Is it normal to have some anxiety about labor and death? Recently, I have had to sign forms for my benefits and life insurance at work. It has put a bit of a "morbid" cloud over my head. I am overall excited about the labor and look forward to it. I do a lot of art therapy, I talk with a doula next week, and my labor classes start next month. I am hoping all of this will help ease the anxiety that I am feeling. Any advice is welcomed!
It is so normal to be scared, but it is never as bad as people have probably told you. I am pregnant with my 3rd and I still freak out a little-mostly about recovery more that actual delivery. You will be fine and this is such a normal part of a woman's life. You'll do great! Good Luck!
Hi E.,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I think it is extremely normal to have fears like that; especially with all kinds of harrowing birth stories that we pregnant ladies tend to hear. ;) I would recommend "Birthing from Within" by Pam England. It includes art therapy/exploration exercises and techniques for embracing the birth experience instead of fearing it. I also think a doula would be a huge help in working through the fear (and when the time comes, the pain) with you. Knowledge is power; knowing why your body is doing what it's doing during labor/birth will help ease your mind. The childbirth classes will be very helpful in that respect. Best wishes to you!
I think it is very normal. I was scared really bad with both my kids, and expecially after my first i was terrified that i wasnt a good enough mom for him (long story of him crying all the time and couldnt figure out why till they found out he had kidney problems, and he also had colic really bad). But, in the end i was and still am a good mommy for my kiddos, they hate to be away from me (by the way does anyone know what to do about that?? LOL), well i think im getting off the subject i think it is normal try not to worry so much it sounds like you will be an excellent mom, try to enjoy pregnancy and when the baby comes, and dont forget we all make mistakes with them from time to time, but its ok, they will survive and make it through it and more than likely not even remember it, i think im off agian so i will go, i hope my rambeling helps and congrats on the baby!!!
What you are feeling is perfectly normal. I think we are all anxious about it. Then, just like some of the others have told you, once the labor is all over with, you will be anxious about everything about the baby. And yes, you will sneak over to the crib and make sure that he/she is still breathing. (Tip: If you *gently* push their lower lip down, they will make a face and you will know all is well - that works great when you are driving down the road and can't focus on their breathing.) My children are 10 and 2 and I still check on them to make sure they are covered and breathing and all is well throughout the night. Not so much with the 10 year old anymore (except when he is sick which is often and has been his whole life - poor thing). You will find also that before long you will be a poop expert (it really does clue you in to what is going on - that's why your baby's doctor will ask you about it so often). Don't fret. You are a perfectly normal pregnant mom-to-be. Enjoy!
I think it's completely normal to be worried, especially when it's your first child. When I was pregnant, it seemed like every day I was worried about something new.... I went into labor and after *24 hours* of hard-core back labor, I had my baby girl, nothing bad happened, and it was AMAZING! Having a doula is great, as well as your labor classes. Good luck, and congratulations!
E. it's normal and then sadly it's normal after the birth to worry about the baby ALL the time. I always tell my teenagers that if they knew how much time they'd spend freaking out over babies, that no one... NO ONE would ever have sex for fun.
I'm not sure if that'll keep them from sex till they get married but I'm hoping it'll help!
I HIGHLY recommend the book "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way". It is great in describing what happens and what to expect. I recommend it even if you are planning on an epidural; I did not have medication and felt VERY prepared. (I also took a Bradley Class, but feel this book was SUPER helpful).
Hormones do crazy things to us and I would bet that is why you are having these thoughts. I had a fear of death and injury to me or the baby after I had my first. I am not sure if I did during the pregnancy, but do know it was weird how intense some of the feelings were.
Just a side note, I also taught special ed before my babies were born---loved it. Congrats on the upcoming addition. Pray for a safe pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Phillipians 4:4 comes to mind..." Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:4-7
He will be here before you know it.
I think what you're feeling is what most women go through. I know I did! And after the baby is born, you will worry all the time! The first few weeks I couldn't imagine ever going back to work or leaving my child for any amount of time! But, I got over that and did end up returning to work and am very happy about it. Anyway - don't fret over whether or not your feelings are normal. You will adjust and the overpowering feeling of love will take over! Good luck!
It's all normal!!! I had horrible anxiety during my pregnancies.. and once it's all over you'll be anxious about whats next.. so just breath in and breath out.. one day at a time one foot in front of the other!!! My third pregnancy went incredibly smooth compared to my first two, so don't worry about what may happen... Trust me you will definitely want to enjoy being pregnant!! Its a beautiful time!!! Congratulations!
