For most women pregnancy is a joyful event. However, if you are facing a high-risk pregnancy it can feel like a rollercoaster of stress, anxiety and fear.
If you are pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes, preeclamsia, carry multiples, or have a chronic medical condition, chances are you may be flooded with negative emotions that can create even greater risk for your pregnancy.
High Risk Pregnancies Can Lead to:
- Worry and High Anxiety
You may constantly worry about things that may go wrong and fear for your baby’s well being.
- Feelings of Vulnerability
You may feel powerless to assure the health of your baby. gamf.net You may feel like you don’t have control of your body. You may feel fragile and weary.
- Frustration and Resentment
You may be annoyed with all the sacrifices you have to make to help ensure your pregnancy is safe (e.g., bed rest, taking time off from work).
- Guilt
You may feel that it’s your fault that you somehow brought on this medical condition. You may say things like. “If only I didn’t…
- Disappointment
It may feel like a great loss that you don’t get to enjoy a “normal” pregnancy. Instead, you may feel you have to be constantly fearful and vigilant.
Even though all of these feelings are common, it is important to seek help during this stressful time to calm yourself and further decrease the risk to you and your baby.
The following suggestions may help you cope more successfully with the challenges of high risk pregnancy:
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- Educate Yourself
Empower yourself by learning about your condition, what to super mario run expect and how you can best care for yourself and your unborn child. When you better understand your treatment options, you may feel more in charge.
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- Keep in Touch with Others
Stay connected to your family and friends by phone or e-mail.
Keep communication with your partner open and be supportive of one another.
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- Gather Support from Those in Your Shoes
Find other mothers facing high-risk pregnancy. Join an online support group or find a local group in your area.
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- Ask for Help
If you are put on bed rest, you may have to let go of some of your control and rely on other people to assist you with household chores or taking care of your children. Accept all the help you can get and be grateful that others care about you.
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- Practice Relaxation Techniques
Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques and positive imagery can help relieve tension. They reduce the production of stress hormones and can also increase your chances of having a longer and healthier pregnancy.
Use your own proven techniques for relieving stress.
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- Don’t Forget to Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Remember that although there are risks, this is the only opportunity you have to enjoy being pregnant and enjoy having your baby inside you.
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- Accept That You and Your Partner May be Affected with Your High-Risk Pregnancy Differently.
Because you carry the baby, you may bear the brunt of the health restrictions and medical treatment, while your husband can continue with life as usual. This can put strain on your relationship if it is not recognized and acknowledged. Talking about your differences and what you expect from each other can be helpful.
Above all, remember that most high risk pregnancies have successful outcomes.
As you are waiting for your baby you deserve to have a peaceful mind. A psychologist with expertise in the area of pregnancy can help you improve your quality of life and perhaps even increase your chances of having a better pregnancy and healthy baby.
If you having difficulty coping with your high-risk pregnancy and could use the help of a therapist, please call me for a FREE 10-minute phone call at 281-267-1742 or email me at Irena@permalink.com
*Dr.Irena is also available for phone sessions for women who are put on bed rest.
Dr. Irena Milentijevic is a psychologist and therapist who specializes in helping women and couples cope with infertility and also in helping parents with young children. Her therapy offices are in Houston and in the Woodlands, Texas.
Dr. Irena offers online therapy for women and couples in Texas and New York City. She uses research-proven method, known as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples develop and maintain the emotional connection and support each other through stressful times. She has helped highly distressed couples be available and responsive to each other, access their resiliency, and strengthen their relationships.
If you would like to schedule a session, email Dr. Irena for a free 10-minute video consultation: irena@permalink.com or call (281)-267-1742.
