Pregnant and reading "What to expect when you are..."?

Question

Ok I am 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and I have done lots of reading... the book "What to expect when you are expecting"... and its kiinda scaring me, the whole miscarriage section... so now I am worried about every little cramp or pain I feel.... does anyone understand how I feel... everyday I am thankful for a successful day... however its makinig me crazy... I know I shouldnt think about it, but with this being my first pregnancy I am, and I wish I wasn't... I am also thinking of happy things and wonderful things of how our (my husband, baby, and I) life will be... but the whole miscarry thing keeps creeping its way into my mind... so has anyone gone through this?? What are the odds of miscarrying??

I know the symptoms.... and I havent had any.

Can anyone give me some guidance or advice on how to get through these next 6 weeks??

Thank you sooooo much!!!!

Answer 1

ok, Im 13 weeks and have had a previous miscarriage. When I was about 5 weeks I too brought that book and began to read it. It actually put my mind at rest, i was freaking out b4 I read it, at every little twinge. It is a very good book but I think u need to put things into perspective here. For one, stress does u no good whatsoever and can actually cause pains in your abdomen, as it pulls the softening muscles tight causing pain. I learnt to chill during the first trimester by remembering that it is actually quite difficult to miscarry due to anything the mother does, it is usually down to a problem with the baby, something u have absolutely NO control over. It is also worth knowing that most pains and twinges are down to round ligament pain (google it) which is totally normal at your stage in the pregnancy. As long as you are not getting severe cramps and bleeding with large clots, please try to calm down. The chances of you miscarrying are very small and Im almost positive u will be fine. I know from experience it is difficult not to worry, but there is really no point putting yourself through it. u will just feel a whole lot worse. Good luck

Answer 2

I felt the same exact way. I had that book and it was "my bible" while I was pregnant. I had cramps, and I immediately thought I was losing my baby. Also, when a nurse told me I should be monitoring the movement of the baby, I got very nervous as well. I was so crazy that I would look at my stomach to see if it was pulsating. What you need to do is get your mind off of that stuff. If you think about it, you will stress, and stress is not good for the baby. Buy baby magazines, or take them from the doctor's offices and read them. You can't keep thinking about miscarriage because if it is meant for you to have this baby, then you will! Just relax and put it in the hands of God. I found out that my daughter had only half a heart while I was 32 weeks pregnant, and that was not easy. But you must be strong and your baby will be fine! Good luck, and congrats. I'll say a prayer for both you and baby.

Answer 3

I've heard nothing but negetive things about What to Expect. And then you have people who swear by it. But if you're finding that you're being more put of by the book then helped, please do stop reading. There's nothing really much you can say to help with the worrying, it's rather natural until you've some piece of actual reassurance that everything is fine. That being said if you're not horribly cramping nor bleeding and everything else seems fine, consider yourself fine. If you're still worried, speak to your doctor. Books are wonderful, when they're helpful. Not when they scare you to death.

Until I'd gotten to see a doctor (12/13 weeks) I'd worried about miscarriage constantly. I didn't admit to anyone but it was ALWAYS in the back of my head. Even after seeing the doctor I still worried about something being wrong with the baby. I even worried after going to my 18 week ultrasound and seeing a incredibly active and healthy baby. Still worry now on the days she doesn't kick as much as she had the day before.

It's completely normal and natural to worry. You'll never stop worrying about the health, safety and well being of your child. Ever I don't think. You might get better adjusted, but it'll always be there, in the back of your mind. If it's not one thing, it is another.

Parenthood I expect. It does get easier though.

But books suggestions (I've not read any of these but have seen them recommended instead of What to Expect ...)

A Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
The Pregnancy Book
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
The Pregnancy Book
The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Answer 4

bless you i think every pregnant women knows how you are feeling, its a natural fear and sadly there is not alot you can do to get rid of it, i tried to take each day as it came, " i got through today so now look at tomorrow" then before you know it you are saying " ok so I'm through this week here comes the next"
before you know it you start counting months!!!!

the hardest thing is sometimes ppl lose a baby for no reason other than 1 of those things and its 1 of the hardest things i have been through so many Q's and no answers.
just do everything you are told by your doctor and try to stay positive
good luck hunni x x x x
P.S stop reading about miscarriage or you will convince yourself that's whats happening to you, sometimes we get aches and pains that are nothing more than growing pains ( lol you know what i mean!!! )

Answer 5

Welcome to the pregnancy club!!!! And it doesn't get any better as for the worrying. If you are a worrier then you will continuously worry. Even now as I have felt the baby move and know her little schedule I'm even more worried. Its all part of being a mommy. But the book has alot a great advice and sounds as though you are dwelling on the negative. I've read the entire book and still use it as a reference. For every negative there are equally positive statements and facts as well. The only advice I have is to try to release those worries when they spring up by daydreaming of the good things to come. And once you get to the point of movements relish in that fact. Oh!!! And don't listen to all those horrible things people say. Your pregnancy is individual and not all symptoms lead to bad things. If you're ever truly worried about a symptom call your doctor and above all else, trust your own instincts. You know your body, and you're learning the developing body of your child's. Trust in yourself and your natural abilities.

Answer 6

Don't worry! I know how you feel! I was so scared but had to just look over it. You think I can't wait til I get passed 12 weeks and then something else comes up that you worry about! it is all apart of pregnancy. Good luck and hope you can be alittle more relaxed in you pregnancy!

Answer 7

I have that book, but I stopped reading it. It freaked me out too bad. I got "Your Pregnancy, Week by Week" and I LOVE it. The "What to Expect" book is too scary, and I feel like it talks down to the mother-to-be. I'd recommend getting a different book so you don't worry too much!!

Good luck with your pregnancy!

Answer 8

Stop reading that damn book!!! Everyone says it's a great repository for information, but in my experience, and apparantly yours, it's a huge source of neurotic pregnancy. You want info? Call your doctor. Even the maternity ward where you will be giving birth will have better information than that stupid book that only exists because of that movie Nine Months. Really, it takes all the worst case scenarios and makes them seem everyday. Use your best judgement and protect that belly. Aside from that, stop listening to everyone else's advice. That's the other thing that'll make you crazy.

Answer 9

DONT stress yourself...it is also written in the same section. Eat well and healthy, take folic acid and prenatal vitamins, don't drink,smoke or do any drugs. Try not to lift heavy objects and think positive....keep the negative vibes away. Congratulations on your pg.

Answer 10

Thats a great book, just don't read those chapters if they get to you.