There are many kinds of life-changing events that can happen in women, one of which is getting pregnant. Finding out that you are about to give birth soon is probably one of the best feelings in this world. Take note that having a new baby to come in your life is a God-given gift. However, if you recently just went through a breakup with the father of your child, it may feel that your world is falling apart, that the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Having all these emotions is normal, but it does not mean that you have to stay that way forever.
“So much attention is focused on the new life coming into the world that it’s easy for pregnant women to forget to check on their own psychological and emotional well-being,” said Kristen Scarlett, LMHC. “But pregnancy is an especially important time to stay on top of these issues, especially because so many unique challenges commonly arise.”
Here are some of the ways on how you could cope up with a breakup while being pregnant:
Remember Your Future
Stop dwelling in the past and start moving on to a better tomorrow. Do not let the separation bring you down. Take note that your mental health is important for the baby’s condition. The more you stress about the situation, the more dangerous it becomes for the baby. Think about the future of your kid so that you will be inspired to move forward. All that matters is the present day. Keep in mind that whatever you do today will affect your future.
Get A Closure
If you have questions about the breakup, the best thing to do is to deal with it right away. Do not wait for months or even years before you will approach your ex-partner. As much as possible, make an effort to get closure. Whether you like it or not, it is essential to keep yourself away from your ex while you are still moving on. The more you see him, the more difficult it will be on your part to start the process of letting go.
According to David Szwedo, PhD, “[R]esearch suggests that there is much that can be gained from difficult experiences. For example, people who are able to consider positive ways in which their lives may change in the aftermath of a negative event tend to feel both less depressed and more positive after the experience.”
Cut Him Off
This is where you need to stay away from your former partner completely. However, remember that this option is available only if the father is not willing to help you during pregnancy. If he still wants to be part of your baby’s life, then you have no choice but to give him a chance. It may be painful right now, but it would be unfair to your kid if you will deprive him of his right to know his father. On the other hand, if your ex is making pregnancy a stressful one, the right thing to do is to let him go.
Whatever you do today will affect your child’s life in the future. Be mature enough to take the high road. You do not deserve to stay miserable. “Mental health issues can impede a woman’s ability to bond with her baby, to assert her needs to her medical provider, and to safely return to work or child-rearing,” wrote Joel L. Young, MD.
Think of your kid’s future. He or she deserves love and happiness from you. It is time to move on and let go of him. Whenever you feel like giving up, do not hesitate to ask for support from your friends or family members. Remember that they are the ones who will always be there for you no matter what happens. Learn how to trust the process.