Ever wondered if your dreams are trying to tell you something? Dreams can sometimes feel so realistic, it’s easy to wonder how (and why) your brain could have conjured them up. Especially when dreams have specific or recurring themes — like pregnancy or childbirth — it feels like your subconscious is trying to deliver a message. But according to one expert, dreaming about being pregnant or giving birth can have different meanings depending on the specific type of dream.
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to dream about being pregnant, we asked a sleep expert about some of the most common interpretations — whether you’re pregnant when you have the dream or not. Thankfully, like many dreams, being pregnant in your subconscious alternate reality isn’t necessarily connected to being pregnant in real life. There are many ways to interpret dreams that are centered around birth or pregnancy. Read on to see a few of them and find out which one sounds the most relatable.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Carlie Gasia is a Spencer Institute–endorsed certified sleep science coach and certified wellness coach.
What Does It Mean to Dream About Being Pregnant?
Some dreams are memorable because they’re so outlandish — like dreams in which you forget to wear clothes in public or all your teeth fall out mid-sentence. But that doesn’t mean any of these scenarios are likely to happen. While finding out you’re pregnant is well within the realm of possibility for many people, that doesn’t mean you should take pregnancy dreams as a sign that you will be expecting soon. “Dreams about being pregnant typically carry symbolic meanings related to readiness for something new or the desire to take a step in life,” says Carlie Gasia, a certified sleep science coach.
Dreams about being pregnant can also mean different things depending on your situation. “If you’re curious about what pregnancy dreams might mean, keeping a dream journal is a great place to start,” Gasia suggests. “It’s not only therapeutic but also helps you remember your dreams more clearly. When you write down your thoughts and feelings about these pregnancy-related dreams, it can reveal why they are occurring.”
Ahead, Gasia breaks down a few common themes in pregnancy-related dreams and offers explanations for why you might be having these dreams.
- If You Dream About Being Pregnant With an Ex: If your dreams about pregnancy are centered around you being pregnant with your ex, the good news is that “it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to get back with them,” Gasia says. “Instead, it often indicates personal growth and readiness for new experiences. You’ve likely learned lessons from that past relationship, and now you’re prepared to move forward.”
- If You Dream About Being Pregnant With a Monster: Another common dream centered around pregnancy is one in which you give birth to a monster (or a baby that’s not human). Gasia says this tends to signal change in your life or a challenge outside your comfort zone. “It’s a reflection of your fears and anxieties about dealing with something unfamiliar,” she says. “This dream suggests you should confront your worries and approach this new phase with courage.”
- If You Dream About Going Into Labor: Dreaming about being in labor can be strange — especially if you’re not pregnant in real life. This dream can sometimes be interpreted as good things to come. “If your dream involves going into labor, it generally symbolizes upcoming rewards and positive outcomes resulting from your hard work and dedication,” Gasia says.
- If You Dream About Having a Miscarriage: “Dreaming about having a miscarriage is often linked to anxiety and stress,” according to Gasia. “It might indicate that you have uncertainties or pressure related to particular situations. These dreams encourage you to address your concerns and worries in your life to find a sense of relief.”
- If You’re Pregnant and Have a Pregnancy Nightmare: What if you are pregnant and keep dreaming about giving birth to monsters or having a miscarriage? Gasia says this could indicate some of your worries coming to a head. “If these dreams continue to be a bother, it could be a sign you haven’t addressed your real-life anxieties. These dreams could also suggest you’re afraid of being pregnant,” Gasia says. If this is the case, it might be worth addressing on a deeper level.
When to Seek Help
Having the same dream over and over again (called recurring dreams) can start to weigh on your mental health and impact how much sleep you get. If your dreams reach that point, it’s a good idea to contact a healthcare provider, Gasia says. “When these recurring dreams start to mess with your daily life and well-being, it’s time to talk to someone who can help,” she says. “A mental health professional or therapist is a good place to turn. They can dig into what’s causing these dreams, helping you handle stress and anxiety and finding ways to deal with them.” Gasia also says that if your recurring pregnancy dreams stem from a fear of pregnancy, you can talk with a mental health professional to help work through some of that anxiety.
It’s important to note that analyzing dreams isn’t an exact science, and dreams can ultimately mean different things to different people. Thankfully, the bottom line is that even if you dream about going into labor with a baby gremlin, it’s probably not that serious.
— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Devan McGuinness (she/they) is a Canadian disabled writer, editor, and social strategist who covers politics, entertainment, parenting, and lifestyle. Devan has contributed to PS, Fatherly, Parents, Scary Mommy, Mom.com, and more over her 10-plus years in digital media, specializing in stories that matter most to families.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
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