However, knowing that fear is common doesn't help resolve the matter or answer your questions. Why isn't the baby moving as much as Suzy Q's baby? Jane's practitioner had her take test XYZ and yet your practitioner doesn't believe in it? Your abdomen is much bigger this time, is there more than one baby in there? Or, how about the dream that you had puppies?
Some of your concern is fact based and some of it hormonal. After all, how many women have really had puppies? Some of the biggest concerns are the health of your baby. Is there any way to ensure a healthy baby? Or allay your fears in the slightest? Following your practitioner's orders and gathering information are the best ways that I know to deal with worry.
Educating yourselves is a really good way to help relieve some of your fears. I recommend a childbirth class for everyone, even if it is your second baby (or more). Asking questions when you see the practitioner, making it a point to write down the answers. Reading books is a really good way to educate yourselves, although not every book is as accurate as it should be, so ask for recommendations from educators, practitioners, etc.
Your concerns and fears will change during each trimester, and they will be different from your partners. We find that men are more honed in on the financial aspects of having a baby and the health of his partner, while the woman is more tuned in to the fear of miscarriage and the health of the baby.
The best thing that you can do is be patient of one another. If you have a specific concern be sure to share that and work towards finding an answer. You can ask your practitioner, your educator, your doula, me or any other professional you run into.
So, don't be a member of the Worried Wiper Club (W.W.C.) forever!
