You are the closest I will ever come to magic.
– Suzanne Finnamore
Don’t you just love this quote about pregnancy and becoming a mother? Having kids does feel like magic, often from the very start! If you’re pregnant, take a moment to think about your mental health right here and now. If you’ve been pregnant in the past, do you remember the ups and downs that most of us navigate during pregnancy? The hope is that through this process, you can tap into self-compassion for yourself if you’re currently struggling, or compassion for others, especially if you’ve been there in the past.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring: things you may be grieving from your road to pregnancy, deeper issues that may be showing up during pregnancy, and wrapping up with calming self-care ideas to use during pregnancy.
Things you may be grieving from your road to pregnancy may include:
- 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 (or closer) in age
- Needing fertility treatments in order to get pregnant
- 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 may include:
- Being too hard on yourself
- Grief and loss
- Lack of self-confidence
- Not feeling worthy
- Perfectionism
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Trauma from your past
- Not feeling good enough
What else would you add here?
Calming self-care ideas to use during pregnancy:
- Rest your body
- Focus on nutrition
- Hydrate
- Meditate
- Connect emotionally with loved ones
- Find a great mantra
- Do gentle stretches
- Journal
What types of self-care help you with inner peace and inner calm?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many people are currently struggling during pregnancy (or can remember struggling during their past pregnancies). If you could use more help and support in your life, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
