Question & Answer - Pregnancy Fears

Worrying

First I worried I wouldn't get pregnant, now that I am, I am worried about miscarriage. Is there something wrong with me?

Worrying is just in the female genes. We seem to find things to worry about, and when we don't have anything to fret over, we end up fretting because of that. Facing the unknown can be a very unnerving thing and for first-time moms, there are a lot of unknowns in pregnancy.

What If I Can't Carry the Baby?

Often, the most prevalent worry for a pregnant woman is miscarriage - especially if there are health conditions which could endanger the pregnancy. The most common causes of miscarriages are genetic defects or the failure of the egg to implant properly in the uterus. Neither of these things is in your control. Drinking and smoking are known to exacerbate miscarriage so it is wise to stop both if you have participated in them prior to conceiving. The first trimester is the most volatile, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after that time.

I Miscarried Before...

If a woman has suffered a previous miscarriage, then the fear is even more real and can become debilitating. She may go through the pregnancy physically sound, but emotionally and mentally she is stressed beyond belief. Fear has the potential of robbing positive thoughts and feelings which should be a part of the joy experienced during pregnancy.

My Friend Said Delivering the Baby Was So Painful

Delivery of the baby is another fear-factor for many women. A woman has to really guard her mind when it comes to old wives tales and friends' horror stories. Listening to them and taking them to heart can create bad dreams and fear. Preparing for labor through classes and talking with trusted friends and family or a health care professional whom you can trust will go a long way to easing delivery room anxiety.

Find A Place to Dump the Fear

No matter what the worries are, it is important to find workable solutions to ease the fear. Women generally feel better when they can talk about things, so if you can, talk with your mate or find a good friend to talk to. Let your health care provider know how you're feeling about things - often having a proper understanding of the medical aspects eases fear quickly. It is good practice to educate yourself on pregnancy, what to expect, how your body changes and will continue to change as well as how your baby is growing through the months.

If It's Too Big - Get Help

It's important not to let fear get out of hand and become an obsession. If you're losing sleep, can't eat, feel depressed or unhappy and are unable to rise above of any of those feelings, it is time to seek professional help. Allowing fear to rule your life will not only affect you and your family, but it will affect your unborn baby as well.