Can you watch scary films when pregnant

I just want to know it's not gonna cause any harm to my unborn baby before i decide to go. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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Archived discussions are usually a bit older and not as active as other community content. Newest First. I jumped a few times during The Haunting in Connecticut. I can't see how a horror movie would harm your unborn child. My DH last night just told me "I don't know how I feel about you going to see that movie being pregnant and all" I think I will be fine - as long as my heart rate doesn't get too high and I remember to breathe, right?

It all depends on how you feel about scary movies. I personally hate them because they give me anxiety and I have nightmares after watching them. But if you feel fine, go ahead and enjoy it! I have always continued to watch them during all 4 of my pregnancy's. The topics of a good horror film are generally unsettling, sometimes gruesome and often violent.

At the very least, a decent horror movie should leave you feeling a little rattled. We generally watch them because, for whatever reason, we enjoy being frightened. We get a kick out of being scared out of our mind for a few hours at a time. Kind of crazy when you think about it, right? So, it does make sense that there may be some concern about the effect such films might have on the already sensitive body and emotional state of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

So, is there any truth to this? Or is it simply an old wives tale? However, when thinking about it more logically, there is no scientific proof that watching a horror film whilst pregnant has any effect on the unborn baby.

Watching a horror film is certainly not going to cause the kind of physical damage to an unborn baby than smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy would. Of course, what we do know, is that putting added stress on an expectant mother unnecessarily is never a great idea. But make of that what you will. You have to eat this and have to take that supplement. Related: Can you eat crawfish while pregnant? Scary movies are not expressly prohibited when you are pregnant.

However, it is best to exercise caution and just wait until you give birth before watching a scary movie. While there is no definitive scientific proof that watching scary movies while pregnant is harmful to your child, it is still important to put your child first. No matter how often you watch scary movies, you will always experience an adrenaline surge as a response to fear. All this stress gets transferred to the baby, which can lead to some developmental issues later on.

It is best to note that this can only result from prolonged exposure to being scared while pregnant, as opposed to watching the occasional scary movie for a few hours at a time. If you must watch scary movies while pregnant, try to do it at home where you can control your surroundings. That includes getting the right snacks, being able to go to the bathroom whenever you feel like, and pausing the movie if it gets to be a bit too much.

Going to a cinema may seem like a good idea, but it will be very chaotic for you in your current state. The loud noises and scares can also disturb your baby in the womb due to all movement and stimulation. Most mothers wonder if you can watch scary movies while pregnant, it can be a bit of a grey area. When you need to keep in mind is your emotional stability when watching the movie and how that can affect your baby. At the end of the day, your baby should be the most important factor when deciding whether or not to watch scary movies while pregnant.

Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children.