Navigating Your Pregnancy

“Pregnancy can be an anxiety-producing enterprise, especially in our culture, where you can’t take a step without tripping over an alarmist study or warning,” says Rebecca Odes, co-author of From The Hips. “So allow yourself moments of feeling concerned or worried, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. Try to address the concerns by talking to people and educating yourself rather than obsessing about things without being accurately informed.”

Pregnancy is likely to bring up worries other than the health of your baby, including how your relationship with your partner or spouse might change, whether or not you’ll be a good mother and how your life might change once the baby is born. Instead of keeping these thoughts to yourself, talk with a trusted friend or counselor, write in a journal, draw, paint—anything that might help you work through these worries and anxieties, so they don’t get the best of you.

And let’s not forget the influence your partner has on your concerns. What if he’s just not happy about this pregnancy—or doesn’t seem to get excited about the preparations? “[Your partner] will not understand all that you experience,” says Leslie Fields, author of Surprise Child: Finding Hope In Unexpected Pregnancy. “Prepare to share as much as he is willing to hear, but don’t be hurt when he is clueless, oblivious, or uninterested.” Fields recommends seeking out another pregnant friend to share your exciting journey with if you aren’t getting the positive feedback you need from your partner.