One of the most common things we see in women who come to DAZZ Orangeburg is fear. Fear that their lives will be derailed by pregnancy; fear that their loved ones and friends won’t accept them; fear of being a bad parent. More than anything, these women are afraid of the unknown. That’s why it’s vital to get past the fear of pregnancy before you make any decisions or choices. Here are a few tips for how you can do just that. If you want more information, schedule a free appointment with us online or by calling 803-937-3010.
How to Get Over Pregnancy Fears
Step 1: Relax
Whether you just found out you’re pregnant or you’ve been dealing with your fear for days or weeks, the first step to getting past it is always the same: Relax. Take a deep breath and mentally “step back” from the situation. Yes, if you’re pregnant, it is going to have an impact on your life, but being afraid of your pregnancy and the changes it will bring won’t change anything. Realizing this, and working to shift your focus away from your fear, is the first step to getting past it.
Step 2: Get the Facts
It’s natural to be scared when you don’t know what to expect from pregnancy or don’t know what your options are. One of the best ways to help lower your pregnancy fears is to be well informed. If you haven’t yet done so, get a free pregnancy test. Read up on the facts and information about pregnancy. For instance, you can learn about fetal development. If you are considering abortion, you may want to read about the various abortion procedures and understand the risks. You may also want to learn about the realities of placing a child for adoption.
Step 3: Take Care Of Yourself
Even when you’re scared of the next steps in your pregnancy, it’s very important to take care of yourself and the baby growing inside you. If you have not yet had your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor, our center offers an ultrasound to medically confirm your pregnancy. This is an important step before making any major decisions about your pregnancy. Making healthier food choices and getting adequate sleep at night will also help you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. Your own physician will provide recommendations tailored to your situation at your first visit.
Step 4: Make a Plan
We often experience fear when we think we’re not in control of our situation. It’s easy to feel out of control when you’re pregnant — but there are ways to bring that feeling of control back, too. One of the best ways is to make a pregnancy and/or birthing plan. Write down details about your pregnancy so far, and the questions you still have. If you were to carry to term, what additional support or resources would you need? What about your relationship with the baby’s father? Is it strong? What could you do to improve it or bring more clarity to the relationship? If you don’t feel ready for a child, is adoption an option either of you would consider? Making a plan can help you feel more in control of what happens to you each step along the way.
Step 5: Talk to Someone
Pregnancy is always difficult, but it’s much harder when you’re alone. It’s also difficult if you are in an unhealthy relationship. If you feel like you’re struggling with your pregnancy, find someone to talk to and get support from. This could be a family member, a close friend, or even a DAZZ Orangeburg staff member. You can also look for support groups or even online forums and message boards for support and help. The key is to find somewhere that allows you to express your concerns without judgement or negativity.
Get Support, Guidance and More
If you’re pregnant and not sure what to do next, we can help. DAZZ Orangeburg is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women make healthy and informed choices for themselves and their babies. Call us today at 803-937-3010 or visit our website to schedule your appointment and learn more about our free, confidential services.