Managing Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy

Hey mama,

If your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open—half of them playing music—you’re not alone.

Pregnancy is wild in the best and most chaotic ways.

One minute, you’re crying at a diaper commercial, and the next, you’re Googling “Is it normal to worry about literally everything while pregnant?”

(Short answer: Yes.)

Pregnancy hormones are doing the absolute most, and on top of that, you're probably juggling work, relationships, body changes, unsolicited advice from strangers, and figuring out what the heck a mucus plug even is.

It’s a lot.

So today, let’s talk about how to manage stress and anxiety without pretending everything’s fine when it’s clearly not.

And yes—let’s talk about positive affirmations.

Because they work. Like really work.

Why You Might Be Feeling Extra Stressed

There are real, scientific reasons you're feeling like your mind is constantly racing. Estrogen and progesterone (your hormone hype team) are fluctuating big time, impacting everything from your mood to your digestion.

Your brain is also doing this adorable thing where it starts prepping you for motherhood by heightening your senses and instincts—which sometimes just feels like anxiety in a trench coat.

And don’t get me started on the sheer volume of decisions you're expected to make—hospital vs. birth center, midwife vs. OB, epidural vs. breathing through pain like a Nordic goddess.

It’s no wonder you’re stressed.

Let’s Get Real About Managing It

Here’s what helped me—and what I’ve seen work wonders for other first-time moms:

1. Positive Affirmations (aka the Pregnancy Pep Talk You Didn’t Know You Needed)
Affirmations might sound like a Pinterest trend, but they’re actually rooted in cognitive behavioral science.

When you repeat empowering, truth-centered statements out loud or write them down, you start reshaping the way your brain responds to fear and uncertainty.

I used affirmations constantly when I was pregnant. On walks. Before doctor’s appointments. Right before bed when the 3am spiral thoughts were loading.

They reminded me that I was strong. Capable. Enough.

I pulled 16 of my favorite affirmations together and shared them in last Friday’s newsletter, so if you missed that, go take a peek in your inbox or check the archive.

Those affirmations are pulled straight from my book and audiobook, Positive Affirmations for a Joyful and Stress-Free Pregnancy and Birth, both available now on Amazon and Audible.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

• “I am gentle with myself as my body grows a baby.”

• “My mind and body are strong, and so is my baby.”

• “Together, we will get through labor and delivery, and in the end, I will meet my baby!”

It’s not magic.

But it is mental conditioning—and that’s powerful.

2. Give Yourself the Grace to Slow Down
You don’t have to do it all.

Cancel the brunch.

Let the dishes sit in the sink.

Say no to things that don’t feel right.

If there’s ever a time to fiercely protect your peace, it’s now.

3. Move Your Body—But Gently
Prenatal yoga, slow walks, or even stretching while listening to calming music can help release tension and regulate your nervous system.

My tip? Pair a simple stretch with a deep breath and an affirmation. It’s like hitting Control-Alt-Delete on your stress.

4. Call in Your People
Whether it’s a partner, a sister, your therapist, or an online mom group, don’t try to white-knuckle your way through this season.

Let people in.

And if you’re still building your village, check back this Sunday—we’ll be diving into how to create a strong support system during pregnancy.

You got this momma,
Naomi

P.S. If you haven’t grabbed a copy of my affirmation book yet, you can find it on Amazon and Audible now.

Use it like a cozy blanket for your soul. 💛