Thursday, February 28, 2013

Pregnancy Anxiety

Those who know me really well know that I am a worrier at heart. Can't help it, that's just the way I'm made. I think I have been fairly good over the course of 9 months managing my fears and concerns. The last few weeks, and anticipating the next several to come have me in all sorts of an anxious state. We have been taking our weekly childbirth classes, which I am not sure have helped me or scared the crap out of me. Last night's topic was unexpected outcomes and ppd. Really fun things to get your mind turning right before bed time. I feel bad that I shouldn't have these anxious feelings and that I should be only focusing on the good things to come, but sometimes that is hard to pull off. 

When you were pregnant did you have a million fears and what if's? Or if you are pregnant now, can you relate? Or am I the only crazy one worried about each and every thing? I have been trying to keep myself occupied with nursery decor and washing baby clothes, but those thoughts still creep in my head.


I read a daily devotional, Jesus Calling, that sometimes speaks to me on a wild level. It is my second year reading it and I highly recommend to everyone. This was yesterday's reading:


I actually read it this morning after falling asleep from exhaustion last night. It was the perfect way to start my day with a sense of being refreshed and putting my head in the right place.

All I know is that in three {four weeks max, come on Weeks!!} I will have the most amazing little baby to hold in my arms and that makes all this worrying and nonsense worth it. I am officially "full term" today and I wouldn't dislike it if he was ready to come in the next hour! 
Yes, I am one of those Moms- ready now.

Thanks for letting me vent! Feel free to comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
xo.

18 comments:

Sara Cate said...

I'm 33 weeks, and I am a planner. I always want everything in order. You're not alone! I too feel anxious about things like what's it going to be like, am I really going to know what to do. I lean on my hubs for support and turn to Him, as they both know me best. I'm then reassured that we are ready for this blessing.

Katie said...

I was a mess the last few weeks of my pregnancy. It is a very stressful time, not only are you worrying about prepping and preparing for your little one's arrival but most of the time you feel awful. I also really leaned on my husband for support. He kind of took the lead cooking and cleaning the last week I was pregnant, which was a huge help. I also got a pedicure almost every other day ( I was almost two weeks late...) which was my lifesaver and super relaxing. But my biggest advice is just to know your fears are totally normal, and the scariest thing is the unknown. Before you know it your little boy will be in your arms and pregnancy will just be a happy memory! Hang in there!

Kelly C said...

I'm doing the same devtional! I was reading that yesterday, as I prepared for an exam I had this morning and was in a complete anxious fit over. So reassuring and calming!

Unknown said...

one of my favorite devotionals!

you're so close to meeting Weeks! :)

Natasha said...

i think those last few weeks are the worst when it comes to anxiety...hormones, emotions, and you're just too excited for what's to come, but nervousness sets in too.

it's TOTALLY normal and you'll be OK! those classes are helpful, but scary i agree. just make sure to rest up, relax, spend time with the hubs, and savor every moment you have until your sweet baby boy comes because then the circus will come to town and never leave :)

Amber said...

I think it is totally normal to be anxious. When the moment comes, you are so focused on your baby all of it goes out the window. I read the same devotional, and I feel like it speaks to me every time I read it. Good luck and try to relax.

Laurie @ Stylin Savanna said...

I think about what could go wrong every day, Will she be healthy? Have I done everything I could to deliver a healthy baby? Will I even be able to deliver a healthy baby?! God has blessed me once. Will I not be so lucky this time? I think we all have fears and things we're scared of. If we didn't it wouldn't be natural. I'm praying for a happy healthy baby and easy delivery for you. and I hope you find SOME comfort at least in knowing you aren't the one that feels like way. xo

Holly said...

I promise, promise, promise that I worried every bit as much as you...and probably more! While there *could* be negative issues/situations, it's highly unlikely...and once you see your precious son...wow. Words can't describe. It will be worth every.single.worry or fear. Hang in there, take heart, and trust the Lord. He gave you this baby because you are meant to be his Mommy! You were made for this!

Nat said...

I can totally relate. I am a total control freak so pregnancy has been really hard for me. One of my doctors sat me down and was like you realize you can't control any of this so you just have to let go. It's been really hard to do but I am trying my best to focus on the positives and not let all my fears and anxiety take over.
Try to relax and enjoy these next few weeks before Weeks is here- you're going to be a great mom!

Lindsay @ LindsayInNYC said...

I've wanted to find a daily devotional type book to read but wasn't sure where to begin. I'm catholic and I feel like some things aren't geared towards catholics but more christian-based?

KatiePerk said...

I am a planner/worrier too. The last few weeks are very hard. The not knowing and the anticipation just really start weighing on you. I think that is when fear tips the scales on the excitement because "go time" is somewhere around the corner. I finally relaxed the day before my induction, because I knew it was out of my hands. When I showed up at the hospital, I was actually in labor! I know it is cliche, but try to relax. You are in good hands and you seem to have a very supportive group around you, so if any of the issues you discussed last night pop up, you will have help.

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

I can relate and I'm not even married yet! My biggest fear is having issues getting pregnant down the road or having complications, even though I'm not anywhere close to wanting kids yet, ha!

Keep reminding yourself that you're doing all the RIGHT things to prepare for baby, so now all you can do is leave it in God's hands! (Which can be hard for those of us who are worriers or control freaks!)

Veronika said...

I have had a lot of worries---but they have all been about the baby and praying baby would stay healthy and happy as she's developing.

For some reason I haven't gotten to the point of being afraid of birth. Maybe I'm just not "there" yet, but I feel at peace with it. I am more excited than anything to meet her! This may change as I'm closer to delivery but right now I am very relaxed about it.

designchic said...

I think it is totally natural to worry - or at least I certainly did. With the wealth of information today, it is sometimes a little too much...just remember the prize at the end and it makes is soooo much easier - thrilled to be your newest follower!!

Alex Gladwin said...

I'm 33 weeks and just starting to now feel a rush of anxiety. I think it's completely normal. It's a BIG thing.

Alex
Bump to Baby

Alexa said...

With my first I didn't have too much anxiety while I was pregnant (actually it hit after she was born). The sudden change of lifestyle, plus the worrying about her. I would have rampant nightmares...which I guess is common. It has to do with the sudden an incredible love you feel and your absolute need to have this little being in your life. Such an amazing, but at the same time, scary feeling. I'm 20 weeks now with my second, a little boy, and actually I've felt so terrible physically this time I haven't had time to worry or be concerned about much else. Plus of course I'm chasing Mila around. I will say (sorry this is so long) that it all gets more manageable. That gripping anxiety will go away...granted you'll still have concerns and worries for your little one, but it's not as dramatic as those first few weeks/months. All the best to you mama, it is seriously the most amazing thing in the world! :)

eas said...

Your feelings are so perfectly normal but everything will be great. I was so scared for labor both times and both times were just fine. Before you know it you'll have that little bundle in your arms and you'll wonder how you survived without him.

Go to a funny movie to take your mind off things!!

Katie said...

I have always been an anxious person, but since getting pregnant I've had so many more worries about my baby and even labor and then being a mom. I daily ask God to take away my fears and that I continue to trust in him. I read jesus calling too and love it. I feel like it speaks to exactly what I need!!