Being pregnant can be tough for some women for a multitude of different reasons. One worry may be being alone with the new baby after giving birth, especially if the woman doesn’t have a partner to help care for the child. Another concern could be developing pregnancy complications when the expectant mother already has an illness or physical condition that makes caring for a newborn more complicated, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or deafness. Additionally, some women become pregnant unwillingly or experience violence from their partner during pregnancy, which can understandably add to their stress and anxiety levels.
‘I was worried about my diabetes getting worse and having a hypoglycemic attack while taking care of my baby, but the midwife referred me to talk to the diabetic nurse-consultant. They were able to help me adapt my diet and answer any other questions I had.’
Advisors are available to help with these types of situations, but it can be tough to reach out for help or even admit that there are particular issues at play. That said, stress can take a toll on your baby’s development and growth, so it’s important to do what you can to ensure a safe birth despite any challenges you might be facing. A checklist of topics to consider is included below.
If you’re pregnant and have additional medical needs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
-Before baby arrives, make sure you have a list of relevant telephone numbers ready to call for support and help, just in case.
-Arrange social support by enlisting the help of friends, family, or other mothers in voluntary groups.
-Ask yourself who you want to be with you during the birth and immediately afterwards.
-Find out how you can meet other new mothers – this can be helpful if you’re in a similar situation.
-Consider where you’re going to live and with whom.
-Make a plan for how you will afford/obtain things you need for yourself and the baby.
-Make a plan for how you will take care of yourself and your baby.
-Look into which financial benefits, housing, childcare, and other services you are entitled to.
-Find out if the baby’s father has any legal rights of access.
-Learn about the rights and role of your baby’s grandparents.
-Make time for yourself, even if it’s just a little each day.
10 things to remember
1. When you first find out that you are pregnant, it is normal to experience a range of conflicting emotions. You might feel happy and excited, but also scared and unsure about what the future holds. It is important to talk to your partner and close friends or family about how you are feeling, so that they can support you through this time.
2. Avoid starting any big projects at work or home if you can, to give yourself the time and energy to adjust to your pregnancy.
3. Ask for help!
4. Recording your thoughts and emotions during pregnancy is a great way to keep a pregnancy diary! This will not only help you remember all the physical changes your body is going through, but also remind you of things you need to do to care for yourself and your baby.
5. To help you both feel more prepared and connected during your pregnancy, try to spend at least ten minutes each day discussing the pregnancy and how you’re feeling. This will give you both a chance to share your thoughts and concerns, and to stay up-to-date on what’s going on with each other. Plus, it can be a nice bonding experience during such a special time.
6. Consult your doctor or local midwife as soon as you find out you’re pregnant to ensure that you and your baby are getting the best possible care during your pregnancy.
7. Be sure to write down any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy, and take this list with you to all of your antenatal appointments from here on out. This way, you can be sure that you won’t forget to ask anything important and that your doctors will have all the information they need in order to provide the best care for you and your baby.
8. If you’re ever feeling lost during a conversation with your midwife or doctor, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. They often use jargon and abbreviations, so it’s perfectly normal to need things explained in layman’s terms now and then!
9. It’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress yourself as much as possible during pregnancy, as stress can have a negative impact on both your health and the health of your baby.
10. If you’re experiencing difficulties during your pregnancy, whether they be domestic, social, medical, or work-related, don’t be afraid to seek help and advice from the many resources that are available to you. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it, and you’ll be glad you did when you’re able to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing.
