Pregnancy fears are a common but not often talked about part of pregnancy. If you weren’t planning to become pregnant, it’s even more likely that you will experience worries and anxiety.
We’ll explain some of the common fears that pregnant women share and give you tips for overcoming these pregnancy worries.
Are pregnancy fears normal?
If you are feeling overwhelmed by this curveball, you aren’t alone. Pregnancy fears are very normal. In fact, every woman who becomes pregnant will experience some kind of pregnancy-related worry. Some fears are specific to you and your circumstances, but others are universal.
Common pregnancy anxieties include:
- I don’t make enough money to take care of a child.
- Will I be a good mom?
- I don’t think I can handle pregnancy and delivery.
- Is my stress hurting the baby?
- What if I have a miscarriage?
- Will my partner leave me if I tell him I’m pregnant?
- How will I finish school?
These fears are valid. Your pregnancy is a big deal, and choosing what to do next is a major decision. But just because your feelings are valid doesn’t mean they’re true. To see your situation with clarity, you first need to address the anxieties that are making this pregnancy feel impossible.
How can I process anxiety about my pregnancy?
1. Research the facts
Fear of the unknown drives many of the worries you might feel about your pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, you may be anxious about the physical changes pregnancy will bring. Or perhaps you are already struggling with finances, housing, or education, and you can’t imagine adding a pregnancy to the chaos. Maybe you’ve only heard negative things about motherhood, and you aren’t sure it’s something you want.
No matter your circumstances, research is one of the best ways to calm your fears and discover your options. If you’re worried about finances, search for organizations that can help with housing, finding a job, and paying your bills. Visiting a pregnancy clinic or your OB-GYN is a great way to get the facts about your pregnancy and health.
2. Determine what is in your control
In life, there will always be things that are out of your control. You can’t change these things, but you can make other adjustments that can help. First, however, you have to identify what is in your control.
Start by writing down the stresses you’re facing. These could include unemployment, housing, a poor relationship with your partner, fatigue, school, and any other difficulties. And be specific. Identify the exact problem that is creating anxiety.
Next, go through the list and circle the stressors you can change. You could address fatigue by getting more sleep and eating healthier, for instance. School stress could be solved by finding a tutor, asking a teacher for help, or taking fewer classes. Focus on the small ways you can solve these issues, rather than agonizing over the big things you can’t change.
Though you can’t always eliminate stress, you can control how you deal with and react to it. You are not helpless. Remember that you are stronger, braver, and capable of so much more than you think.
3. Practice mindfulness
When you are facing a big, scary change like an unexpected pregnancy, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the negatives. But spending all your time worrying and stressing will only make the situation worse.
Practicing mindfulness involves several techniques that can help you calm your fears and change your perspective. These include:
- Meditation to help you release physical tension and settle your mind
- Breathing techniques that prevent and address physical symptoms of anxiety
- Light exercise, preferably outside in the fresh air and sunlight
- Increasing awareness of your surroundings and experiences
- Focusing on the here and now rather than worrying about the future
Overwhelming situations often make your fears and emotions feel bigger than they are. Mindfulness exercises help calm your mind, giving you the space you need to consider your situation and options with clarity.
Explore your fears and options at Thrive Orlando
Information about your unexpected pregnancy is the best place to start. At Thrive Orlando, you can confirm your pregnancy, learn how far along you are, and explore all of your options. Our nurses and patient advocates are also ready to answer your questions, ensuring you feel confident about the choice you make.
Don’t make a decision based on fear. Find hope and help for your pregnancy here.