Now that you're feeling more symptoms of pregnancy, the reality of impending parenthood may suddenly hit home. Understanding and recognizing your emotional changes can help you better control your stress levels and mood swings.

It's easy to get stressed out over what may seem like an overwhelming amount of preparation for your new family member. Your body is already working overtime on the development of your child; try to keep your commitments and activities at a reasonable level to prevent mental and physical overload.

As you rush to get everything “just so,” remember that your little one is not going to care if the crib matches the dresser, but he will feel the effects of your excess tension. Take steps to decompress when you do feel the pressure building by practicing relaxation and meditation techniques (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation, yoga with your doctor's consent), adjustments to your work or social schedule, or carving out an hour of “me” time each evening to decompress.