What is the meaning of Pregnancy in dreams?

It may seem ridiculous or laughable to some, but pregnancy in dreams, although uncommon, is something not confined to gender or age. Such dreams manifest themselves in different ways, each reveal specific personality, and other traits of the individual experiencing pregnancy in dreams.

Here are six of the most common pregnancy dream themes and images, as observed and documented by Hillary Grill, co-author of "Dreaming for Two" (Dutton 2002):

1. A cheating partner: This is a dream where the husband or boyfriend is having an affair. This is generally an indication of insecurity and vulnerability. Some women may feel unattractive as their bodies change and may fear their husbands may not still desire them, or if they will never get back to shape.
2. Delivering animals: The closest a pregnant woman can experience motherhood, is by owning a pet. This is because the unknown, difficulties of nurturing a baby is in direct contrast to the ease in taking care of a puppy or kitten. This is also a 'rehearsal' dream, where the pet is substituted for the baby, and may reflect her fear of being fully responsible for a helpless being.
3. Reappearance of an ex-lover: This is an image where the woman gets together with an ex-lover. Although this may not mean that the woman wishes that to happen, it could reveal that she is apprehensive about her forthcoming responsibilities and new role. It may also reflect her feeling of being trapped, or romanticizing a past where she had more freedom.
4. Removal of baby from uterus: A pregnant woman is usually concerned about the health of her baby. This dream therefore, is possibly a manifestation of the desire to confirm that the baby is progressing normally. During such a dream, the baby is returned to the uterus after the woman is convinced that it is well. Such dreams are most common among women who have experienced an early high-risk pregnancy or miscarriage. Another likely interpretation, of the woman visually checking the baby, is her own way of answering whether she will love her baby.
5. Delivering an alien: This dream may seem disturbing but, in fact, is quite normal. This image evolves from the woman's feeling that an alien has taken possession of her body. One possible cause of such a feeling may be linked to the image of her baby that she viewed during sonography. It is true that such an image is akin to that of an alien while this dream may also reflect the woman's concern of what her baby will look like and how she is going to nurture it.
6. Swimming or drowning: Water features prominently in a pregnant woman's dream throughout the nine months. If she dreams of swimming, it could mean that she is attempting to connect with her baby who is immersed in the water of her womb. Where the image is drowning, it will reflect her feeling of being overwhelmed, or a fear of her water bag breaking. The sea with its breaking waves may also symbolize imminent childbirth.

Those who experience normal or abnormal dreams during pregnancy can draw consolation from the fact that they are not the only ones. However, while such dreams cannot be prevented, they can be limited to more natural or happier types of dreams. This can be achieved by simply undergoing relaxation techniques to lessen the anxiety and stress that accompany most pregnancies.