Surviving Your Last Weeks of Pregnancy: The Emotional Train Wreck

by Kimmama | More from this Blogger

06 Jun 2009 02:37 AM

In addition to the physical discomforts, the last few weeks of pregnancy can induce episodes of anxiety, distress, sadness, and frustration. You may be anxious about waiting for labor to begin, delivery itself, or becoming a parent for the first time. Aches and pains affect your ability to deal with the emotional ups and downs. The body goes through another wave of hormone changes in preparation for labor and delivery, which can make mood swings worse. Going through false labor can have you ready to pull your hair out! Sometimes normal fears are inflated by outside influences, such as when other moms tell horror stories about their own deliveries. (Shame on them!)

Anxiety and fears about labor and life after the baby arrives are completely normal. To help cope with these normal emotions, it's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. First, make sure you are well rested. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. If you are experiencing contractions, continue to eat light, healthy foods to maintain your energy. Once you are in active labor, it is likely your doctor will not allow you to eat. Alternate between periods of rest and movement while you are awake. Taking a walk can help reduce stress and encourage labor to begin or continue to progress.

Once your physical needs are well taken care of, you will be able to address your mental and emotional needs. Talk with your spouse about your expectations and concerns about parenting. Knowing you are on the same page can help ease your mind. Also share your fears about delivery. The more he knows about what you are feeling, the better he will be able to comfort you before and during labor. Take the time to write down any questions and concerns you have for your doctor; that way you won't forget once you have the chance to talk to him or her. Sometimes just knowing and understanding what will happen during different birth scenarios can erase your fears. Finally, try to have everything done a little early so you can relax while you wait for your baby to arrive. Have your hospital bags packed and in the car. Cook and freeze a few meals for when you return from the hospital. Address envelopes for birth announcements. The more you have done and out of the way, the less you will have to worry about!

Be prepared to go through the biggest emotional roller coaster you've ever experienced, and don't be ashamed of it! Pregnancy and childbirth expand our heart and soul for motherhood and the greatest emotion of them all: love.

Learn more about Kimmama

Kim is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to her newborn, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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