When you are diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, it's so common to feel like you've been swept up by a tornado.
All of the new medical terminology, changes in your day to day lifestyle, a new vision for what your pregnancy may look like can all leave you feeling overwhelmed.
It's also very common for these complications to translate into negative thoughts about yourself. You may find yourself thinking
I'm broken.
I'm doing a terrible job protecting my baby.
I'm a bad mom.
I'm failing.
Self-blame is a very common reaction, but one that can take a toll on your self-esteem. (Tweet that!)
In this video, I'm share with you:
why self-esteem can take a hit when you're diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy
how lowered self-esteem affects not only you but your baby too
4 simple ways to bring your self-esteem back up so you can fully enjoy every special moment with your baby
The Short and Sweet
When you find out there's something wrong with the pregnancy or a risk you may deliver early, it affects how you feel about yourself. Lowered self-esteem during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety during and after the pregnancy and it affects how well you bond with your baby during pregnancy and after birth. 4 tips to lift up your self-esteem
Higher self-esteem means you can feel happier so that you enjoy every single special moment and milestone you hit.
Tell yourself you're not broken. Turn those negative thoughts around by changing how you talk about yourself.
Be an active member of your care team. Understand your complications in detail and get all of your questions answered so you can make confident decisions about your health and your baby's health.
Influence your life. Find other ways in your life that you can influence. Remembering that you do have choices and that life is not just happening to you can improve your self-esteem significantly.
Give yourself credit. Accept compliments and acknowledge all the ways you are protecting your baby and making good choices. Write it down so you don't forget them on the tough days.
Tweet This!
A high-risk pregnancy doesn't define you as a mom or a woman. (Tweet that!)
Your Turn!
Do you struggle with self-esteem during your high-risk pregnancy? Do you catch yourself blaming yourself for the pregnancy complications?
Leave your comments below. I would love to hear from you!