Top 4 pregnancy fears dispelled
Don’t fall prey to these common anxieties during your pregnancy.
Some concern over your baby’s welfare is normal during pregnancy, but most major fears are completely unfounded. We take a look at a few unnecessary worries.
1. Morning sickness will deprive my baby of nutrition
Morning sickness can be extremely unpleasant for moms-to-be, however, despite mom’s concern, morning sickness does not impair foetal development. Your baby will draw sufficient nutrition from your body, so you might feel weak and sick but your baby will be just fine.
Morning sickness is only problematic in extreme cases where you become dehydrated. Speak to your clinic sister or doctor if you are concerned.
2. Sex is best avoided
Sex in pregnancy is not only safe, it’s also a wonderful way to bond as a couple during this time. “The baby is well cushioned in the amniotic sac and can’t feel – or see – anything,” says Blanche Rezant, parent-infant programme manager at The Parent Centre in Cape Town. “Many women find that sexual intimacy is enhanced during pregnancy, and men tend to enjoy not having to think about birth control.”
There are however instances in which sex should be avoided, for example where bleeding and preterm labour are involved, says Rezant.
“Ask your doctor or midwife if you have any risk factors that would preclude sex in your pregnancy.”
3. Stress is harming my baby
Your hormones are going crazy, your body is changing rapidly and you’re sleeping poorly – some stress is to be expected, all things considered. Fortunately, research indicates that normal life stress is not likely to cause your baby any harm.
On the other hand, chronic stress may cause a measure of foetal distress. Speak to a counsellor or clinic sister about ways to manage your stress levels if this is the case.
4. “If I tell anyone about my pregnancy I might miscarry”
It’s an idiosyncrasy of human nature to become superstitious about something when the stakes are high, but you can’t ‘jinx’ your pregnancy by talking about it. “The biggest challenge around this fear is that many women do not access prenatal care as early as they should,” says Rezant.
“Women who are more open about their pregnancy also enjoy a wider network of support, however you might want to wait until after the first trimester to share the news when you’re certain the foetus is healthy and growing well.”
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
