With few exceptions, people are living through hard economic times. Not like the great depression, to be sure. After all, if you’re talking on a cell phone, watching a plasma TV and filling the gas tanks of two cars, things are relatively fine. Still, the current recession has hit most households pretty hard. Holidays can add to the stress, especially for expectant parents.
 
So here’s a heads-up for the pregnant mom and her family and friends: Be indulgent. No matter what month of pregnancy she’s in, the pregnant woman needs your help and support. That may come naturally to friends and family, but to the woman herself it may not be easy at all. Most women are accustomed to “running the show” and they don’t want anything to slow them down, including pregnancy.
For women who are juggling a career and home, it may seem the norm to overdo. But that can-do attitude doesn’t have to extend to the holidays too. Sharing the work during holiday time – wrapping gifts, making arrangements, cooking, being a hostess – can be just what the doctor (or midwife) ordered. Here are a few pointers to make things easier and more fun:

• Send e-cards to your friends and family that convey the religious or historical meaning of each holiday.
• Shop online.
• Don’t jam-pack your calendar with obligations that stress you out.  Remember, no one is keeping track of the overachievers.
• Learn to use the word “no” to the many requests you’ll receive to go beyond your limits.
• Ask for help, especially with the cooking. Most people respond with pleasure.
• Take time for yourself, with walks in the fresh air, meditation, relaxation breathing exercises, a lunch with friends, a candlelit dinner with the dad-to-be.

In the rush of things, try to remember to keep eating a healthy diet, exercise and take time to spend alone with your baby-to-be—the better to savor the journey of pregnancy and treat yourself to fantasies of all the wonderful holidays you’ll spend with your little one in the future.

Joan Swirsky is a psychotherapist, former OB nurse and the author of Gift of Life: A Spiritual Companion for the Mother- to- Be.