Why do pregnant women worry so much?

Worries about delivery: Many women worry about whether they can cope with the pain they will experience during labor and while giving birth. It is difficult to imagine what a contraction is like and no one can really tell you – though they may try! Exploring ways of coping with labor may help you to feel more confident and more in control.

You can begin by reading about labor and birth with your partner or a friend or relative who will be with you for the birth. Ask your midwife or doctor for advices, and look on the internet.

Antenatal education will also help to prepare you for labor and the birth and to know what to expect.

You will have an opportunity to discuss this in more detail with your midwife, and to draw up a birth plan, during the later months of pregnancy.

Talk to your partner or someone close to you. They may be feeling anxious too – particularly if they are going to be with you in labor. Together, you can then work out ways that will help you to cope.

Why do pregnant women worry about birth defects?   

At some time during pregnancy, most expectant parents worry that there may be something wrong with their baby. Some people find that talking openly about their fears helps them to cope. Others prefer not to think about the possibility that something could be wrong.

Some women worry because they are convinced that if something does go wrong it will be their fault. You can increase your baby’s chances of being born healthy by following some advices. But there are certain problems which cannot be prevented. This is either because the causes are not known or because they are beyond your control.

Of all the babies born in the UK, 97% are healthy and 1% of babies will be born with abnormalities that can be partly or completely corrected, such as extra fingers or toes. About 2%, however, will suffer from some more severe disability. Regular antenatal care and careful observation during labor helps to pick up any potential problems and allow appropriate action to be taken.

If you are particularly concerned – perhaps because you or someone in your family has a disability – talk to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

They may be able to reassure you or offer you helpful advices about tests which can be done during pregnancy.

If you have previously had a baby with an abnormality or disability, talk to your midwife or doctor and see if you need any additional care during this pregnancy.