There’s nothing like a positive pregnancy test to send your mind into worry mode, especially if you are at all prone to anxiety. Of course you are excited, but you are nervous, too. After all, you can’t see what is going on in there and you won’t be able to feel the baby moving until about halfway through the pregnancy.
The good news is that often, pregnancies go well. Even better, there are many things that you can stop worrying about or at least worry less. One way to do this is to think about any information that you receive in a positive manner. For example, if you read a statistic that says that three percent of babies born in the United States are born with a major birth defect, take a deep breath, and remember that that means that ninety seven percent of babies born in the United States arrive without any major birth defect.
You may also hear news stories or read articles that get you into panic mode. In this situation, knowledge can provide powerful relief. Do a little research on whatever it is that is troubling you. You may find that there is more than one side to the story, or that there is a risk but there are plenty of ways to prevent it. You can also consult with your prenatal care provider about whether he or she thinks that the concerning information has any merit or is at all relevant to your pregnancy.
Since we are on the topic of worry, here, do know that stress and worry plague even the most previously mellow mamas to be. It is completely normal to feel more stressed than you did before you were pregnant. That said, if you feel drastically different and you think that you may be experiencing major stress or depression, please let your prenatal care provider know about it right away. He or she can help you to find the right tools and methods to care for yourself so that you can start feeling better.
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