How To Cope With Initial Pregnancy Anxiety: Three Tips To Help Ease The Burden

Pregnancy is tough, no matter which way you look at it, and it’s important to understand that the different stages of childbirth trigger unique anxieties. Several months in, it may be stress regarding your ability to cope once the baby arrives, or perhaps it’s the physiological symptoms that are taking their toll. Then, during labor, you have several hours of very intense stress as you prepare for the birth.

But there’s also the initial part – the time when you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, and are thinking about the future and wondering how you’re going to manage the situation. Today’s article will focus on just that; here’s how to cope with that early pregnancy anxiety.

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1. Understand That Your Feelings are Normal

In the beginning, dealing with anxiety is all about recognizing that your feelings are totally normal. This is a huge deal, and if it’s just come out of the blue, you’re bound to be feeling like your whole world has been turned upside down. That’s ok – you can have those feelings, and you can learn how to cope with them.

Anxiety is an immediate stress response, and it’ll come and go. Sometimes, simply reminding yourself that this is a totally normal reaction is enough to start the process of calming down. Acknowledge what you’re feeling, and if possible, write your feelings down: getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can be a very therapeutic practice.

2. Reach Out for Help

Once you’ve calmed down from the initial panic, it’s key to remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to your friends and family, those closest to you who love you; their advice and support will prove invaluable over the coming months, and in your time of need, they’ll be there to help you through.

You could also consider approaching support groups for other pregnant women who are going through the same thing. While help from family and friends is critical, sometimes, you need to connect with other people outside your main circle for a fresh perspective. There are other services that can help, too, such as those provided by local churches (click here to learn more about Embrace Grace Ministry).

3. The Value of Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness are really two sides of the same coin. Both aim to help you feel comfortable in the here and now, and because of this, they can be incredibly effective for challenging those ‘what if’ thoughts that have a tendency to spiral out of control.

There are plenty of guided meditation sessions on YouTube you can try to get started. Like anything, though, it’ll take practice, so stay consistent. You could also consider going to a physical meditation meetup in your local area.

Wrapping Up

You’re not alone in dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, and know that with enough time and self-care, you will get through it. You won’t feel better overnight, but everyone’s rooting for you. Best of luck, and stay safe.