Pregnancy is a special and unique phase in a woman’s life. However, it comes with a multitude of emotions. These include anxiety and occasional fears. These experiences are natural as the body undergoes various physical and emotional changes. It is essential to understand and manage these feelings to maintain wellbeing during this pivotal transition.

Understanding Pregnancy Anxiety

Everyday life factors can significantly contribute to anxiety during pregnancy. It is perfectly normal to experience new worries during this time of change. Concerns may include body image issues, hormonal imbalances, altered tastes, and fluctuating energy levels. Recognizing that each pregnancy is distinct and affects women differently is crucial to managing symptoms effectively.

Common Sources of Anxiety During Pregnancy

• The health of the unborn child
• The physical ability to carry and deliver the baby
• Genetic factors and hereditary predispositions
• Financial stability to provide for the child’s needs

It is vital to acknowledge that these fears are often a manifestation of the subconscious. They are intensified by the hormonal changes occurring in the body, impacting sleep, appetite, and overall wellbeing. Recognizing and addressing these fears through effective counselling and talking therapy can mitigate their impact.

You need to understand that anxiety while carrying a child is quite common. However, you must notice in time the negative impact of fears on the life of a pregnant woman. Often, over-anxiety is a factor in high blood pressure and unexpected bleeding. In the most severe cases, it can cause abortion or missed pregnancy.

It can be really difficult to cope with overwhelming emotions if pregnancy followed after miscarriages, infant loss or still birth. People believe that a “new” pregnancy will heal the loss. This is a false statement. It makes a pregnant (again) woman feel anxious to share her emotions.

Being pregnant after a loss is genuinely heroic. Losing a child will rock a mama to the core. She must work through the grief and then become pregnant again. 

I invite my clients to create space for GRIEF. Grief is messy, unpredictable, raw and uniquely expressed. I frame grief as a process with varying moments of intensity. These moments pop up in unexpected ways. There might be unexpected tears when walking by a baby. You might try to hide physical changes. This way, you can keep the secret of being pregnant just a little longer. You might feel preoccupied with thoughts of something going wrong with this pregnancy. You might avoid friends who have children or even avoid conversations about babies.

If you experience grief that catches you off guard when you’re pregnant, this is entirely normal. Be gentle with yourself and let go of any judgment. Grieving the baby you lost and feeling excited about the new pregnancy might be confusing but understandable. 

Allow yourself to experience the roller coaster of emotions you may have. Do not judge yourself. Do not think it should be a certain way. Instead, accept what you are feeling and move through the grief as it happens.

When worry gets in the way of everyday activities, it’s time to seek professional support. If it prevents you from sleeping, eating, or taking care of your family, you should consider getting help. This also applies if worry affects your ability to function at work.

Reach out to supportive friends and share your fears with close family. Find a suitable therapy support group and engage in talking therapy. Allow yourself to talk about your feelings. Understand your grief as you move towards the joy and excitement of new pregnancy.

You are not alone in what you are going through and you will get through this. 

Remember, Rainbow babies are unique and teach us lessons we never knew we needed to learn.

Managing Anxiety and Promoting Wellbeing

Understanding the usual nature of anxiety during pregnancy is essential. However, it is equally important to identify when anxiety begins to negatively affect the pregnant woman’s life. Excessive anxiety can cause complications like high blood pressure. It may also cause unexpected bleeding. In severe instances, it increases the risk of pregnancy loss.

At MeaningfulLife Counselling, we offer personalized online therapy, psychotherapy, and counselling services tailored to each client’s unique needs. We encourage diversity. We acknowledge the cultural factors influencing one’s experience. Our aim is to support our clients in navigating life challenges such as pregnancy-related anxiety and depression.