DEAR ABBY: I recently married, and my husband and I are starting to think about when we should try to have children. I am having a hard time getting over the mindset that my parents instilled in me that pregnancy is bad -- as in when you're a teenager and your parents tell you over and over. (At least mine did.) It has made me terrified of getting pregnant.
How do I get over this mantra and move forward in my life? We want to start a family, but I always have this nagging feeling like I'm not as excited to have kids as my friends are. (We are in our early 30s.) Are these feelings normal? -- BRIDE IN PHOENIX
DEAR BRIDE: At this point, it might be helpful if you discussed this with your parents. After all, it was they who planted this seed of doubt in your head. I'm sure once they hear that what they planted has grown into a fear of having the grandchildren they would love to have, they will find the words to reassure you that a pregnancy after marriage is something to be celebrated. However, if your concerns continue after that, talk about them with your OB/GYN or a licensed counselor.