Pregnancy after Loss
Nov 11 '00
I remember when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I was 19, alone, scared, but happy because at that time I believed that you got pregnant and 9 months later you had a baby. On April 12, 1996 I had a beautiful baby boy with no complications. Ooh - to be naive again.
With my second child it was the same way. Pregnancy was a natural part of life. I just wanted her to come out!! I had a mild episode of pre-term labor but it was stopped right away and I never feared losing her. October 29, 1997 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
On September 16, 1998 - she died. I have a review in the Coping with Death category that explains this more in depth, so I won't go into it here. After that point I reached for support through online support groups. I have found it very beneficial, and because most people I talk to lost their child(ren) during pregnancy I have learned a lot about what can go wrong.
At the time of this review, I am 32 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I am not the little teenager who just assumes I have a baby because I am pregnant. I am terrified of every little twinge, pull, or irregularity that occurs. I have heard one terrible tragedy after another, and I can't help but worry about it happening to me. I have found it difficult to just kick back and enjoy my pregnancy. More than ever I want my son to be born and placed in my arms where I feel I can better protect him.
If you are experiencing pregnancy after loss, my first piece of advice is SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT. I have found a couple of online support groups that are very good - if I stub my toe and I am wondering how it will affect my unborn baby there is someone who listen and give me advice (a little bit of an exaggeration but you get the point.) Secondly, find a doctor that you feel you can talk to. Make sure your doctor/ob/midwife understands your history, your fears, and is willing to assist you in calming your anxieties. Ask if you can be seen more frequently, if that will make you feel better. Can you have extra ultrasounds? Are you comfortable calling with your questions? (By the way, even a woman who hasn't experienced a loss should feel very comfortable with their medical professional - this is something I learned the hard way). Finally, listen to your body. If you feel something isn't right, demand to have it checked. You know your body better than anyone else and you should trust yourself first and foremost in knowing when something is wrong.
I am starting to have more days where I am enjoying the pregnancy rather than fearing for the safety and well being of my child, but the panic attacks still arise. My worst nightmare used to be losing one of my children, now it is losing another one.
If anyone has specific questions about Pregnancy after loss and support group resources, feel free to email me. Thanks for reading.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
hhassell99
|
|
Member: Heather Sawyer
Location: Lakewood, CO
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 45 members
About Me:
Home Schooling, Breastfeeding, SAHM and a whole list of other qualities that annoy people.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.