Pregnancy can be stressful - even if you’re overjoyed about your upcoming little bundle. All mamas stress about one thing or another, so don’t feel like it’s only you, and also make sure you do the following:

Get as much rest as possible: Sleep will keep you healthy and you’ll be able to focus better and handle everyday and pregnancy tasks when you are awake.

Exercise regularly: If your prenatal provider says exercise is safe for your particular pregnancy then go ahead and stay active. Not only does exercise decrease cortisol (a depression hormone) but it’ll keep you fit, which in turn will make you happier during your pregnancy and after when you’re trying to lose that baby weight.

Keep things simple: Don’t plan any major events, like a career change, cross-country move, or new car buying. These sort of major events can unnecessarily stress you out.

Make time for fun: Staying healthy is likely first and foremost on your to-do list, but pencil in some fun time too. Go out with your girlfriends, plan a lovey getaway with your honey, take a mama spa day, or simply rent movies and veg out. There’s no reason to be serious all the time.

Ignore the dream: In the movies (or those mama / baby paintings you see) pregnancy is often portrayed as a blissful, always happy, dreamy event. Nothing goes wrong, and all mother-in-laws are kind and helpful. Not so much in real life though. Pregnancy is a different experience for every single woman. Don’t go into your pregnancy with unrealistic expectations or imagine that nothing will go wrong. While you may have a great pregnancy, life does happen, so be prepared.