Tackle Labor Anxieties

Tackle Labor Anxieties: How to cope with labor anxiety in pregnancy?

Nothing can quite prepare you for the rollercoaster ride of emotions that pregnancy brings. Anxiety in pregnancy is a given. From the day you find out that you are pregnant, the worries start plaguing you. ‘Will my baby be healthy?’ ‘Will I be a good mother?’ ‘How will I look after the baby and work?’ ‘How will I get through labor?’ ‘Suppose I need a cesarean?’…The list just goes on. To top it all off, you even worry about how your worrying will affect the baby! It’s an endless cycle for many.

During the early stages of pregnancy, your chief concerns may be largely about managing your morning sickness and making it through the day. Concerns about whether you are eating enough and getting enough nutrients can be put to rest by visiting your doctor. He will inform you about what you can and cannot eat and do. This will give you a better idea of things and help allay your fears. Share your worries and fears with your partner. Knowing that the both of you are in this together can go a long way towards reducing anxiety.

Possibly the biggest anxiety during pregnancy is with regards to coping with labor. By the time you reach your third trimester, part of you can't wait for the baby to be born while another part is fearful about the pain and potential complications that could occur. You may have already worked out a birth plan along with your partner, doctor, and medical staff, but be warned babies rarely follow plans. Aim to be flexible during labor and trust that your doctor knows what is best for you. This can lower stress levels considerably. The best advice regarding coping with anxiety during labor is to predict all your fears. Once you have listed all these out, prepare for them. Join a support group of mom’s-to-be to keep you company during your long labor or speak to your doctor about pain relief.

As the pregnancy progresses, fears about early pregnancy or pre-term labor tend to crop up. Faced with real-life horror stories about miscarriages and other complications, it is no surprise that women can't stop worrying. It is always important to educate yourself about the signs of premature labor as early detection can increase the baby’s chance of survival.

Don't let anxiety ruin the nine most miraculous months of your life! This is the time to enjoy and pamper yourself. Go for a pregnancy massage, a candlelight dinner with your partner, read a novel, chat with your gal pals, and just relax. Enjoy every moment of being pregnant!

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