Fear Factor: Coping with the Worries of Pregnancy

By William Camann, M.D., and Kathryn Alexander, M.A.

For most people, stress is just a part of everyday modern life, but pregnant women often experience stress that is specifically associated with their pregnancy, on top of all of the other day-to-day stressors. Although pregnancy-related stress is very common, and very normal, it is understandably troubling to women, most of whom are striving to have a positive pregnancy and childbirth experience.

If you find yourself worrying about pregnancy, childbirth or impending parenthood, you may find it helpful to see how common these fears are and learn some ways to manage your fear and stress levels in anticipation of giving birth.

Managing Your Fears

If you are worried about labor pain: Prepare yourself by reading books on childbirth (since you are reading this now, you’ve already begun to use your coping skills). Investigate the childbirth preparation courses at your hospital or birth center. Talk about your concerns with your childbirth educator, your caregivers, your partner and other supportive people in your life. Let others reassure you. Learn and practice relaxation techniques most suitable to you. They will help with your anxiety and can benefit you during labor. (See Know Your Options When It Comes to Labor Pain Medication)

If you are concerned about whether you will actually be able to “do it”: Since most births in the United States occur in a hospital setting, most women have never seen or been a part of another woman’s childbirth experience, and as a result many women have a hard time picturing how they will be able to meet this challenge. Childbirth does not require previous experience. The fact that you have not given birth before does not mean you will not know how to. If you are a first-time mom you may need reassurance that your body is designed to facilitate moving the baby from the comfort of your womb to the outside world.

If you are worried that there may be “something wrong” with your baby: Most babies are born without complications. Many women have had a variety of tests during their pregnancy that have already ruled out a number of significant complications. It may allay your fears to remember that you are giving birth in a setting where you are surrounded by professionals who are ready to handle any unforeseen complication.

If you worry about modesty or the possible loss of dignity: Most people don’t relish the idea of being completely exposed to a roomful of strangers, even if it is for the purpose of delivering a baby. Many women are concerned that their privacy or sense of modesty will not be respected, or that during the strain of labor they may be unable to “control” themselves and may behave in a way they would not under ordinary circumstances. It may be hard to believe right now, but as labor gets under way, you may find that you worry a lot less over issues of modesty, and your very desire to stay “in control” may change significantly as you adjust to the physical demands of labor and delivery. Ask your caregivers about this. They will most likely tell you they have seen and heard it all while supporting women during childbirth.  (See 10 Things Every Mom-to-Be Should Know)

This is not to minimize the importance of having your privacy respected or of needing a sense of control over your own childbirth process, but if you are giving birth in an environment where the labor professionals are attentive to the needs and concerns of birthing mothers, these worries will likely subside once you begin labor.