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The later stages of pregnancy can be daunting at the best of times. While you’ll be undeniably excited, there are also likely fears surrounding birth, motherhood, and everything between. Not to mention that, by this point, you’ll likely have a whole host of hormones and physical limitations to contend with.
Take all of that, pile 2021 on top with its isolations and uncertainties, and what do you get? A whole load of added stress that you don’t need! Luckily, while women in later pregnancy are currently considered high risk, there’s little evidence that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe Coronavirus symptoms.
Regardless, you need to err on the side of caution and stay home to keep yourself and baby safe. The question is, how can you keep a support network when you aren’t allowed to see anyone?
We aren’t going to lie – this is a challenging time, and nothing is as simple as it would’ve been post-pandemic. But, as we’re going to consider here, there is still plenty you can do to stay supported during this most difficult pregnancy phase.
Lean on your midwife
While isolation orders can be conflicting, one thing remains true throughout your pregnancy – your midwife is there for you. Just as with any other pregnancy, you can speak to your midwife or ask to see them at any stage, for any reason. Whether you’re suffering emotionally or have concerns, they’re just a phone call away.
This is, perhaps, especially fundamental to remember considering that some non-essential appointments are happening over the phone. The thing to remember about this is that it’s merely done to keep you safer. It certainly doesn’t mean that your midwife isn’t accessible, and if you feel the need for an in-person check for any reason, you’re fully within your rights to request one.
Find safe ways to keep friends and family involved
Feeling isolated from family in your third trimester can be tricky. This is the time when you should be enjoying that pregnancy glow and getting ready with everyone around you. Instead, you’re stuck indoors feeling less connected than ever.
The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways to keep everyone else involved in your pregnancy. Regular planned Zoom calls are, for one, a fantastic starting place for keeping lines of communication open with your nearest and dearest. You could also incorporate a few more creative ways to share the experience. Why not have a bump/maternity shoot at home with your partner? You could then send these to loved ones in the form of a personalised card, or you can create a custom calendar with the prints that goes straight to their door. Or, why not make a little maternity video, and share it around so everyone can see first-hand how amazing your bump looks?
With out-of-the-box solutions like these, it will feel as though your friends and family are close, even when they’re not.
Make the most of a virtual baby shower
Baby showers are, sadly, off the cards. This has left many mums going without that all-important baby milestone, but fear not – there is a solution. As lockdowns continue, many mums and their friends are seeking alternative baby shower arrangements. Enter the virtual baby shower!
Using platforms like Zoom and Skype, you can all sign in at an appointed time and get stuck in with the fun. Heck, you can even make up a private buffet and nibble while you chat! If friends want to send gifts, they could do so in advance so that you can even open those presents on camera. And, of course, any baby shower game is liable to work just as well through a screen.
If you don’t fancy a live affair or can’t find a time that suits everyone in this busy time of life, there are also alternatives on offer. Many mums-to-be are receiving virtually created videos with messages from all their loved ones. Or, you could create a group doc where everyone writes their well-wishes for you and baby.
However you do it, hosting a baby shower somehow is sure to help you get that normal mum-to-be buzz, and could alone be enough to see you through this otherwise difficult term of life.
Take this time with your partner
It’s also worth noting that, while lockdowns are bad news overall, they do bring some silver linings. Notably, our partners are around a lot more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing at this stage in your parenting journey.
As well as giving you extra time to plan for baby’s arrival, the chance to spend uninterrupted time with the one you love is always a bonus, especially if you take steps to make the most of it. We’re talking date nights at home, and plenty of exciting chats while snuggled on the sofa.
Note, too, that your partner is there for more than just the mushy romantic stuff. You certainly needn’t feel like you can’t talk them through your fears and worries right now because the chances are that they’re feeling the same way. By confiding in each other, you should find that even nationwide lockdowns don’t leave either of you out in the cold. And, really, the support of the to-be father of your child is the best company you could ask for right now.
A final word
Pregnancy is an understandably daunting experience at the moment, and you aren’t alone in feeling this way. The good news is that, just because you can’t physically see your loved ones right now, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there for you in every possible way. Their support (even if given virtually), alongside that of your midwife and your partner, is everything you could need. Remember that, and remember too that this won’t last forever. Your pregnancy, and the pandemic, will one day end. And, when they do, this whole difficult period will become just a funny anecdote to share with the baby who makes this whole thing worthwhile.
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