Is anxiety a normal part of pregnancy?

The more I read, the more I realize that anxiety is a common symptom of pregnancy. I also have learned that my level of stress and anxiety is not good and can effect the baby. I need to slow down.

I have been researching (which is actually one of the first things that these websites tell you not to do if you're feeling anxious, but if I didn't keep reading, I'd never know...) and found that levels of anxiety do increase while pregnant. With all the aspects of a new life that have to be considered before it arrives, who wouldn't be nervous? Mine, however, is getting to the point of poor sleep, poor appetite, and perseverating over every detail of our lives. If John has to hear one more time about how I'm worried about having so much to do at work or how expensive going to the movies is, he's going to flip his lid. I need to take action, and the first step to my recovery is admitting to the world that I have a problem and structuring a better routine to hopefully decrease my high level of anxiety. I am going to need other people to tell me that this is a good plan and that I do not have to feel guilty. I need to keep in mind that anxiety causes preterm birth and low birth weight and that anything I can do to make life better for Charlie starts before she's born.

Here's my plan:

Step 1: Keep attending prenatal yoga. I feel like a million bucks when I leave the studio. I did a little bit of a routine this morning and immediately I felt better; I'm going to keep it up!

Step 2: Learn how to tell people at work, "No". It's okay to not have complete control over every little thing and I do not have to please everyone (I need to learn that some people are never satisfied). I have always been a person to give 110%, I can run on 80% and I'd still be doing a hell of a job.

Step 3: Stop reading so much. I'm like my father in this way, I will get interested in something and I will learn as much as I can and teach myself how to do things, to the point that these interests aren't hobbies, I become obsessed. Pregnancy and parenting has become one of those subjects that I read everything I can get my hands on. I'm going to stick to some light reading before bed and skip the constant Internet research on everything from blankets to Boppies (even as I write this step, I know this is going to be the hardest).

Step 4: Take breaks. I should not be going from 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m without a few hours to rest. I trick myself into thinking that some activity is just as restful as actually laying and zoning out for a little while, apparently it's not, because if it was I wouldn't need a step 4.

Step 5: Exercise. The gym was a huge part of my routine before I was pregnant. I was exercising more frequently in the first 12 weeks, but I've been so wrapped in a world of babies lately I haven't taken the time to workout. It's time to add it back into the routine.

Step 6: Take a little while each day to enjoy Charlie. I listened to Charlie kick and move the other night before I went to sleep and I didn't wake up feeling anxious at 2:00 a.m and stay up worrying 'til 5:00 a.m. I am going to make this a part of my routine, because it will make me a happy mama!

These are my anxiety-reducing guidelines. Only a 6-step program, so already I'm following step 2 and I'm working at 80%. As always, I appreciate your input. One of the best parts of this blogging experience is hearing what other people have experienced.