Nine Radiant Months

Whether it's your first child or your tenth, the worries of pregnancy can definitely affect your stress level. To assure your baby's well-being and your own it's important to take care of yourself to reduce stress.

Stress affects the body negatively by building up toxins, lowering energy levels, and weakening the immune system. This is the last thing you want during pregnancy. So incorporate the following relaxation techniques to promote mind and body wellness for you and your baby.

Aromatherapy Relaxer

Essential oils can be enjoyed in a warm bath, by application to the skin, and through inhalation using an aromatherapy diffuser. However, not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. After the fifth month, though, a few select oils can be used when diluted with a neutral carrier oil such as grapeseed oil. Lavender and chamomile essential oils are gentle to use and can help to soothe back pain, muscle tension, headaches, and promote relaxation.

You Deserve a Massage

A professional massage can help relieve stress and tension during pregnancy. It can also help improve circulation, thus reducing the formation of cellulite and excess fluid. Many spas now offer massages specifically for pregnant women, but if you can't afford a spa visit, encourage your partner to massage your back, legs, and feet regularly. In exchange, give your partner a back rub, too.

Deep Breathing

Learn breathing techniques that you can incorporate daily for a few minutes in the morning and at night, or any time you are feeling stressed. Breathe in through the nose until your belly fills with air, hold, and exhale. When done correctly, a few moments of relaxation breathing can help calm and centre the mind.

Use these relaxation techniques regularly through your pregnancy to promote mind and body wellness for these nine precious months and beyond.

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Valerie Ann Worwood, well-known aromatherapist and author of The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (New World Library, 1991), recommends these essential oils for bath, shower, massage, or inhalation. These oils can be used by expectant mothers after their fifth month. Others can be used in earlier stages of pregnancy. Ask your naturopathic doctor or physician for more information.

• tangerine
• mandarin
• grapefruit
• geranium
• camomile roman
• rose bulgar
• rose maroc
• jasmine
• ylang ylang
• lavendar