Being pregnant and scared is normal – most expecting mothers have fears and doubts about this significant life change. Can I continue working out? Am I eating enough? Will stress affect my baby’s health? Above all, there is the fear of miscarriage. If these fears resonate with you and you are constantly plagued by negative, worrisome thoughts, this article is perfect for you. Below, we have compiled the ten most common things pregnant women worry about that are not a big deal.
Get ready to leave your thoughts of pregnancy complications behind. By the end of this article, you will feel more confident, stress-free, and ready to tackle the challenges of motherhood.
Keep on scrolling for the rest.
Pregnant and Scared (Top 10 Fears Ranked and Debunked)
Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful and life-altering times of a woman’s life. However, for some ladies, it can cause tremendous anxiety and fear. While it is normal to experience some degree of worry and anticipation during pregnancy, some soon-to-be mothers may deal with overwhelming fears that can have debilitating side effects. Often, a pregnancy concern can stem from the mother’s imagination, and it is not based on real-life facts.
That said, whether you are pregnant or scared, or worry-free, it is essential to consult a trained professional at a reliable clinic. If you are looking for the best healthcare providers in the area, check out the highest-rated Obstetrician at Palm Beach, FL.
To compile the list below, we have looked and asked around for the top pregnancy concern. Here are the results.
The Fear of a Miscarriage
Without a doubt, the number one pregnancy concern that women worry about is losing the baby before birth. The good news is that, on average, less than 20 percent of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. According to the experts, most women lose their babies within the initial few weeks of pregnancy.
That said, the fear of a miscarriage is real, and losing your baby is possible. That is why it is crucial to stay on track with your regular OB-GYN appointments. Also, choosing a reliable healthcare professional at a safe and clean clinic will make a massive difference in your pregnancy experience. Here is some more good news: After the doctor notices a heartbeat (typically around the six to eight-week mark), the miscarriage risk drops to approximately five percent. Do you still have a fear of miscarriage? If you are a smoker, make sure to cut out tobacco use. Moreover, stop drinking alcohol and consume less caffeine (around 200mg or less). Better yet, do not drink coffee or consume caffeine-rich foods during your pregnancy.
The Fear of Being a “Bad” Mother
Another common pregnancy concern is that you will not be an adequate mother for your future child. This fear may typically stem from previous experiences or childhood trauma. Maybe you are already a mother, and you made mistakes parenting your older children. Or perhaps you were raised in a toxic household, and your pregnancy concern is that you will be just like your parents or caretakers. The truth is that none of us are perfect, and there is no course on how to be the ideal mother. Just give your best and provide your child with love and support.
The Fear of Not Feeding the Baby Enough Due to Morning Sickness
You are experiencing frequent morning sickness, and now you are pregnant and scared. You may be asking yourself: “is my baby able to absorb the nutrients from the food?”. Worry not. According to the experts, babies do an excellent job at absorbing the nutrients from the foods you consume. That said, make sure to take prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor and consume smaller, more frequent meals.
The Fear of Pregnancy Complications like Preeclampsia
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, severe high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes cause tremendous fear for upcoming mothers. The truth is that the risk of developing complications such as preeclampsia is only around five to eight percent! If you are pregnant and worried, keep going to your prenatal checkups for regular health updates.
In the case of gestational diabetes, you will want to implement dietary changes such as limiting your starchy carbohydrate intake. Talk to your doctor for the details.
The Fear of Not Giving the Baby Proper Nutrition
One of the most common first trimester worries is that you are not consuming the “right foods” to ensure the proper growth of your baby. Although there are certain foods and drinks you should avoid or minimize during pregnancy, there is no reason to overthink your nutritional choices. Always make sure to talk to your doctor about your eating regime.
That said, some women may also have first trimester worries due to risks linked to consuming unpasteurized dairy or coloring hair with certain chemicals. Your healthcare provider will guide you on what is safe and unsafe for your pregnancy.
The Fear of Your Stress Harming the Baby
The fear of miscarriage, congenital disabilities, nutritional deficiencies, lousy sex – all of these worries can cause stress to your body. Besides that, strenuous exercise and everyday stressors such as slow traffic and missed deadlines at work can make you feel anxious, stressed out, and overwhelmed.
Look on the bright side. According to most findings, intermittent stress or stress your body gets used to has minimal impact on your unborn child. On the other hand, severe or acute stress may increase the risk of premature birth. Overall, if you tend to get very stressed, find ways to relax. For instance, go to sleep early, talk to a friend, or go for a light walk.
The Fear of Bad Sex
As your body is slowly changing, you may also experience first trimester worries related to sex. You may start feeling nauseous, bloated, and constipated, all of which can wreak havoc on your self-esteem and performance in bed. Talk to your partner about your concerns and be transparent about your feelings. That said, sex during pregnancy can be one of the most amazing things you can experience. The sexual activity will not affect the baby as long as you are not dealing with complications such as placenta issues.
The Fear of Birth Defects
There is always a risk of pregnancy complications, such as congenital disabilities. However, the risk of your unborn child having disabilities is a mere four percent! This number includes severe and minor defects such as toenail problems.
Make sure to visit your doctor regularly. A screening test can help detect any pregnancy complications.
Your healthcare provider will recommend taking a prenatal supplement with folic acid before getting pregnant.
The Fear of Premature Labor
Unfortunately, more and more women are giving birth prematurely. On the positive side, over 70 percent of premature births happen between weeks 34 and 36 – the risk of developmental issues and other complications is much lower at this time.
Also, there are ways to reduce premature births. For example, quit smoking and alcohol use, go to your prenatal checkups, and consume prenatal supplements daily.
The Fear of Painful Labor
Some women will describe going into labor as the most challenging thing a mother will do, while others claim it is a “piece of cake.” Firstly, realize that countless women have given birth before you, and it is a natural thing. Thanks to modern technology, there are ways to alleviate pain and make labor less complicated. Consult your doctor on pain management methods, go to childbirth classes, and talk to your friends who have given birth before.
Are You Ready to Become the Most Confident Mom Ever?
Motherhood can be a scary and overwhelming transition period for every woman. We are here to help you. Book an appointment with us today to receive professional help.