With all the anticipation a soon-to-be-mom faces, most veteran moms have one suggestion: Find some "me" time before the birth, because after that it isn't just "me" anymore but "we." It's no longer easy to pick up and go out to lunch or run an errand. Careful planning suddenly becomes a priority, a concept you previously may have taken for granted.

In a recent Mayo Clinic report, the many suggestions given for having a successful pregnancy included taking short and frequent breaks, staying comfortable and keeping stress under control. All in all, relaxation and "me" time seem to be the answer for a comfortable pregnancy and easier merge into "mommy" time.

The Pregnancy Centre in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, offers classes for soon-to-be-moms and lists some of the benefits of relaxation:

• Better ability to cope with stress
• Allowing more time out from problems or responsibilities
• Reduction of anxiety
• Improvement of well-being
• Reduction of fatigue
• Lessening of aches and pains
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Better ability to confront frustration and anxiety
• Helping to better cope with labor

On the flip side of the coin, not spending time relaxing shows up physically as stress with increased heart rate and blood pressure, more rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating, nausea, fidgeting, tiredness, stomach discomfort and dry mouth. It also leads to irritability, grumpiness, moodiness and the inability to sleep and/or eat.

Exercise is a great way to relax with the added benefit of keeping fit. During pregnancy, yoga and water aerobics are both great choices. You might take a class or simply do your exercises alone with soothing music. Fresh air and warm sunshine also allow you to relax in a special way. Take a walk. Enjoy the environment – the sunshine, the breeze and the world around you.

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