Is worry in pregnancy healthy or unhealthy? The very definition of worry makes it seem like something we should avoid at all costs; mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : anxiety…Whoa!!! Worry is, however, a natural response in some instances and can prove beneficial when acted upon appropriately. On the other hand, if you don’t acknowledge it and deal with your concerns in a healthy manner, it can become chronic and excessive, hindering your ability to distinguish reality from your imagination.
Some research suggests that worry is derived by our own imagination. So, when imagining the worst possible outcome of a circumstance or threat, with the inability to control or stop the worrying thoughts produced by your imagination, your worrying can be described as obsessive or excessive. Subsequently, chronic worrying is more like an underlying condition. For example, when someone always feel a sense of worry, even in the slightest bit, about something bad happening although imminent danger is unlikely would be a case of chronic worry. Both instances would definitely be defined as unhealthy levels of worry. In other words, metaphorically speaking, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill, or letting your imagination run away with you.
Is worry ever healthy during pregnancy?
Yes! Worry during pregnancy can be healthy depending on how much you allow yourself to worry and how you handle it. This is good news when you consider how the vulnerability of pregnancy and childbirth cause most pregnant women to experience some amount of worry at one time or another. It’s important, however, to learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy amounts of worrying so that you can deal with it and reap the benefits! Let me explain…
Worry vs Physical Health
Now, in regards to your physical health, when you have a legitimate health concern about your pregnancy, it can be helpful to have a moderate amount of worry. This will keep you aware of your health condition and push you to take action. Logical and legitimate worry about things like having gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, a urinary tract infection, or showing abnormal pregnancy symptoms is HEALTHY worry and should prompt you to take action in order to reduce your concerns. Ways to take action can simply be seeking out a doctor or other medical practitioner to help diagnose the concern and resolve the problem. Another possible course of action for dealing with legitimate worry is to speak with a nutritionist for advice on adjusting your diet to improve your health.
Worry vs Mental Health
Similarly, if you are worried about the process or uncertainty of childbirth, this could affect your emotional or mental health. Worrying about your ability to cope with labor pain, give birth the way you hope to, or the possibility of having a cesarean section is normal and can be beneficial if acknowledged and dealt with appropriately. You might use this type of worrying as motivation to prepare yourself for birth and take action in the likes of hiring a doula, taking a childbirth education class, and reading books about pregnancy and birth. The amount of worry that leads to such action and preparedness is perfectly HEALTHY.
Unhealthy Worry
In contrast, your mental health becomes an issue if worrying is too extreme. Worrying about the what ifs of childbirth to the point of panic or inability to enjoy your pregnancy would be considered UNHEALTHY and point to a deeper issue that should be addressed. On the opposite extreme, never worrying about your physical health, even in the midst of problems or symptoms, is cause for concern. If you ignore problems, this can negatively impact your health and in turn make you extremely unhealthy and possibly lead to major health related issues. So a lack of legitimate worry can be considered UNHEALTHY if it keeps you from getting the help you need.
In Conclusion
A moderate amount of worry is HEALTHY during pregnancy as it encourages good practices and seeking support. If such worry leads to preparedness then it has been beneficial. Being prepared for childbirth by creating a birth plan, attending childbirth education classes, hiring a doula, practicing relaxation techniques, and accessing prenatal care should reduce any amount of worry so you can build the knowledge and confidence you need to birth your baby. Once you are prepared there is nothing more to be done. Consequently, if you are unable to let your worry go, or if it seems excessive, at that point, the worry becomes detrimental to your health. If you find yourself struggling with UNHEALTHY thoughts or health concerns during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP, partner, counselor, a doula, or a friend for help. Talk with and process the cause of your worry so you can get the support you need to heal and move past it. In this way, you will create a healthier body and mindset for the positive birth experience you deserve.
I let go of worries and replace them with excitement, hope and optimism.
~Spinning Babies
Related to improving your mental health and preparing for childbirth check out the benefits of using a ZENband and ZENtones throughout pregnancy and birth. You can also try prenatal yoga, meditation, and birth affirmations to help calm your mind and prepare both mentally and physically for childbirth.