Saturday, July 14, 2018

Good Articles To Read For Those Struggling With High Risk Pregnancy

I took a quiz the other day to learn my enneagram type, (an ancient body of wisdom that identifies nine core personality types and how each sees and interacts with the world). I'm a romantic.

Described by disowned emotional fluctuations, difficulty accepting constraints and ordinary aspects of life, a tendency to fall in self-absorption, disproportionate idealism, a tendency to focus upon what is missing or lacking in the relationship, and finally sensitivity to criticism.

Spot on.

Dealing with the condition I've been dealt with and the struggles of a high risk pregnancy hasn't been the easiest for a self-absorbed, overly emotional romantic like me. If you think a high risk pregnancy is a breeze, and if you think bed rest is an opportunity to be lazy, you my friend are a rare breed and I hope you realize how lucky you are.

For me, not being able to get up and go to the gym as both my outlet and my method to keep in shape is extremely hard to deal with. Worrying that people think I'm using pregnancy as an excuse to not do things really bothers me. Hearing, "It's okay to work out while you're pregnant," or "You really don't need to be that worried," makes me feel so frustrated and misunderstood.

For others with high risk pregnancy, keeping to a strict diet, giving themselves shots every day, or visiting the OBGYN every week can make life so complicated that they cry at the thought of it.

I've lost one child already because of my condition. Don't try to tell me I just don't appreciate the gift that I'll get when this is over. I KNOW how bad I want a safe, healthy daughter, and I am willing to do everything I need to for her. But that doesn't mean it's easy. And it sure doesn't mean I won't shed a few tears.

So, sitting on this couch feeling my muscles that I worked so hard for turn to mush, I began my search for articles, blogs, anything related to my condition called Incompetent Cervix. There really isn't much more than Web MD definition type of stuff. But I was able to find a few things that gave me comfort that I'm not alone, and that made me realize that I don't have it as bad as I sometimes feel that I do.

For other mamas out there struggling to keep it together during their high risk pregnancy, here's a collection of some articles that I personally don't want to lose site of.

If you think you have it bad, try reading about women in South Africa: What Is Incompetent Cervix? A Mom Shares Her Story.

If you think you're alone in feeling this way, check out these 10 Struggles Every Mom With A High Risk Pregnancy Can Understand.

If you're looking for some straight-forward, honest advice: 10 Tips to Get Through Your High-Risk Pregnancy Without Losing Your Shit

If you just like reading other's stories check out, Truly Tafakari's post, Carrying My High-Risk Pregnancy and the “Weight” of Mommy Guilt

If you want to follow a blogger who has had incompetent cervix and who posts regularly on pregnancy & mom-related subject, I've really enjoyed Priscilla Blossom's posts on Romper.

And if you feel like there aren't enough resources for women like you, then start a blog or facebook group and get something going. There really aren't enough blogs about high risk pregnancy, but with more and more women feeling comfortable to talk about the honest truth, it's only a matter of time.

Have an article that you enjoyed reading during your high risk pregnancy? Please share in the comments!

Monday, July 9, 2018

Announcing Baby Gates: Our Rainbow Baby Is a Girl!

I am so happy to share that I am finally expecting my rainbow baby! AND it's a girl!

In 2013 I lost my son at 21 weeks due to incompetent cervix. Read more on that here.

Earlier this year, my husband and I tried to get pregnant and lost what we hoped to be our first child together super early, at about 6 weeks.

A few months later, we found out that we are expecting again. And on July 4th when we had scheduled our annual Independence Day parts, we decided to have a big explosion to find out that we are having a girl!

Here is the video: