Pregnancy is a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of anxiety and fear. You might be thinking that being pregnant is all about the excitement you have because of a new member of your family coming. Unfortunately, no. It is not ALL about excitement alone. Along with that “excitement,” there is also fear and anxiety that tag along with it. The worst part is that these fears can manifest through physical symptoms and disrupt a personal sense of peace. 

Maybe you’re thinking, “But, what can we do about these fears?”. To answer that, we believe that the more you are knowledgeable about your fears, the less you’ll feel anxious about them. This is because, in this way, you’ll be able to know how to manage them and what to expect from them. This is why we gathered the 5 common fears that cause anxiety for pregnant women. 

 

 

5 Common Fears During Pregnancy

 

1. The fear of miscarrying or having a baby with a congenital malformation (abnormality):

The thought of your precious one being gone or going through hardships throughout their life really hurts. This is a very real fear for many pregnant women, especially since, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 10 to 20% of all known pregnancies result in miscarriage. While most birth malformations can be detected before birth, some are not discovered until after the baby is born. 

2. The fear of labor and delivery.

For many women, the thought of labor and delivery is terrifying. The pain, the blood, the unknown — it can all be overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that millions of women have gone through labor and delivery, and they have all survived.

3. The fear of not being a good mother:

This is a common fear for first-time mothers, but it can also affect women who have already had children. The worry that you’re not doing everything right or that you’re not good enough can be overwhelming. But remember, there is no such thing as a perfect mother. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay.

4. The fear of financial insecurity:

For many families, the cost of having a baby is a very real concern. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is over $230,000. And that doesn’t even include the cost of college. If you’re worried about how you’re going to afford a baby, talk to your doctor or a financial planner. They can help you create a budget and find ways to save money.

5. The fear of being alone:

For some women, the thought of being a single mother can be horrifying. If you’re in a relationship, you might be worried about your partner leaving you or not being supportive. If you’re not in a relationship, you might be worried about raising a child on your own. But there are many resources available to single mothers, and you’ll be surprised at how much support you receive from family and friends.

These are just some of the common fears you’ll encounter during your pregnancy. It will never be easy because nothing in this life is easy. Just remember that pregnancy is a special time because you are carrying a new life inside you. The physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy are amazing and beautiful. In times of fear, always remind yourself of the beauty of pregnancy; it is a time of hope and new beginnings.

 

 

How to Get Over Pregnancy Fears?

There are a few things that you can do to help get over your fears during pregnancy. 

1. Educate yourself:

It is important to educate yourself about pregnancy and childbirth. This can help to ease your fears as you will better understand what is happening to your body and your baby. You can read books, talk to your doctor or midwife, or even take a childbirth class.

2. Talk to those who will support and understand you:

It is also important to talk about your fears with someone who can understand and support you. This could be your partner, a friend, or a professional counselor. Talking about your fears can help you to feel less alone and can also help you to develop a plan to deal with them.

3. Remember that you are not alone:

It is important to remember that you are not alone in your fears. Many women feel the same way you do. You can find support from other women who are pregnant or who have already had children. There are also many resources available to help you deal with your fears.

 

If you’re feeling afraid or overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. We can help you manage your anxiety and get through this exciting time. Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, LLC is a diverse therapy clinic that can meet the needs of anyone. If you’d like to talk about your mental health, feel free to message us here. In case of emergency or thoughts of suicide, please click on this link: https://www.sprc.org/states/georgia

References:

Common fears and anxiety during pregnancy. Naître et grandir. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/pregnancy/health-well-being/anxiety-pregnancy/

Melender, H.L. (2002, June). Experiences of fears associated with pregnancy and childbirth: A study of 329 pregnant women. Birth (Berkeley, Calif.). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12051188/

Rosario, M. K., Premji, S. S., Nyanza, E. C., Bouchal, S. R., & Este, D. (2017, August 1). A qualitative study of pregnancy-related anxiety among women in Tanzania. BMJ Open. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/8/e016072