Anxiety & Faith During Pregnancy

[mrshen1]

Dear All,

Pretty much since the first few weeks of pregnancy I have had the odd worry and anxiety about how little one's doing. Although my 20 week scan went well yesterday and baby doing really well they did notice something that needs to be monitored which I won't mention because if I google it or receive any slightly worrying stories I think I will just worry more.

I figure we can only do our best, be monitored by midwives and live as wisely and healthily as possible. Some things I feel like I can't control. I am Christian and feel increasingly through pregancy that this is the ultimate test of faith for me and that it has really asked me to step up to the mark and made me realise how important my faith is. Has anyone else experienced this or coped with worry and pregnancy through increased prayer and some peace of mind that God's will is it at work? Maybe this is a tricky question but I'm trying to be strong and not worry myself silly.

Thanks for reading

xxxxxxxxx

You will naturally worry more during pregnancy, and for the rest of your life - it's part and parcel of being a parent. I definitely worried more when pregnant with DS1 than DS2. Yoga exercises and relaxation may also help.

I bought a book called 'Praying for your unborn child'. It's a bit American but if you can filter that out it might be worth a read.

It's very hard sometimes to put all your trust in God, I know! Anxiety is an unfortunate side effect of pregnancy, if it starts getting unmanageable, speak to your midwife or GP.

Thank you both of you, I suppose it's easy to become a control freak in other parts of life and then this is something I really have to just keep the faith and hope for the best. Just feel very emotional but trying not to get overly weepy xx

It's a long time since I've been pregnant! But when I was pg with dd1 (I found out I was pregnant almost exactly 14 years ago) a lovely old lady in our church said to me "you're doing the Lord's work, dearie, you are involved in creation!" And I found that fabulous! Being a parent has strengthened my faith, and also highlighted my dependence on God.
I still worried in pregnancy and suffered some serious complications (my kidneys didn't like me being pg!) but given a massive history of depression and anxiety, my pregnancies went well. I didn't have screening and was able to relax.

Wishing you all the best xx.

mrshen1 thank you for posting. I am also pregnant, a Christian and an anxiety sufferer, and although I can't give any answers, I just wanted you to know that you're not the only one!

For me, I think pregnancy has only slightly increased my anxiety, and over specific things. Like in the first few weeks, when I was being very sick I was paranoid about losing weight etc (I am very petite anyway and have struggled all my life to gain weight). The only thing that helped me over that was keeping a food diary so I could monitor that I was in fact eating enough.

I got quite nervous before our scans (we had an early one at 8 weeks as I have a heart condition), but both times things were all fine. Likewise, I expect to get anxious in the run-up to 20 weeks at mid-June.

I'm not thinking ahead to evacuation - I'll cross those bridges when they're nearer. But I did just read the post-birth bit of my book and scared myself stupid about how crap it will all be.

For me, things that help are not thinking too far ahead (this came out of my CBT therapy), and making lists of specific questions to ask the professionals when I see them. Also, prayer is a big comfort. Sometimes I think I pray more when I'm more anxious, and that makes me sad, because I have SO many things to be thankful for.

One of my lurking worries is PND. But I think I'm experienced enough (and my DH too) at recognising my 'sliding' signs, and if I need help, I'll make sure I ask for it.

Thinking of you.x.

Thank you so much everyone, all your comments are comforting to hear and interesting to know your experiences! I think I'm definitely an emotional woman today and like you heartonsleeve I have so many things to be thankful for and he has answered my prayer that the baby seemed healthy in this scan, it is just the other thing that really hope goes well and baby okay. Pregnancy is a much more spritual thing than I anticipated and I'm going to have to just keep the faith. Sending you all lots of best wishes in your pregnancies xxx

I think how you are feeling is normal mrshen it's hard to be calm through a time when events are so outside your control, and all you can do is work with creation as far as is in your power and relinquish control of the rest. I am pregnant after three miscarriages (also have 2 lovely children) and it has been a real test that I am only partially succeeding at of whether I truly believe that God has my best interests at heart. I am still struggling with why I've had to go through all this, but I do believe God loves me and each of these precious little ones.
All the best for a peaceful journey to motherhood.

Thanks BakingTins I'm sorry to hear about your previous miscarriages and wishing you all the best with your pregnancy. Strength really does come from within and above. Thank you for your wise words :)

For me there seems to be a fine balance between letting my emotions be free and open and becoming too overwhelmed. Trying to keep my head about things, hope for the best and be the best pregnant lady I can and also be loving to everyone around.

Take care & sending love xxx