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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Stressssssssed, high blood pressure, can't chill out! Relaxation tips anyone??!

10 replies

TrueRomance28 · 27/04/2012 22:27

Having a bit of a stressful time at the moment, splitting with the boyfriend & staying at my parents for a few months, my Dad has alzheimers so it can be hard work & I just can't relax! I'm 30 weeks now and midwifes told me I have high blood pressure, which has stressed me even more!!
I've had meditation suggested but I can't clear my mind enough of to do lists for that to work, does anyone have any relaxation tips I can try??

OP posts:
friedfrog · 27/04/2012 23:36

I have downloaded an app called relax completely, it guides you through a sort of meditation. Works for me.

Sorry you're having such a crap time.

Spiritedwolf · 27/04/2012 23:56

What do you enjoy doing? People find different things relaxing, so if I suggest something like read a book, and you don't enjoy reading, you would just get agitated and not relax at all.

So try to think of something you enjoy thats fairly low key (i.e. no sky diving if thats your thing as that's about the adrenalin rush). Preferibly something that makes you feel good about yourself. Do you like long baths, or watching comedy movies, or long walks in the countryside? How about re-reading a favourite novel, or trying your hand at an art or craft you've always liked the look of? Do you like having your hair cut or a beauty treatment? Maybe you enjoy meeting up with friends, or cooking a meal?

Is there something that you'd like to do for the baby coming, like knit something, or start a scrapbook or memory box, or maybe something more practical like sort out some drawers to make room for the babies' clothes? Pick something that isn't stressy, that you can either have a bit of fun and creativity with, or something that is manual like organising, that isn't difficult but keeps your hands busy.

Obviously something like meditation would be good, but it is something that takes a bit of practice and is pretty difficult to do from a standing start (e.g. Telling yourself to "Clear your mind") but there are routes into it, like guided visualisation - where you listen to a recording or person talking through a script and you imagine what they say. You can also try and imagine a blackboard or sandy beach, and any thoughts that come to mind, imagine them being written on the surface, and then either use a duster, or let a wave come and wash the thought away. Then do the same with the next thought etc. Or imagine a stream, and each thought you have is a leaf that floats past you and away.

In this way, you aren't trying to stubbornly keep your mind blank, you are just acknowledging the thoughts you are having and letting them go, because you are not your thoughts.

Like I say, meditation is useful, but you can start off by just trying to do relaxing and soothing activities that make you feel good. This should help you stay happier and more relaxed which could help your blood pressure.

Of course consider the medication that you are offered, it may help. You can also cut down/out caffeen, salt and foods that might raise your blood pressure.

Hope that helps xx

Spiritedwolf · 28/04/2012 00:14

read meditation as medication second time round Blush daft as I'd already read and responded about the meditation thing!

Loislane78 · 28/04/2012 00:22

I find exercise helps, and I mean maybe just a long steady walk by that as well. Know it's tricky when you're bigger and uncomfortable but something that tires you out in a good way and fresh air always helps :)

Take it easy :)

FluffyJawsOfDoom · 28/04/2012 09:48

Walking, taking time out to just sit and relax (in the bath, or just lying on the bed or something), seeing friends? I have the Paul McKenna Stress book/CD and the CD is really relaxing, I love it.

thereinmadnesslies · 28/04/2012 09:54

Just to say that I had high blood pressure in both pregnancies and nothing horrible came of it. I had to see the midwife a bit more and I got lots of lectures about relaxing but I went on to have normal deliveries and no further probs. it's just what my body does in pregnancy. Enjoy relaxing but try not to stress about it and definitely do not google Wink

mrswee · 28/04/2012 13:49

There are some really good pregnancy relaxation downloads or cds you can get. They might sound a bit wishey washy but I found they really helped me the last time I was pregnant and have a VERY stressful time with my family.

I also got a blend of tea made up from a local herbalisit shop that was good for relaxing and safe in pregnancy and got some Bach flower remedies, you can use Rescue remedy from bach which you can get in boots or get to a herbalist that stocks the different types of Bach remedies and have one mixed up that is taylored to your worries.
I did a combination of all of thses last time and I can honestly say it really worked. I was so stressed that I though something terrible might happen to my pregnancy.

I hope things improve for you soon

sunshinesue · 28/04/2012 15:29

acupuncture is great for relaxing. I didn't go specifically for high bp but at almost every bp check since I was 20 it's been high, until I started acu and it's now back to normal. If home is stressful just being out for an hour or so would prbably help too.

I second the meditation cd's/downloads too, there are some free ones about on the web

Midgetm · 28/04/2012 15:58

I would second acupuncture. When pregnant with DD my consultant referred me for it specifically for high BP so it must work or the NHS would be too tight to pay for it otherwise. Yoga, relaxation, Pilates, massage all also work for me. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate and could do with a treat.

TrueRomance28 · 03/05/2012 18:28

So many good tips, thank you!

They had stopped doing pregnancy yoga in the area where I live but a new class is starting next week so that should help, I loved it when I use to go a while ago as its so relaxing.

Definitely going to try all of your ideas!!

Thanks everyone!

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