How to relax during first pregnancy?

Question

Hi ladies, I just found out I am pregnant 5 days ago and since then I’m been worrying so much and being paranoid for no reason. My first prenatal appointment is in 2 weeks, I’ve been taking the folic acid/ iron prenatal pill. How to just relax during your pregnancy and not be paranoid about every single thing you do? I’m currently working in another states away from my husband, finding out I am pregnant just a few days ago and having to be by myself makes me so stressed.

Answer

I was super paranoid at first too. I have bad anxiety so it doesn’t help that this pregnancy (my first) has heightened it. It can be normal to experience more anxiety in pregnancy. 
I honestly just had to remind myself that as long as I was doing what I’m supposed to to keep baby safe, if something happened it was already going to happen. I always get more nervous around an appointment about will they find a heartbeat and will the baby have grown since the last time etc. but I have to remind myself those two things are beyond my control and as long as I do what I’m supposed to everything will be okay.

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The one thing that helped me was information. Reliable information. I recommend the “What to expect, when expecting” book for example, helped me loads. I educate myself, I know what my body is trying to tell me when I feel “weird” - which happens tons!

Answer

Im a FTM and was/am the exact same way. I will say my worry and anxiety improved drastically after my first ultrasound and then again after the first trimester. My first ultrasound wasn’t until almost 11w so I had to find a way to cope in the mean time. I focused on the things I could control, diet, lifestyle, vitamins, etc. And I educated myself from reliable sources (.org .gov rather than blogs) about what I should be doing. I was super paranoid about having a miscarriage. It was to the point that I was hesitant to be excited about the pregnancy. I started positive affirmations and researched the odds of that happening and how it decreases daily. Ultimately I made peace with the “what’s meant to be will be” state of mind and focused on the things I can control. One thing I will advise is that on this app and most blogs you will find many people who believe very firmly in their beliefs on certain topics - find a source (preferably your OB) that you trust and stick with that. Research of course but don’t take a non-licensed persons advise on the important stuff. 
I’m 17w now so I stress less about miscarriage or eating the wrong thing and now stress about the upcoming anatomy scan lol. I feel like it’s always something and probably will be for the rest of my life being a mother. Best of luck to you and try to stay positive ❤️

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Just want to add to the other girls' comments to say I'm sorry your away from your OH, that must suck so hard...were all here for you!

Answer

I understand how you are feeling, I felt the same way. What helped me is I just kept reminding myself that I need to do what I can (take vitamins, drink water, eat healthy) but it is out of my control. I think the control thing is what gets us in that worried anxious mindset to begin with. But knowing what you can and cannot control and all that self talk helped me. 
Reflecting and reading this it sounds so silly but that’s what helped me. I was so anxious in the beginning.

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Unfortunately the worry will be there the whole pregnancy! All you have to remember is to stay healthy, and that’s the best you can do! Some things are just uncontrollable so just go with the flow & it will all be ok. Congratulations on your pregnancy ❤️