Emotional Adjustments to Pregnancy & Birth
How did you feel when you found out that you were pregnant? Happy? Confused? Surprised? Uncertain? A woman experiences a wide range of emotions when she learns that she is pregnant, ranging from joy and elation to worry and ambivalence about becoming a mother. Your partner's and family's response to the news will also affect your ability to accept the pregnancy. Although the physical changes that occur during pregnancy are more outwardly apparent, the intense emotional response is believed, overall, to be more profound.
During pregnancy, many women react with increased sensitivity to routine activities. Have you noticed that you cry or become upset easily? These emotional ups and downs may be confusing or distressing to you and your family. Knowing that what you are experiencing is normal can help you cope with the emotional roller coaster you may feel you are on.
How you view yourself changes during pregnancy as you begin to incorporate the new role of becoming a mother into your identity. The relationships with your partner, family, and friends will also change as each person adjusts to their new roles. It is important that everyone involved talks openly about their feelings. The duration of pregnancy allows time for everyone to adjust to the changes that will occur with the baby's birth. Life will never be the same but it will be greatly enriched!
The physical changes that occur during pregnancy can also affect your emotions. Most women do not look forward to gaining weight, but during pregnancy a total weight gain of 25-30 pounds is considered a healthy sign of your baby's growth and well being. Eating a well balanced diet and exercising will help you stay within the recommended weight gain and help your body prepare for the process of giving birth. Some women see the changes in their body and shape as a beautiful sign of upcoming motherhood. Taking care of yourself will help you maintain a positive mental image of yourself.
A woman begins to bond with her baby well before the birth. As her body grows and the baby's movements become noticeable, she forms a mothering relationship with her infant. Have you found yourself gently stroking your abdomen and talking or singing to your baby? These rituals begin the process of falling in love with, and the desire to care for and nurture, your baby.
As the pregnancy progresses, you will begin to mentally prepare for the labor and birth of your baby. Attending childbirth classes to gain knowledge about what to expect is helpful for you and your labor partner. It is also reassuring to meet other expectant parents who are experiencing the same fears and apprehensions about birth that you are feeling. Your childbirth educator is a great resource and can help give you the confidence needed to look forward to the birth of your baby. Having a positive attitude about your natural ability to give birth can make a big difference in your birth experience.
Have you noticed that your friends, family, and even strangers try to overload you with personal advice and unpleasant stories about birth? Instead of allowing them to increase your stress level, politely request these well meaning loved ones to only share the positive aspects and experiences they have had. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and who make you feel good.
The journey from anticipation of becoming a mother through the pregnancy, the birth, and the reality of having your baby is filled with strong emotions and many new thoughts and feelings. Communicating openly about these feelings with your partner, friends, family, and health care provider can help you enjoy this very special change in your life.
