Last Updated on 2 weeks by Namrata
Pregnancy is a whole new experience, especially when you are a First-Time Mom. Quite similar to a roller coaster ride, which comes with ups and downs. You care about the child’s health from the very first day of your gestation period till the time you give birth. Does this sound similar? Relax, ladies; know that you are not alone. Read this article to help you overcome your First-Time Mom Fears and take proper care of your child.
Common Fears and Anxiety of New Moms
1. Labor and Delivery pains
Labor and delivery pains are the main reasons for anxiety, and they pave the way for First-Time Mom Fears. According to a survey done by the American Pregnancy Association, it was reported that 60% of first-time moms are often scared of childbirth.
Childbirth is a natural process, and every female body is designed to handle it. With the right amount of knowledge and resources, you can overcome this fear with utmost grace and confidence.
Practical Solutions:
The best way to deal with this First-Time Mom Fear of childbirth is to talk to your healthcare provider. Seek support from them and let them know your problems. Get quick solutions to delivery and pain management options. Also, talk to your loved ones, family members, and close friends. Talking to someone in time of need is the best way to gain reassurance and comfort.
2. Fear of Experiencing a Miscarriage
First pregnancy can be overwhelming and can give rise to unwanted questions like What if I get a miscarriage? How should I take care of myself in order to avoid any mishaps during pregnancy? These are some of the First-Time Mom Fears that can arise in your mind. Well, to be precise, miscarriage often happens during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Practical Solutions:
Manage your caffeine intake. Do not engage in strenuous practices like drinking alcohol and smoking. Follow a healthy diet and reduce weight in case you are obese. Maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, which ensures you are completely in check with your mind and body. Talk to your gynecologist or health care professional to avoid this dreadful First-Time Mom Fear.
3. Afraid of Morning Sickness
Many women in their 4th and 16th week stage of pregnancy go through morning sickness symptoms. It includes vomiting and feeling nauseated. You may not feel like eating any food.
Whatever you eat may not be digested well. Feeling sick all day is also a common sign of morning sickness. But knowing the fact that feeling this First-Time Mom Fear is completely normal.
Practical Solutions:
Opt for bland foods like pretzels, toast, and apple sauce. Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Try to include ginger in your daily diet. Ginger tea will help you relieve nausea, improve digestion, and reduce any inflammation in the body. Lastly, do not forget to eat food rich in protein and carbohydrates, such as cheese, nuts, peanuts, and crackers.
4. First-Time Mom Fears related to child defect
This is the most common form of anxiety that every first-time mom-to-be faces. Many fear their child being born with congenital disabilities. This fear is normal, so why shouldn’t it be? Around 1 in 33 babies are born with congenital disabilities, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These statistics involve both children born with congenital diseases and severe abnormalities.
Practical Solutions:
Well, here are some healthy habits you can develop to reduce the risk of child defects during early pregnancy.
- Discuss your medicines with your doctors apart from the prescribed ones (if you are taking any)
- Do not indulge in hot water baths and sauna
- Ensure you follow prenatal care as soon as you detect your pregnancy.
- Get rid of any disease or lose weight before getting pregnant.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Follow a healthy diet habit
- Take proper follow-up with your doctor
5. First-Time Mom Fears related to enduring Early labor pain
Giving early birth is another fear that many moms go through during their pregnancy phase. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks). Here are some of the top risks associated with preterm birth.
- Contracting severe infection
- Having an illness such as thyroid diabetes
- Teen pregnancy
- Carrying multiple babies like triplets, quadrats, and so on
- Family History of preterm birth
Practical Solutions:
Cope up with this First-Time Mom Fear of premature birth by taking good care of yourself. Avoid contracting any harmful infection during pregnancy. Do not drink alcohol and smoke. Last and most important is to manage stress in time. Stay delighted throughout your pregnancy to give birth to a healthy child.
6. Fear of getting a Caesarean
Many lower middle-class families fear getting an emergency C-section because of financial conditions. Everyone wants to experience a normal/vaginal delivery.
But please know that getting a normal delivery also means that the mother should not have any complications during labor or delivery. The need for this depends on the woman’s overall health condition and her existing health factors.
Practical Solutions
Here are some tips that you can follow to increase your chances of getting a vaginal birth.
- Make sure that you create a calm and peaceful environment for yourself
- Exercise a lot and try to stay active all-day
- Even in your late trimesters, do light walking at home
- Attend birth classes to learn more about getting a normal delivery
- Get a Perineal massage that will help you relax your muscles and body and prepare you for a stress-free labor.
7. First-Time Mom Fears related to losing Self-Identity
Self-identity is benevolent to every individual. New mother may feel a sense of losing their own identity after their child is born. Please be assured that you can maintain your own identity while embracing your motherhood. The key is finding the right balance between both of them.
Practical Solutions
Pursue a passion or a hobby after pregnancy. This effort will ensure that you are including your passion in your parenting style. Make time for your daily exercise routine that brings you a sense of fulfillment and joy. Meet your close friends and bond with them, and have a small tea time at your home while cherishing your parenting journey. Connect with other mothers and get to know if they share the same interests as you.
8. Increased Financial Struggles
Earlier, it was only about you and your partner, but now it will be about the three of you. After pregnancy, the cost of everything would be tripled. You have to look at the child’s needs. The thought itself can put you under pressure during pregnancy. There are a few solutions that you can follow to overcome this kind of First-Time Mom Fear.
Practical Solutions:
One of the most effective strategies would be to create a budget. Track your finances. Identify the areas in which you need to save money while spending it in crucial scenarios. Avoid buying unwanted stuff and spend when urgent. Take advantage of government schemes, funds, community resources, and employer benefits. Go for financial advice if necessary.
9. Thinking about challenges faced during breastfeeding
As a new mother, you may think of challenges that may come across during breastfeeding sessions. You may feel shy or awkward when feeding your child in public. Enduring physical pain and going through latching problems during pregnancy is very common among First-Time Mom Fears. All these hurdles may make you feel discouraged and impact the motherly relationship.
Practical Solutions:
Don’t worry about failing to attend important family gatherings due to your busy parenting schedules. There, you can always find a comfortable place to breastfeed. Take your nursing pads along with you and a pair of soft blankets to cover your breastfeeding sessions. Join a breastfeeding class to learn latching and positioning techniques during breastfeeding. Increase your milk supply after birth by eating healthy food. Do not forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
10. Fear of not being a good parent
One of the worst First-Time Moms’ Fears is the fear of not being a good parent. Many mothers worry about not being able to give enough love, care, and support to their children. This feeling is completely normal.
Practical Solution:
Teach good care of your child. Install good moral values and discipline them—bond with them on a deeper level.
Conclusion
Navigating first-time mom fears can be tough and bring a wave of anxiety. By understanding these fears, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, new moms can confidently embrace the journey and thrive.
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