Top Pregnancy Fears and How to Overcome Them

What are the main pregnancy fears?

1| Abortion

This is the most frightening thing for a pregnant mother: losing her fetus. However, statistics indicate that the rate of miscarriage does not exceed 10%, and most miscarriages occur in the early stages of pregnancy, often before a pregnancy test is performed and the pregnancy is confirmed. Medical studies show that the rate of miscarriage after the second month of pregnancy, i.e. after the first pregnancy follow-up visit and listening to the fetal heartbeat, decreases to 4%, and the rate continues to decrease as the weeks of pregnancy progress. Miscarriage can be avoided by stopping smoking of all kinds, not drinking alcohol, following a healthy lifestyle, and adhering to health guidelines during pregnancy.

2| Congenital malformations

Pregnant mothers are very concerned about the safety of their babies and often fear that their child will be born with birth defects, so they hold their breath at every visit to the doctor and every ultrasound examination during pregnancy. According to statistics, the percentage of fetuses born with congenital deformities is one in 33 newborns, or 3%. In other words, the probability that your child will be born healthy and well is more than 97%.You can do things to help your baby stay healthy, such as starting to follow up with your doctor after you get a positive pregnancy test result, taking folic acid daily according to the dose your doctor prescribes, and not smoking or drinking alcohol. Avoid infections during pregnancy, treat high fever immediately, follow up on any health problems, and adhere to the prescribed treatment.

3| Not losing the pregnancy weight

Some women worry about their appearance during pregnancy, especially about gaining weight and not being able to lose it after giving birth. Pregnancy causes major physical and psychological changes, the most important of which is weight gain and changes in body shape, but you should not worry, all of this is temporary. Do not be hard on yourself, your body is nourishing for your baby, so do not worry. Stick to eating healthy food and exercising as approved by your doctor.

4| Fear of childbirth

All pregnant women fear the experience of childbirth, especially in the first pregnancy, and this fear increases as the date of birth approaches. There is even a medical condition known as Tokophobia that affects about 6 to 10% of pregnant women, we have discussed this condition in detail in this article. Excessive anxiety about childbirth may lead some pregnant women to choose a cesarean section instead of a vaginal birth. In the second pregnancy, the fear is due to the first birth being difficult, or unexpected complications occurring. Even if the first birth was easy, some pregnant women still feel fear as the second birth approaches. Childbirth courses and seeking help from a pregnancy and childbirth educator are among the most effective ways to control this fear. It is also important to talk to your gynecologist about your anxiety about childbirth, learn about pain relief options, and follow tips to make childbirth easier.

5| Fear of motherhood

Will I be a good mother? This is the question that most new mothers have in mind. Sometimes a woman fears that she will not be able to take care of her baby properly, or that she will not love her baby enough. New mothers need to realize that their relationship with their baby will develop gradually, the path of motherhood is not easy, but with each step, she will love her child more, and this love will be the motivation to take care of him in the best way. These feelings are natural, and will most likely accompany the mother in all stages of the motherhood journey. The important thing is for the mother to get the correct information about caring for newborns and children from experts, and to surround herself with a strong support circle that supports and assists her in this roller coaster-like journey called motherhood.

To sum up,

Stress and anxiety during pregnancy are expected and normal, and mothers feel fears at all stages of the motherhood journey, from before pregnancy until after their children graduate from university. But it is important not to give in to fear to arm yourself with knowledge and sound information and to get support from family and friends.