Reading posts about missed miscarriages on social media and community boards makes me really anxious, and I'm so sorry for all the women going through them. This is my third baby, and I'm more anxious this time than I was with either of my other pregnancies. I'm terrified that at my next ultrasound I'll find out the baby has stopped growing or has no heartbeat. I've thought about booking an extra appointment, getting a home Doppler, or drinking something cold or sugary to get the baby moving, but nothing stops me from obsessing over it. Any tips for not freaking out?
Mother Mable’s reply:
Waiting between appointments can be really hard, especially when you’re seeing so many social media posts and community boards about missed miscarriages. Even if you’ve been through pregnancy before, each pregnancy can bring its own worries. Taking it one day at a time can make that waiting feel a little more manageable.
Try muting the community boards for a while if they are causing you anxiety. There are also loads of positive birth stories on the internet–try seeking these out and training your algorithm to give you a more optimistic outlook. There are lots of beautiful things to look forward to both in your pregnancy and after birth.
Maxlyn Lavie Ellison, M.D., a retired psychiatrist with more than 36 years of experience, suggests journaling and simple mindfulness practices, such as slow breathing, body relaxation, yoga, or movement as tolerated, to help ground yourself. These strategies won't necessarily make the worry disappear, but they may help you spend a little less time in the land of “what if” and a little more time in the moment you're actually in.