Many women experience anxiety at some time in their lives. Anxiety is an emotion of fear or worry about common situations that are out of our control. Anxiety can stem from something good like a pregnancy or it can be from something bad like the unknown timing or process of giving birth. Pregnant women can find ways to support a body during times of anxiety that are safe for the mother and baby.

Personal Story

I remember feeling anxious when I was pregnant.  I was nervous about the baby’s health, birth, being a new mom, having enough money to support the baby, how to manage more than one child at a time, and a host of other things. At that time in my life, I didn’t know many ways to safely reduce my anxiety.

Foods to Eat for Anxiety

Eating a balanced diet is a good step to take to give good nutrition during pregnancy.

• Please see the nutritional blog posts on my website for more information.
• Blog 66 has a list of foods that give the body with required B vitamins which help calm the nervous system.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplements to Consider for Anxiety

• A prenatal multi-vitamin/multi-mineral which has vitamins, such as vitamins B and E, and minerals, like magnesium, calcium, zinc, chromium, and manganese.

Herbs

Herbs are best avoided during the first trimester.

The following list has herbs for mild anxiety that might be taken for a short time during pregnancy or during labor. Please consult a health care professional or qualified herbalist for help in choosing the best product for your situation.

During second and third trimesters, a pregnant woman might discuss these herbs with a health care provider for short-term use for anxiety:

• Oats
• Oat straw
• German chamomile
• Lavender
• Skullcap
• John’s wort
• Valerian Root
• Hawthorn berries
• Ginkgo

Herbs that may relieve maternal anxiety and tension during labor are:

• California poppy
• Hops
• Motherwort
• Chamomile
• Passionflower
• Valerian

Note: It is imperative to seek qualified help if you are experiencing anxiety with depression. The risk of untreated depression during the third trimester of pregnancy is linked with increased uttering artery resistance that could challenge the growth and development of the baby.

Lifestyle Interventions

These activities may also help reduce anxiety.

• Pray
• Time management
• Relaxation
• Bath therapy
• Deep breathing techniques
• Aromatherapy
• Ask for help when you need it

Action Step

Eating healthy foods, getting needed supplements, appropriate herbs, and lifestyle interventions are all ways to give a pregnant mother body support during anxious times. Carefully consider what you do to reduce anxiety.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S.  What do you do to help you deal with anxiety? Please encourage others by writing in the comment section.