Tips for a Highly Sensitive Pregnancy

Pregnancy... there is a lot of variation in the experience--some women seem to have easier ones, some seem to have harder ones. But either way, it's quite a journey! For high sensitive people (HSPs), I think it's safe to say they might be prone to experiencing things more intensely, yet I find that there's not a lot of information or resources out there to support an HSP through all of the ups and downs of a pregnancy. I wrote an online workbook to try to fill this void, and from that, I thought I'd share a few highlights/tips.

1. Support from others for your sensitive pregnancy: Please advocate for yourself and your needs. HSPs sometimes tune into others' needs more than their own (because we're pretty good at noticing others' needs) but growing a human is a time when tuning into your own needs is not only extremely justified but also, you're meeting the needs of your baby at the same time. Think about your support system and how they can help you through the process. Little household tasks, errands, meals, or listening to you vent--what would make you feel supported? Spend time identifying this and then communicate it with your community.
2. Support yourself! This may be a time when you have to make some lifestyle modifications so you can eat regularly enough, rest more, and spend more intentional time relaxing when you can. It may also be a time to up the comfort level however you can (because pregnancy can be uncomfortable!)--maternity clothes really do make you more comfy!, and you can think about getting new pillows to help with sleep, getting some noise cancelling headphones, or spending extra time in nature or tuning in with mindfulness or meditation.
3. Set boundaries. These boundaries might be with friends or family. They might be around social media use or what kinds of messages about pregnancy, body image, or parenting we want to be exposed to. HSPs are particularly sensitive to this so don't hesitate to limit your exposure.
4. Practice self compassion. This is an ideal time to simplify and let go of the things/habits we're "supposed" to do because sometimes the bare minimum is just perfect!
5. Lean into intuitive eating. Listen to your body. Sometimes the only thing that sounds good might be something you wouldn't normally eat and that's okay. This doesn't mean giving up on nutrition and eating nothing but brownies, but pregnancy often calls for flexibility. Cravings, food aversions, and nausea are all common and intuitive eating can really help you go with the ever-changing flow of all of it. Tune in: what does your body need? 
6. Cut out comparison. Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy". In pregnancy, comparison is also the thief of peace, calm, and acceptance. Try your hardest not to compare your growing belly, your weight, your symptoms, or your emotional state with that of other pregnant women. 
7. Practice positive affirmations. Think about what do you need to hear, and put reminders in your phone or on sticky notes throughout your home. Some ideas: I am strong. My body is strong. My baby is healthy. This too shall pass. My body knows what to do. I am capable. I am safe.

These are just a few ideas of many, but hopefully this is helpful and validating! I wish you a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy--but also know that even if those adjectives don't fit, that's okay too!