Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies.<
-Merete Leonhardt-Lupa
Society often tells us we’re supposed to be happy and glowing throughout our pregnancies, but for most of us, this just isn’t or wasn’t the case.
You may feel sad throughout your pregnancy, and your sadness is valid.
You may be grieving your life before getting pregnant, and your grief is valid.
You may not love your pregnant body, and your feelings are valid.
You may feel anger toward you partner around how much your life has change (while their life really hasn’t changed much yet), and this is also valid.
Carving your own path in pregnancy can feel hard, especially with outside expectations and pressures. Try to find a quiet space where you can hear your own voice and tune into your own wants and needs for your pregnancy.
Here are some things you may be grieving from your road to pregnancy…
- Not getting pregnant on the first try
- Getting pregnant right away
- Wanting kids closer together
- Waiting for your partner to be ready for a baby
- Getting pregnant unexpectedly
- Wanting kids farther apart
- Needing fertility treatments
- Previous chemical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or pregnancy loss
What else would you add to this list?
Deeper issues that may show up during pregnancy:
- Being too hard on yourself
- Perfectionism
- Grief and loss
- Lack of self-confidence
- Not feeling worthy
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Trauma from your past
- Anxiety
- Not feeling good enough
What else would you add here?
Calming self-care ideas to use during pregnancy:
- Rest your body
- Meditate
- Find a great mantra
- Focus on nutrition
- Do gentle stretches
- Hydrate
- Journal
- Connect emotionally with loved ones
What else would you add to this list that helped your while you were pregnant?
It’s not easy to be pregnant and struggling emotionally. Know that you’re not alone. If you need more help and support right now, please reach out to a perinatal therapist or doctor in your area. I’m sending lots of love and support your way as you navigate hard feelings and emotions that may surface throughout your pregnancy!
