Moms Reveal Their Top 10 Pregnancy Fears
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Every woman dreams of a smooth pregnancy and labor. Pregnancy can be a new and different experience for every mother-to-be. Women often become frantic about their pregnancy and the what-ifs can drive them insane. Pregnancy fears can ruin the whole experience of being pregnant. Read on to find out the top 10 pregnancy fears commonly shared with us by every mom over time.
1. Having A Miscarriage
Having a miscarriage can be tough for a mom-to-be. A miscarriage usually occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy (1). Most cases of miscarriage occur before the woman even knows that she is pregnant.
2. That The Baby Will Be Born With Some Birth Defect
Yes, this thought might have crossed the mind of most women who are pregnant. What if my baby has a physical or mental defect? How will I cope with the situation?
3. What If I Eat/Drink Something That Can Harm My Baby?
Yes, we agree that pregnancy comes with many dos and don’ts. There are things which you may have to completely avoid in your diet like alcohol. And there are things you may have to cut back on, like coffee. A little worry is good as it helps us to be a bit cautious about our diet (2). But instead of drowning yourself in fear, wouldn’t it be better if you eat a nutritious diet and educate yourself?
4. What If I Am Not Able To Lose The Pregnancy Weight?
Pregnancy is a time to indulge yourself in tasty treats every once in a while. It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy. Some women are able to shed those extra pounds easily while others take a little more time. So what if you gained a few pounds? It’s all for your baby. But remember that you need only an extra 300 calories per day during pregnancy (3). So don’t overindulge yourself if you are conscious about your weight. Eat healthy and eat right.
5. Getting Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common in pregnant women. Your skin stretches as your belly grows. Women also get stretch marks in their breasts, buttocks, thighs, and arms. Investing in a good cream or lotion can help you with stretch marks.
6. That Labor Pain Will Be Too Much For You
Delivery is a painful experience- no doubt about it! The first time moms-to-be may have this fear even more. If you are somebody who’s worried about labor pain, there are many relaxation and breathing techniques that you can practice during your pregnancy. That will help you ease the pain. You can also join Lamaze classes (4).
7. Not Making It To The Hospital
Women worry about labor and childbirth when they are close to their due date. What if I cannot make it to the hospital? Do I have to give birth in a car or on the way?
8. Getting An Episiotomy
Unlike before, an episiotomy is not a routine part of childbirth (5). There are chances that you may not need it. Once you go into labor, it’s more likely that episiotomy might be the least of your concerns and worries.
9. What If I Have An Emergency C-Section?
Preparing for a normal delivery all along and the last minute change can make many women panic. Though most cases of C-section are planned in advance, there are cases where an emergency c-section is needed (6). Your doctor will let you know once you go into labor. It’s done in cases where a vaginal birth may not be the safest option for you or your baby.
10. Making Love Will Never Be The Same After Childbirth
Hormonal changes and delivery can make your vaginal area dry and tender (7). Though you might experience some pain during the initial stages, know that your body will heal back. Give it some time.
Pregnancy is a different experience for every woman out there. But it is a wonderful experience that you may wish to relive again after it gets over. Make the most out of your time now and enjoy every day by blocking out all your worries and fears. Channel your fear into focusing on things you can control like your diet and maintaining a healthy weight gain.
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