isn't happening everyday anymore I also have to tell myself (yes I talk to myself) all the time that all that maters is a healthy baby and a healthy mom, whatever I have to do to get to that point is what I have to do. Positive affirmations, I might look like a loon, but I only do it when I am alone and can feel the stress.

Unfortunately, I'm a type A, and stressful by nature. I'm also a lawyer, and my firm is going through a rough patch with the media. My body responds to stress with aches, pains, and tense knots all over my body. DH massages my back and shoulders each night, and can't get over how many knots there are. The doctor felt my shoulders, and said it was literally hard as a rock. Warm baths with lots of bubbles have been helping. It's my downtime, and helps soothe my muscles. I also really try to remind myself I have to stay calm for sake of baby. Don't want to subject this little guy or gal out before they even come into this crazy world! I hope you can find something to help you unwind, and things get better soon!

Thinking about you!

I am a pretty happy, laid back person in general. However, this pregnancy there has been a lot of stress - stress from thinking about life with 3 under 3, big work changes, my grandmother died, legal fights with dh's ex, etc. I try my best to relax whenever I can in order to keep these babies somewhat happy. I agree with people about taking a bath, or even just a nap is great sometimes. I ask dh to watch ds so that I can have just an hour of me time, especially on the weekends. I wish there was a great solution but I haven't found one. Just keep breathing and try to maintain a positive attitude/outlook!

@MrsMccarthy: change the way you think about stress. Tell yourself "this stress is good for me, it is preparing me for these challenges." It sounds so simple but it has helped me a lot. I have become really good at dealing with stress because I have had to!

Eta: before I thought this way I was having stress about my stress and no one needs that! My DH lost his job a couple days before we found out we were pregnant. It was a huge time of stress and LO is doing great if that is any consolation. Just do your best to relax and know your body is healthy and everything is okay.

We dealt with marital issues, an international move, living away from family for the first time, and my FILs death while I was pregnant. I was extremely stressed.

@MrsMccarthy: I definitely had/have high stress both pregnancies. It's so difficult. Last time was for totally different reasons and I never noticed it affecting my pregnancy, but this time I'm experiencing a lot of Braxton hicks and uncomfortableness.

Thinking of you!!! I'm here if you ever need an ear

I was definitely stressed and had a lot of BH. I had some pretty stressful family members visit me for 3 very long weeks and I ended up delivering at 34 weeks, just a few short days after they left. I wish I had taken better care of relaxing - easier said than done.