Emotional Concerns in Early Pregnancy

From WikiParenting

Pregnancy brings with it not only physical changes, but emotional changes as well. You may outwardly thoroughly enjoy your pregnancy, but entertain darker thoughts when you are overtired or stressed out. Some common emotional concerns in early pregnancy are:

[edit] Relationships concerns

You may wonder if your relationship is strong enough to weather the pregnancy, or if he will still love you after the baby is born. If you had a solid, fulfilling relationship before the pregnancy, there is no reason that you cannot have the same solid relationship after the baby is born. The dynamic of the relationship will have changed because it is now a triad, but do not assume that the baby will somehow make him not love you anymore. He may have his own fears that you will not love him anymore, because you will be spending so much of your time focused on the new baby. Keep lines of communication open with your partner, and work out your fears together.

[edit] Body image distortion

Some women enjoy the thought of becoming a mother, but wish their body did not have to undergo the process. The pregnant form is beautiful; never feel that you are less attractive because you are now pregnant. Take care of yourself during pregnancy so that you will be healthy and be able to regain your pre pregnancy shape (or close to it) after the baby is born. Eating for two is a myth, you only need about 300 extra calories a day for women that are pregnant with one child. And wear your mother’s body with pride! Any flaws in your outward appearance only enhance your inner character.

[edit] Apprehension about childbirth

You may be planning on natural childbirth, but are afraid that you will not be able to stand the pain. The birthing process is not a competition; do not feel that you “lose” if you accept pain relief during labor.

[edit] Shock that you are pregnant

Even if you have been trying to conceive and intended on getting pregnant, you may realize at this point that there is no turning back. Let the permanence soak in and make plans for your family, at the end of the journey you will have a baby to love unconditionally.

[edit] Concern with your abilities

If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel that you have no maternal instincts. Rest assured that mothering is mainly a learned activity. Your child will turn you into a parenting expert in no time. Invest in a good parenting book and study during your pregnancy if you are particularly concerned. The knowledge you gain will ease your fears and instill confidence in your abilities.

[edit] Private is public

Some women have concerns with such a private event being so publicly obvious. The results of you and your partners intimate moments can now be seen by everyone. And there are the frequent doctors examinations, and plenty of unsolicited advice. People you barely know now feel comfortable enough to rub your stomach and tell you horrible stories about their own pregnancy and childbirth. Take it all in with a grain of salt, they (hopefully) mean well. Only you can make decisions about how you will labor and raise your child. Do not feel pressured from outside sources.

Emotional changes that you experience are partly due to your changing hormones and partly from the realization that having a baby changes everything. But change is not necessarily bad. Learn all you can about pregnancy and childbirth so that you can make informed decisions.

[edit] Are you newly pregnant?

Read more of our informative articles:

[edit] Safety Information

• Things to Avoid When Pregnant
• Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy
• Caffeine during Pregnancy
• Loud Music during Pregnancy

[edit] Common Concerns

• Sex during Pregnancy
• Calculate your due date
• When will you show?
• Weight Gain during Pregnancy
• Sleep during pregnancy
• Breast Changes
• Exercise during Pregnancy

[edit] Baby Names

Have you picked out a name yet? Get tips and advice here:

• Baby Names

[edit] Boy or Girl?

• Fun Ways to Predict the Sex of your Baby