I think I promised an entry on how I learnt to cope with fear of the ‘M’ word during my pregnancy…so here it is.

It’s really not rocket science or some magical incantation. Just simple prayer and faith. In case you think I’m going to propel into one of those evangelising talks, no, I’m a free thinker and have never been the overly religious sort. I do, however, believe that there is a God or a higher power/s. Perhaps it has something to do with more than 10 years of being in catholic schools — from kindergarten to secondary school. That said, I do pray at temples and churches, whichever I happen to go to with my parents or in-laws. I somewhat believe that my prayers for a baby were answered during the round of temple praying during Chinese New Year with my in-laws.

Anyway, so much for that introduction and history on how I conceived.

I don’t think I’ve been that religious until I got pregnant. I pray before I sleep now. It’s the same prayer every night, but I believe that God hears it. It’s also a reassurance that I’ve done what I can and those things that are not within my control, will be taken care of by God. It pretty much starts of with me thanking God for taking care of baby and me, and keeping us safe. Then I’ll ask God to continue keeping hubby, me and baby safe. I’ll also ask God to bless my baby so that he/she will grow up strong, healthy and happy. The next thing I ask for or rather hope for is rather odd — I hope that there will never be a reason for God to take away baby from me (in other words, the ‘M’ word). If I’m suffering from any ailment (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, flu, aches and pains), I also ask that God help me ease those symptoms.

All that is just for myself. Well, it pretty much started out like that until I felt there was a need to pray for others. Then my prayers got longer. Sometimes I wonder if God gets sick of hearing the same thing from me every night. *shrugs* There are also some nights that I end up falling asleep halfway through my prayers. *guilty look*

After praying, I silently “talk” to baby. Yes, I’m weird like that. Perhaps my thought vibes can be felt and read by baby? Really don’t know. It’s always the same words of encouragement to baby. That I know baby is a fighter and will continue to fight to survive. That daddy and mummy loves baby a lot and will always be here to cheer him/her on on life’s journey.

Erm…I know people have said to actually talk to baby and that baby can hear even while inside, but it just feels so weird talking to my baby bump. I do say good morning and good night to baby, and sometimes say that I know he/she is there when he/she kicks a lot. I just don’t have very long conversations with baby.

Yup, that is pretty much how I calmed myself down from my slightly paranoid self in the eight weeks. After that, I just went about doing things like normal. Of course, I’m mindful that I’m pregnant so I don’t go jumping around like a monkey, but I feel that my pregnancy shouldn’t get in the way of doing daily chores and activities. Besides, all that worrying gets me nowhere. It’s not like I can peer into my tummy 24/7 to make sure baby is alright. So having faith is pretty much the way to go until the next ultrasound scan where I can somewhat “see” that baby is doing fine. In addition, I believe that happy mummy = happy baby. So if I stay positive and happy, it rubs off on baby as well.

So, to all the overly paranoid mummies out there, relax and enjoy your pregnancy!