How to Cope with a Difficult Pregnancy

Although I am a decade past my childbearing years, I have friends and readers of all ages, some who are still having babies and others who may be expecting the arrival of their grand-babies. While I was blessed to have two healthy pregnancies and deliver two healthy babies, I know that other women may experience difficulties during pregnancy. So I am providing this article for those women.

When family planning begins and you finally get a positive pregnancy test, you might assume that the whole journey is going to be a wonderful time. And it is a wonderful time, however, the reality is that some pregnancies are not as easy as others. You might find yourself facing pregnancy challenges that leave you unsure of what to do and how to deal with whatever issues may arise. For this reason, it is important to understand some of the challenges that you might face during pregnancy. This article is meant to provide you with some simple coping mechanisms to have a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.

Allow Yourself To Rest

Let’s face it, growing a human being is exhausting work. And from the moment you discover that you are pregnant, it is not just yourself that needs care, but your baby does, too. Getting the appropriate amount of rest is essential for both your and your baby’s health. So even if you have plenty to do to prepare for the arrival of your child, you must continue to prioritize your health which includes adequate sleep and rest.

Remember that as your pregnancy progresses, so does the exhaustion. By the third trimester, you might find that your energy levels have dipped so low that you simply feel tired all the time. Taking time to rest, especially during the final trimester, is not only acceptable but highly encouraged. Rest at this stage of any pregnancy is necessary self care for you and your growing baby. Not only will you be physically healthier when you rest more, but you will also be more mentally prepared for the birth and the task of being a new mother. 

Find People To Talk To

Not all pregnancies are exciting times. If a pregnancy is unplanned or if you simply don’t feel ready to be a parent, this period of expectation can be absolutely terrifying. Even if you have planned your pregnancy and are very excited for growing your family, fear and anxiety are normal emotions to experience during pregnancy.

Often pregnant women can find themselves very lonely in their pregnancy struggles, particularly single expectant mothers. It is important to remember that no matter what your pregnancy situation is, there are other women who may be experiencing the same difficulties. Seeking out people in similar situations can be a helpful way to learn new coping mechanisms and to build a community of support. If you need assistance of this kind, you can search online for pregnancy support near me to find local groups that are established to offer this type of support.

Stay Informed

One of human’s greatest fears is the fear of the unknown. This fear can become exacerbated when you are pregnant especially if it is your first pregnancy. Even if it is not your first pregnancy, if you are having a different experience from previous pregnancies, this fear can still creep up on you. Fears of this sort tend to prompt us to start searching online for the meaning of certain symptoms.

Although the internet can be a wonderful resource of information, it is not always a great idea to start self-diagnosing pregnancy issues through a Google search. When it comes to your health during pregnancy, it can also be a problem searching online because you can easily obtain incorrect information which might cause unnecessary anxiety and fear.

However, it is important to stay informed about your health and the health of your baby at this time. Therefore, before embarking on an internet self-diagnostic, speak to your obstetrician or other health care provider. Be prepared with questions and concerns for each appointment. You may even want to write them down so you remember to get all the answers you need.

Also keep in mind that you are the best advocate for yourself and your child, so never be afraid to ask questions or express your concerns with your medical team.

If you are expecting a new arrival this year, I wish you all the best for a happy and healthy pregnancy and delivery. As the Winnie the Pooh has so eloquently said, “A grand adventure is about to begin.”

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

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I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

4 Comments

  • Marsha Banks

    I was just thinking the other day it would be years before I could hold a family member’s baby. We are at that point where the grands are too young, and my kids are done. There is just something about cuddling a newborn. I miss those days. I did experience two miscarriages before having my kids. In fact, my first child would have been born around Christmas (another reason I feel a little weepy then). They would have been 44 this year. I loved being pregnant…it was labor and delivery I hated. I had my babies during the heyday of natural childbirth!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Aw, Marsha, what a touching comment. I am so sorry that you had to suffer through 2 miscarriages. I can’t even imagine the sense of loss and pain that comes with that. I was a hot mess of anxiety during my pregnancies and I really hated about 90% of all it! In fact, I really didn’t even enjoy parenting until like 2 years ago! Now my kids are turning into pretty cool humans with their own creative ideas and independent thoughts. So far, this is my favorite stage…4th and 6th grade!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge