Pregnancy After Loss: 3 Steps for Hope and Healing
Happiness, excitement, relief. Emotions you couldn’t wait to experience because of one little test. One test that changed your life forever- positive.
Fertility journeys are unique and full of uncertainty, excitement and emotions that ebb and flow like the tide. And if you’ve experienced a loss during your journey, then you know how difficult the day-to-day is or even the thought of moving forward holding on to hope.
Pregnancy after a loss is nerve-wracking and most definitely emotional. One moment, you’re happy then the next, feelings of worry and uncertainty take over. And you’re not alone with these feelings, they’re completely normal. Remember your hormones are in full gear so it’s pretty common that your emotions are all over the place.
However, pregnancy is a beautiful thing. It’s something you should enjoy and take one day at a time. It’s also something that you should treasure because you’re working so hard to create a wonderful gift. The good news is that there are some simple ways you can focus more on the experience and find comfort in knowing that there’s so much more waiting ahead. This blog will help you realize the importance of channeling your feelings into ones of courage, joy, and resilience.
1. Taking Care of Yourself
Once you find out you’re pregnant some days will feel light while others, heavy. But it’s important to remember that each day is a step forward. As you continue on your journey, find time for yourself. After all, you’re now carrying a beautiful, growing human being. Self-care is essential and more important now than ever. Some tips include:
1. Prioritize Your Health
Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
Focus on whole foods and eat organic when possible
Stay active with gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga.
Get plenty of rest and relaxation- after all you’re going through a lot right now
2. Stay Connected with Your Doctor
Staying connected with your doctor is another important step in moving forward on your journey. Especially after a loss, establishing a strong relationship with your doctor is essential. Frequent checkups, comfort in knowing you can ask loads of questions, and confiding in your doctor will help ease your mind during your pregnancy.
Also, never forget to be your biggest advocate. If you’re unsure of something, would like more monitoring or just want to talk it out, speak your voice.
3. Take It One Day At a Time
Instead of focusing on the full pregnancy, break things down into smaller goals. For instance your first ultrasound, making it past a certain week, or feeling the baby’s first kicks.
Each milestone is a victory worth celebrating. And trust me, these events, no matter how small, are worth the joy and celebration.
2. Managing Your Worry and Finding Peace and Happiness
Fear of another loss is completely understandable. All you’ve gone through, overcame and dealt with in the past and present for that matter can be a bit scary. And when push comes to shove, those feelings may never fully go away. Again, understandable. Don’t feel shame because you’re worried, just concentrate on some tools and resources that can keep them controlled:
Mindfulness and Meditation – Focusing on the present moment can help reduce stress. Try starting your day with some quiet meditation or mindful activities. These activities give you the opportunity to start the day fresh, focused and ready for anything, balanced and calm.
Affirmations – Remind yourself daily how lucky you are. Think about the small things in your life that bring you joy and think of the joy that’ll come. “Today I am pregnant and I’ll embrace every moment.”
Talk to Someone Who Understands – If you feel overwhelmed, let your healthcare provider or even a therapist know. These experts can offer reassurance and help you navigate your concerns.
Despite your concerns, never forget you deserve to be happy. It’s okay to be happy and you should celebrate where you are! Allow yourself to plan, prepare and envision what life will be like once you have your baby. Give yourself permission. Go ahead, buy those baby clothes, pick out names, and decorate the nursery. You’re not ignoring the past—you’re simply allowing hope into your heart. Doesn’t it feel good?
3. Leaning on Your Support System
Your partner, family, and friends are a great source of support. Family and those you hold near and dear are essential in helping you feel loved, accepted and positive during your experience.
You may have felt isolated in the past but don’t forget the power of communication. Letting others know how you feel and how they can support you is just another way your journey can move forward.
Moving Forward with Strength
Pregnancy after loss isn’t easy, but you are strong. Every step you take is proof of your resilience. Whether this is your rainbow baby or simply a step forward as you heal, you’re never alone. Hold onto hope, take it one day at a time, and trust that your story is a beautiful one, filled with love, courage, and possibility.