Skip to Content

Is it bad to watch horror movies during pregnancy?

Updated August 28, 2022

Are you wondering: is it bad to watch horror movies during pregnancy?

This is a common question that many pregnant women ask.  

After all, these movies can be pretty scary!

The answer, as it turns out, is no – it’s not bad at all! 

In fact, watching scary movies during pregnancy is perfectly safe. 

So if you’re looking for a way to take a break from all the Prenatal books and classes, or just want to have a little bit of fun during the Halloween season, don’t be afraid to put on a horror movie.

is it bad to watch horror movies during pregnancy?

 

In this post, we will explore the safety of watching horror movies during pregnancy.

We will also discuss the different types of horror movies and their effects on pregnant women.

Stay safe and informed while you’re expecting!

 

Is it bad to watch horror movies during pregnancy?

So, is it bad to watch horror movies during pregnancy? The simple answer is no.

There is no evidence that watching horror movies during pregnancy can harm your baby.

However, some women may find that watching these movies can cause them anxiety or stress.

If you are concerned about how watching horror movies will affect your pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Our OB/GYN Dr.Doug Penta, MD said watching scary movies while pregnant is safe and as long as you enjoy it you can watch them throughout pregnancy without worry.

spooky Halloween pumpkin and candle

There are different types of horror movies.

Some are more graphic than others.

Some may be more suspenseful.

It is crucial to consider the type of movie you are watching.

When you are pregnant, you may want to avoid movies that are particularly graphic or violent.

These types of movies can cause stress and anxiety.

 

5 Ways to reduce anxiety when watching a horror movie

If you’re pregnant and find yourself feeling anxious when watching a horror movie, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your anxiety.

First, try to watch it with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more comfortable and less alone.

Second, try to keep your mind occupied by thinking about something else while you’re watching.

This can be anything from what you’re going to make for dinner to a fun memory from your childhood.

You can cover your eyes and block your ears!

Third, take breaks if you start to feel too anxious. Get up and walk around or grab a snack.

Fourth, remember that it’s just a movie and that nothing is actually going to happen to you.

Fifth, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to turn off the movie and walk away.

Your safety and comfort are more important than finishing the film.

 

Spooky tree in New England

Photo: Spooky Fall Tree/Maternity Comfort Solutions

 

Watching suspense movies while pregnant

There is no evidence to suggest that watching suspenseful or scary movies will harm a pregnancy.

In fact, there are many pregnant women who enjoy watching suspenseful and scary movies during their pregnancies.

While it is always important to listen to your body and heed any warning signs, there is no reason to believe that watching suspenseful or scary movies will cause any problems.

That said, it is always important to be aware of your own personal comfort level.

If watching suspenseful or scary movies makes you feel anxious or uncomfortable, then it may be best to avoid them while you are pregnant.

However, if you are able to watch these movies without feeling overly anxious or stressed, then there is no reason not to enjoy them.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ifUbboOThw

 

How to tell your partner you don’t want to watch horror movies while pregnant

If you’re pregnant and your partner wants to watch a horror movie, but you’re not comfortable with it, there are a few things you can do.

First, try to explain your concerns.

Let them know that you’re worried about how the movie will affect your pregnancy.

Second, offer to watch another type of movie instead.

Third, if your partner is insistent on watching the horror movie, try to watch it with them.

This way, you can have a conversation about the movie afterward and process any anxiety or stress together.

Fourth, if you still don’t feel comfortable watching the movie, don’t be afraid to say no.

Your comfort and safety are more important than anything else.

Horror movies can be enjoyable for many people, but they’re not for everyone.

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to consider how watching a horror movie will affect you and your pregnancy.

And it is 100% OK to not want to watch horror movies.

I hate horror movies and get genuinely frightened by them to the point of having nightmares if I watch one.

If your partner insists on watching the movie go do something else.

Put in a set of earbuds and watch youtube or listen to a book.

 

Watching crime shows while pregnant, is it safe?

Most pregnant women take some precautions when it comes to their diet and what they watch on TV.

But what about crime shows? Is it safe to watch them while pregnant?

The answer is yes, if you enjoy them and if they do not cause you to become overly anxious or stressed.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual woman to decide whether or not she feels comfortable watching crime shows while pregnant.

The answer to this question comes down to whether or not you enjoy watching crime shows or whether they cause you stress and anxiety.

If you enjoy them and if they help you relax and rest, then there is likely no harm to you or your unborn baby.

And remember, if you start to feel anxious or stressed, you can always turn off the TV and take a break.

 

Can a scary movie put you into labor?

There’s no evidence to support the idea that watching scary movies can put you into labor, though it’s certainly possible that it could cause some women to feel anxious or stressed.

For most pregnant women, however, watching a scary movie is unlikely to have any significant impact on their labor.

Some women do report that their contractions began after watching a particularly frightening scene in a movie, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim.

If you’re really concerned about the possibility of going into labor after watching a scary movie, it might be best to avoid them altogether.

 

Can I watch a movie in the theatre during my third-trimester pregnancy?

While pregnancy is an amazing time, it can also be exhausting.

By the third trimester, many women are ready to put their feet up and relax.

So, it’s understandable that you might want to take a break and catch a movie at your local theatre.

However, there are a few things to consider before heading out.

  1. Pregnant women are more susceptible to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during the film.
  2. Remember that you may have to use the restroom more frequently than usual. If the movie is long, consider choosing a seat near the aisle so that you can make quick trips to the bathroom as needed.
  3. Try to avoid any films that are likely to be particularly loud or violent, as this can cause undue stress on your body.
  4. You might want to bring a small flashlight as movie theatres usually have steps and you don’t want to trip in the dark when you get up to move around or use the restroom.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

So, should you avoid watching horror movies during pregnancy? The answer is no – but use caution.

While there’s no evidence that horror films will cause harm to your unborn child, they may not be the best choice for you.

If you do choose to watch them, make sure to take into account how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally and turn it off if you find it stressful or too frightening.

 

 

Authors

  • Doug Penta MD OB/GYN

    Dr. Doug Penta, MD - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Dr. Doug Penta, is a seasoned Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 38 years of practice, co-founded Maternity Comfort Solutions to provide evidence-based pregnancy and parenting information. A Boston University alum and former Clinical Professor at Harvard, his articles on Maternity Comfort Solutions offer expectant mothers invaluable nutritional insights.

  • Sue Winters RN

    Sue Winters, RN - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Sue combines 20 years of nursing with a rich background in early childhood education. Co-founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions, her articles provide creative toddler activities and practical tips on pregnancy nutrition and baby shower planning, embodying her commitment to supporting families through early parenthood.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.