Pregnancy is one of the happiest times, but it is also one of the most worrisome.
All of a sudden, you’re not only responsible for your own life, but that of another person growing inside you. Many mothers feel worried during pregnancy. They fear all kinds of things, from the health of the baby to labor. It is hard to relax.
If you feel this way, know that it is okay. Feeling concerned and anxious about pregnancy is part and parcel of the experience. You want things to go well, and usually, they do. But you still need to prepare yourself for the possibility that they might not.
My Morning Sickness Means That My Baby Isn’t Getting Enough To Eat
Some pregnant mothers can worry that their morning sickness is preventing their baby from getting enough to eat. When you feel nauseous, the last thing you want to do is sit down and eat a big breakfast. Many mothers wind up skipping meals because they feel so awful and then beat themselves up for not adequately looking after their babies.
Most morning sickness, however, occurs in the first trimester when the baby is incredibly small. Its energy demands are tiny compared to the rest of your body. So unless you are starving, it will always have enough food to continue to grow and develop.
If you’re struggling with morning sickness, try eating small meals more regularly. A little food here and there can make a big difference in how you feel.
The Birth Will Be Dangerous
Modern births are much safer than they were in the past, thanks to advanced technology and expert care. With that said, pregnant mothers still face risks. 40-60% of babies with oxygen deprivation can go on to develop severe neurological conditions. Bleeding at the placenta can also threaten the life of the mother.
It is critical to note that the risks of modern birth, though, are low. The vast majority of women and babies emerge from the process healthy. It is vital to recognize that the risks of something going wrong are small – perhaps less than one in five hundred.
My Stress Is Hurting My Baby
Being pregnant is a whirlwind. You’re busy, your hormones are going all over the place, and you suddenly have to reorganize your life for the arrival of an infant. Naturally, your stress levels rise.
Some women, however, can worry that their feelings of stress will affect their babies’ development. It is essential to recognize, though, that our bodies have evolved to deal with these feelings intermittently. Babies usually develop without any negative repercussions, even when you feel stressed a lot of the time.
My Labor Will Start Too Early
If you’re worried about labor starting too early, you can make some simple lifestyle changes to reduce the risk. Avoiding alcohol is one thing you can do. Another is stopping smoking. Finally, you can take a regular multivitamin supplement. Studies show that doing this can dramatically reduce the chances of premature birth, perhaps by 50 to 70 percent.
