From the moment you receive a positive pregnancy test until the moment your baby is safely delivered, it's only natural that you worry about your baby's health and wellness. Pregnancy is packed with variables, health concerns and other issues that could jeopardize you and your baby's health. Separating the realistic fears from more irrational issues and learning to cope with your various fears and anxieties help to create a happier, healthier nine months for you and baby.
The Maternal Instinct
A strong maternal instinct becomes activated when you become pregnant. Suddenly, you're no longer just accountable for you actions and safety, but also the health and well-being of another human being. That pressure and desire to protect your unborn offspring often makes you feel anxious about your baby's health, your actions and your baby's development. Your fear and anxiety are born of a deep and abiding desire to protect your child to ensure that he's born healthy.
Fear of the Unknown
While pregnancy books, checkups, magazines and articles give you a better idea of your baby's development, pregnancy often creates a fear of the unknown. Since you cannot listen to your baby's heartbeat or monitor her movements all day every day, it's normal to worry about her welfare between appointments. You can't see your baby physically develop day by day, so you'll need to trust in your OB and your healthy habits during pregnancy to help ensure that she develops properly.
Possible Complication
Pregnancy often is a joyous and fulfilling time in women's lives, but some women experience complications that put the pregnancy in danger. Preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, growth restriction and any number of other complications are cause for extra medical care and stress. It's important to get the facts and get your stress under control though, since excess stress leads to higher blood pressure and subsequent preterm labor and delivery, BabyCenter points out.
How to Cope
Getting the appropriate amount of medical care during your pregnancy helps to quell your fears and anxiety. Working with a competent doctor helps you get the facts about what you should and shouldn't worry about during your pregnancy. While you cannot control certain complications, it's possible to ward off excess weight gain, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, all of which contribute to certain health issues. By taking care of yourself, it's easier to relax and know you're doing your best to support your baby's growth. if possible, spend time with your partner or other moms to vent your fears and relieve some of the pressure you feel during pregnancy.
