What can I do if I am afraid of pregnancy?
(Possibly) pregnant and afraid of pregnancy
For most women, pregnancy is a special event — often connected with very different feelings. After all, it is a major change in life.
Especially if the pregnancy was unplanned or if a difficult pregnancy/birth was experienced in the past, worries and fears can almost overwhelm you.
Pregnancy hormones can additionally intensify negative emotions and fears — especially in the first weeks of pregnancy. However, the hormones and therefore also your emotional life usually settle down again over time. That is why it generally helps to take time to understand and sort out your feelings.
Afraid of pregnancy despite wanting a child
Quite a few women want to have a child and at the same time are afraid of pregnancy. At first, this may seem contradictory, but upon closer look, these feelings are not unusual and are no reason for concern.
Especially with a first pregnancy, it is a new and still unknown situation. Fears usually arise when we do not know exactly what to expect and how everything will turn out. However, the desire to have a child can help reduce fears or endure negative emotions by repeatedly picturing the coming time with the baby in your arms.
- Perhaps you are even more afraid of childbirth and would like to read more about that here?
What can help you!
✔️ Talk to others: Share your feelings with people you trust. It can often be relieving to hear that others have had similar experiences and that you are not alone. You can also attend groups for expectant mothers to share experiences and tips. If the fear becomes overwhelming, seek professional support!
✔️ Take good care of yourself: Your well-being can influence your inner strength and reduce fears. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly, such as taking a walk in the fresh air. Create small moments that belong only to you and in which you can recharge. What helps you relax in everyday life?
- You can find more tips here: Pregnant and overwhelmed?
✔️ Create relief: What do you need in order to feel supported during pregnancy and after birth? What gives you strength and relief? This could be financial support, very practical help in everyday life, conversations and meetings with friends and family, a midwife who accompanies you, a childbirth preparation class…
- Continue reading here: Help and support near you
✔️ Inform yourself: If it helps you, read about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. This can help you feel more secure and prepared. But don’t forget: You don’t have to know everything and you don’t have to be perfectly prepared. Talk with your partner about how you would like to shape your life as parents. Also turn with trust to your midwife and gynecologist.
- And perhaps you will find valuable tips in our sections on Pregnancy, Unplanned pregnancy, and Relationships.
✔️ Keep positive images in mind: Imagine what can give you courage and confidence. What beautiful images come to mind? Perhaps the moment when you hold your baby in your arms for the first time? When you play together, laugh, and your baby lovingly hugs you? By keeping the goal in mind — as well as everything you are looking forward to and that could give you meaning — you can manage the path through pregnancy much more easily.
- What kind of mother are you? What defines you? – Take the personality test for pregnant women!
✔️ Trust your intuition: Sometimes there can also be too many thoughts and too much information coming at you. But deep within you, you carry the wisdom that guides you. Trust your heart and your feelings as a woman and mother — you will find your way and master it well. You can also trust your body. It is perfectly prepared for the “pregnancy program” and knows what to do 😊
