The Tribune

By BIANCA CARTER

Pregnancy is great, amazing and life-changing. But there are a few not so pleasant things that come with being pregnant and giving birth. Women read all about the scary things that can happen, the embarrassing, and not so pleasant things as well.

Worrying kind of comes with the territory, unfortunately. It’s normal to wonder about things you read or hear about. But it would be a good thing to try to put things into a realistic perspective so that you can enjoy your pregnancy and reduce your anxiety. Here are the top 10 not so serious, but worrisome things that women think about when pregnant.

1. Weight gain

OK, we all know we have to gain weight, and depending on what side of the thought process you’re on, this can be a great source of anxiety for women. On one hand, you can look at it as “eating for two” (without any evil looks or judgment) and enjoy all the sinful delights you want, but on the other hand, putting on 75 lbs is still putting on 75 lbs that you have to take off.

1. Stretch marks

Those unappealing pesky things that may or may not show up; they can come in an array of colours and appear in a variety of places. And they’re permanent...yikes! Creams, oils and butters may prevent some, but truthfully, stretch marks are genetic.

1. Hemorrhoids

Painful, swollen, itchy and just not fun. No one wants these. Not every woman experiences this, but it’s a real concern for pregnant women who are already the most uncomfortable people on the planet.

1. Swollen ankles

So not cute, and definitely not comfortable. You can lift your feet as high as you want and still they will be swollen. This is a sign of preeclampsia, so you will want to talk to your doctor if need be.

1. Varicose and spider veins

2. How much will it hurt?
   

Women are prepared for pain when giving birth, but many women wonder how much pain it will be. No one can really answer that, and truthfully, if you’re pregnant you want to avoid those kinds of conversations, because it will only make you even more anxious.

1. Pooping in the delivery room

No need to elaborate more on this point.

1. Will everything go back to normal?
   

Women’s bodies take a beating while pregnant and when delivering. It’s no wonder that many women worry if their body will go back just as it was before pregnancy.

1. Will I be a good mother?
   

Even the best moms worry about this.

1. Will my baby be OK?
   

Love and hugs!

• Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counsellor and founder of Bun in the Oven.

For more information, e-mail her at info@babybunintheoven.com. Follow BITO on Facebook at babybunintheoven, and check out the BITO Blog every Monday and Thursday at http://babybunintheoven.com.