5 Common Pregnancy Fears & Why You Shouldn’t Worry

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Ameena Aliyu-Beighton

Even though pregnancy is an amazingly exciting time for the majority of women, until you finally hold your baby in your arms and count 10 fingers and 10 toes, it’s anxiousville for most.

Here are a few common sources of anxiety and why there’s no cause for worry:

1. I May Lose My Precious Cargo

This is probably the most persistent fear during pregnancy. Miscarriage can happen at any point during your pregnancy but is by a wide margin less likely to happen after the first three months. A lot of miscarriages happen even before women realize they are pregnant. This is known as a chemical pregnancy.

The chances of having a miscarriage shrink from a whopping 15 – 25 percent in the first trimester, to 1 percent after this period. Of course, age is a factor. Women below 34 are less likely to lose their babies in the first trimester. If you’re over 34, your doctor will schedule more monitoring to spot any signs of distress.

Experts say consistent intake of folic acid and vitamins, staying off the booze, caffeine and smoking minimizes the chances of a miscarriage.

2. Can’t Keep Anything Down! Is My Baby Getting Enough?

Do you feel so sick that you rush straight to the bathroom every time you take even a bite of the blandest thing you could find? Not to worry, your baby is getting everything she needs from your stores and whatever you do manage to keep down. If you experience extreme nausea, however, do talk to your doctor.

Note that vitamins can sometimes add to feelings of nausea. Ask your doctor if you can take your vitamins at bedtime. This should help you give your baby those vital nutrients without suffering too much for it.

3. Will It Be A One-Eye Monster?

I don’t know about you, but I spent countless hours scouring the internet for causes of birth defects and the resulting consequences, having being hunted by old wives tales of the Cyclops kid. In reality, birth defects happen in about 3 percent of all births, usually spurn from a glitch in the matrix. Alcohol, tobacco and other sorts of intoxicants have been linked to defects such as deafness and cleft palate. Majority, however, have unknown causes. Other birth defects such as heart conditions can be minor and treatable.

Modern technology has given obstetrics the power to see quite clearly the condition of your baby and prepare for any emergencies. The best you can do is to keep up the vitamin intake and be as healthy as you can be.

4. Bumping the bump

Adapting to your new waddle or shuffle will definitely take some getting used to but in case of a fall, be rest assured that your baby is protected in your uterus which is a very strong muscle, surrounded by your abdominal muscles. Your baby is also nestled within the amniotic sack filled with fluid that also provides extra cushioning. Your pubic bone also acts as a safety net.

However, do see your doctor in the event of a fall or bump and get yourself hooked up onto a monitor just to be on the safe side and put your mind at ease.

To reduce your chances of a fall, try to watch your footing as you come down the stairs or walk on uneven surfaces. This can be tricky with a large bump obstructing your view. Also, try to lay off the stilettos. A fashion fabulous pregnancy is always desirable but safety should be your first concern. Low wedges or kitten heels are an acceptable alternative for any fashionista mama-to-be.

5. I Can’t Take Care of Myself, Let alone a Helpless Child

A significant number of us will go through pre and post natal depression. Depression whilst pregnant can bring on a lot of fears including not being able to take care of child once it’s born. This can stem from your own upbringing and hormonal changes. It is very important to talk to people around you to alleviate these fears. Just hearing that you will have all the support you need is enough to put you in a better mood.