Dealing with Anxiety During Pregnancy
Many women deal with anxiety during pregnancy, especially if they are first-time moms. Everything is new and tons of things come up that may cause worry and stress. Plus, you have everyone wanting to give you advice and you are never really sure who to listen to. So here are some tips for dealing with anxiety during pregnancy:
Your doctors will tell you a lot of things, and it is okay not to agree with them on everything. Be prepared during your appointments to ask a lot of questions so you can feel comfortable with any decisions you make. Although they do this everyday, you know your body and your baby best and this is your experience. If you want to skip a test, do an extra test (or ultrasound), birth a specific way, etc., make sure that you find a provider that will allow you to carry out your wishes. A huge reason for postpartum depression is trauma from their pregnancy and/or birthing experience, so do what you can to make sure that it goes your way, not your doctors way. Do, however, hear them out and listen to their opinion. Things do not always go according to plan and you need to be able to bend to your wants, without sacrificing absolutely everything.
In addition to your doctor, everyone else you know will also have opinions on pregnancy and child rearing. Be prepared to listen to a lot of advice but don’t feel like you have to even respond to everyone. Everyone’s pregnancy is a little different and you have to do what feels best for you and your baby.
Be sure to find ways to simplify your life and create calm whenever you can. This may mean cutting back on activities, hiring a housekeeper, or whatever you need to do to simplify your life a little during your pregnancy. This is so important because it’s a great way to lower your stress levels and anxiety during pregnancy. Keep in mind: when you are stressed, your baby feels that, so it is extremely important to make sure that you are trying to create that sense of calm whenever you can.
There are many books available on pregnancy and child rearing, but pick your books carefully. There are some that are better to read than others when trying to create a happy and calm environment for yourself. If you are worried about childbirth, I’ve heard that these are great books: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Birth Without Fear: The Judgement-Free Guide To Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, and Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond. Do know that your birth experience is all mental and that comes from within you. No book will be able to tell you how your pregnancy and birth experience are going to go, so find the peace and calm within yourself whenever possible, as well.
If you don’t like something that is happening, be sure to speak up. Your husband won’t know that something he does is bothering you unless you tell him. Or just talk to him about fears you are having and you may find he is feeling the same way.
If your stress and anxiety is getting out of control during your pregnancy, please take the time to get help, especially since anxiety and depression are very common in postpartum, as well, and that can be detrimental to your motherhood experience. Anxiety is so common during pregnancy and motherhood, so do not be afraid to talk with a counselor, such as the ones at Ray of Hope Counseling Services. They offer therapy Athens, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Marietta, Lawrenceville, Canton, and more. Plus, they also offer online therapy, which is extremely beneficial for busy moms-to-be. You already have to go in-person for all of your OB appointments, which takes up so much time. Why not simplify your life and use online counseling to help your anxiety during pregnancy? Ray of Hope Counseling Services can be your safe space for that, in order to get through this huge life change. They are committed to helping you feel better and are ready to get started with you today!
Be sure to actually enjoy your pregnancy. Take time to really take in everything that is happening to you. But also take some time for yourself. Take more naps. Chill out in front of the TV every once in a while. And just find time to relax.
