Anxieties of a pregnant woman...

[CarryingLife]

I'm 38 weeks pregnant, with my due date on May 14th. I've had labor pains all week long and I'm expecting to go into labor anytime now... I'm unsure if it's the late pregnancy that's getting to me, or if it's my depression resurfacing...

But I can't help but be scared and worried. I'm so full of emotions and anxieties that I don't know what to do with myself... or where to place them. I have a five year old daughter, and this will be my second child. With my first born I was only 19 and a single mom. But now I'm married with a husband who loves my daughter dearly. This second child is an addition to our family, and upcoming the 28th will be our first year anniversary of being married... I ought to be happy and joyful. I completed my college semester with top greats, and have supportive friends who are eager for this birth...

But I feel like an emotional wreck even though all is great. I'm worried about being a mother to two children. I doubt myself as a mother and therefore having a second child is nerve wrecking. My own mother and I are not on good terms. I'm just recovering from an abusive relationship with her. I've been going to therapy and trying to heal and forgive... But it's hard. She wants back into my life after telling me she didn't want a daughter anymore. I'm tired of this woman coming in and out of my life when she pleases, treating me however it suits her. I'm trying to be strong, but I have so many insecurities because of this relationship I had with her.

Are these feelings of depression and anxieties towards the end of the pregnancy normal? Or am I slipping back into depression? Can anyone share similar feelings?

I'm just scared. I don't know what to do or think... and waiting like this with the slow labor pains is really pulling me down ontop of it all.

[Laurucha]

It is normal to be worried. In fact, I would think that something is not right about a mother who does not experience any anxiety about having a child. Pam England, author of Birthing From Within, says, "Worry is the work of pregnancy." I think our culture places too much emphasis on being positive and happy. We have unrealistic expectations and blame ourselves when our moods are less than perfectly sunny. The goal should be a balance - sometimes we are joyful and optimistic, and sometimes we are not. As long as you are able to enjoy some pleasure in your life, I think you are probably okay.

[CA Country Girl]

Carryinglife

I have been having a lot of anxiety too.  I do have generalized anxiety in my non-pregnant life, but I have been feeling really good most of this pregnancy.  The last few weeks (I guess after 30 weeks), I have been feeling more anxious.  I have been trying to visualize the birth I want, but more often I am imagining things that could go wrong.  I wanted to be relaxing and preparing for the birth now that the semester is over (I'm a teacher), but instead I am feeling more stressed.  Basically, I totally understand.  I guess my only advice is find something that is meditative- deep breathing, hypnosis, a massage, walks if you can, a swim?  Whatever works for you.  Have a good birth and I hope you feel better soon.

[thefragile7393]

Yes. It seems like that pregnancy brings out a lot of emotions in many women. Both of mine were stressful, both situationally and mentally. it made me look back at my past and how i was treated growing up. It was a very hard and rough time. I did a lot of reading and neditation and prayer and being around as many positive-vibed people that I could. It is hard if people that are toxic are in your life (or trying to get in your life) and they can't be gotten rid of. The stuff youcan put off dealing with immed can wait...deal with your mom on your terms way after the baby is born. Keep up therapy now to deal with the now stuff, like healig from your ugly relationship.

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