The Unspoken Effect of a High-Risk Pregnancy

You feel like it's all your fault. You feel like your body is failing. So that means you are failing. The reality is, a high-risk pregnancy can happen to anyone. At any time. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't cause this and you certainly aren't failing.
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I see you.

Googling every combination of terms related to your pregnancy complication so you can get some answers about what to expect and why this is all happening.

I see you.

Sitting on your sofa in the middle of the day, watching another movie so you don't have to watch the clock ticking while you're on bed rest.

I see you.

Teaching yourself to crochet so you can keep your hands busy while you count down until you hit viability.

I see you.

You're trying to stay hopeful, to stay positive.

But there's a thought and a deep feeling that you can't shake. One that drives your mood into the ground and keeps you awake at night.

One that you don't often share out loud because of how guilty it makes you feel.

You feel like you're failing your baby.

Your pregnancy isn't the blissful experience that you had hoped for, wearing cute maternity clothes to work and showing off your growing bump to loved ones at your baby shower.

Instead of being busy with choosing bassinets, car seats and strollers, you're consumed with blood tests, cervical checks and preterm contractions.

You feel like it's all your fault. You feel like your body is failing. So that means you are failing.

The reality is, a high-risk pregnancy can happen to anyone. At any time.

You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't cause this and you certainly aren't failing.

What you are doing is sacrificing weeks and months of your life, relationships and career by being on bed rest so your baby can be safer.

What you are doing is fighting for your baby every single second of every day, not giving up even on the days it feels impossible.

What you are doing is everything you possibly can to protect your baby.

We often take for granted what comes naturally or easily to us.

But you deserve credit for all of it -- all of the blood, sweat and tears that come with the ups and downs of pregnancy complications and the anxiety and stress that it causes.

You are doing everything you possibly can.

As you're reading this, say it out loud. "I'm doing everything I possibly can to protect my baby."

Say it again. And again.

Because it's true.

I see you.

Taking in heartbreaking information about your situation and making tough choices when it would be easier to tune it out and pretend it's not happening.

I see you.

Digging deep to find a superhuman strength to keep your baby safe.

I see you.

Fighting with every cell in your body, giving your baby the best chance for a healthy life.

I see you.

And you're doing great.

--
Parijat Deshpande, MS, CWC, CSMC is a Perinatal Wellness Counselor who works with women who feel helpless during their high-risk pregnancy and are terrified of what could happen. She guides moms to work through their stress, anxiety and guilt so they can feel confident and more hopeful through all of the ups and downs.

Struggling to stay calm during your high-risk pregnancy? Grab the free Perinatal Wellness Toolbox today to get through your pregnancy with less anxiety and more hope.

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