Although it’s a wonderful time for most mums-to-be, pregnancy also comes with its share of challenges. With all your body goes through, it can be easier said than done to relax and wind down.

It’s important to remember your pregnant body is different and is working much harder than usual to make a healthy baby, so you need to remember to take time to rest and relax, perhaps more than you normally would.

A mix of hormones, body changes and preparing for a little one can be stressful and overwhelming so we’ve put together some of our top tips for relaxing during pregnancy.

Studies have shown that taking time to relax can reduce chronic stress and even lower anxiety levels. Taking a moment to yourself can also relax muscles, slow your breathing rate, and even reduce your blood pressure.

1. Rest.

This is pretty self-explanatory but women can often forget to really look after themselves and rest regularly. Especially when you get into your third trimester, you’re probably running around making sure everything is ready for your bundle of joy. But this is where it becomes more important than ever to wind down once in a while.

If you already have children, it’s important to not feel guilty. Get as much help as you can from your partner, family or friends. At this stage of your pregnancy, putting your feet up isn’t a waste of time, it’s important for your development and mental health.

2. Exercise.

We know this might not be top of your priority list - especially when you get into the late stages of your pregnancy - but trust us, it works.

Gentle exercise is great for a physical and mental boost. No need for marathon training, simply some swimming and light yoga can make a big difference. Yoga is especially recommended by professionals as it practices relaxation techniques and breathing which can come in handy when the baby is arriving!

3. Mindfulness.

Things can get a bit overwhelming when you’ve got a new addition arriving into your family. Whether it’s juggling work or getting a nursery sorted, you can feel a bit out of your depth and that’s completely normal. Practising mindfulness even for an hour a day can make all the difference when it comes to truly relaxing your mind. If you already have children, try to grab some time during their afternoon nap or after the school run. Meditation is a great way to start as it allows you to relax your muscles and again, helps with your breathing!

For extra tips and tricks, look into local pregnancy yoga classes or meditation books for themes to try.

4. Knowledge.

One of the toughest parts of pregnancy is the unknown. There’s no guide to being a parent, we all learn as we go, but this can be especially stressful for new mums and can cause a lot of anxiety.

Getting the answers can alleviate some of that stress and put your mind at ease. Look into signing up for antenatal classes where you’ll be given all the information you need for pregnancy, labour and even the first few weeks of life with a baby!

It’s also important to remember there’s no such thing as a wrong or stupid question. It’s better to ask your doctor or midwife anything that’s on your mind rather than stay awake worrying.

5. Talk it out.

Chances are, you know plenty of people in your life who have been through pregnancy and have experienced a lot of what you’re experiencing!

Communication is key - talking is a great way of unloading some of your worries, and in particular, speaking to other parents can bring you more comfort in knowing you’re not alone in how you’re feeling and you’ll get through it.