Getting nervous now...

[Hannahb26]

So I'm 35 and a half weeks pregnant. Pre-pregnancy I was a very anxious and worried person in general but I would probably go so far as to say I've had a serene pregnancy apart from some nausea at the beginning (yes I know I'm very lucky).
I'm now starting to get VERY worried about not being ready/being a mum in general/being an anxious mum. I'm being induced at 38 weeks for medical reasons and it all feels a bit too soon. Does anyone have any suggestions to help or just kind words?

Don't beat yourself up about feeling nervous. I don't think very many women are ready to be mums, it's almost impossible to describe what the birth and newborn experience is like to someone else. Even if they can understand it, it's different when it's you living through it. But you will find your own way through it and be a new mum, however it works for you :-)

You will be fine. I was a bit anxious too and almost couldn't believe they were letting us walk out of the hospital with a tiny human! The first few months feel like chaos but once you establish routines, it will all start to come together. Being a mum is great though. It has its ups and downs but ultimately it's fab.

Thank you @AssassinatedBeauty and @Ginger1982 loving your words of encouragement 😊

I started off with the option of induction at 39 weeks ,then the consultant said 40 weeks would be OK. Then it turned into nope we'll be bringing you in at 38 weeks to get it started . I know the feeling of it being too soon but 38 weeks isn't early, my baby was born 38+4 and was absolutely perfect.

I hear you. I don’t want to detract from how you are feeling in any way, just a note to say that you are not alone- I remember having a break down on the phone to my dad at about the same point in my pregnancy. Sat in mothercare car park.

looking back I think I can now hear my Dad was gently smiling at me for my first time mum panic but at the time I was too busy being panicked.

We are all winging it, you care- you will be fine x

If you are off work and able to, plan a small something each day, like go out for lunch/ sort and wash baby clothes/ research a topic. It's normal to feel worried and scared even, doing proactive things helps you feel in control. I'm not saying they'll vanish, but having a focus beyond birthing a baby is helpful. Good luck, the nerves just mean your heart is in the right place.

I was terrified of my daughter when she was born - I was afraid I'd do something wrong or drop her or something like that. I felt too that she was such a responsibiliy

But babies don't care about the things that worry you. They are happy when fed and cuddled.They calm you when you are anxious. Really.