We are living very difficult times ... especially for those who have medical difficulties or financial problems. But it is also difficult if you are expecting a baby. This health crisis has resulted in the cancellation of a large number of childbirth education classes and millions of pregnant people feel lost and scared. Social distancing can make you feel isolated and out of control since everything you knew just a couple of weeks ago has been uprooted.
Pregnancy and anxiety
Pregnancy and anxiety generally go hand in hand for many people… and we know the impact of the 'fight or flight' hormone cortisol on fetal development. There is an inverse relationship between maternal cortisol and fetal growth. This, although older, suggests that higher fetal exposure to maternal cortisol could be related to low birth weight, which is also widely believed today. This anxiety doesn't just affect your baby, but also in your ability to think clearly when it comes to your birth.
While anxiety is often associated with loss of control, I want to challenge you to rethink the way you think about anxiety triggered by COVID-19. How you channel your anxiety will define the difference between a defense-filled birth and a trauma-filled one.
You have control in ...
This pandemic has certainly changed the preparation and planning for giving birth, but now is not the time to give up! There are many things that you are still in control of and these are the four most important.
You have control of the place where you will give light
You can choose whether to deliver in a private or public hospital depending on your interests. There are even women who are thinking of having a home birth attended by a medical team suitable for these circumstances.
Control in position
One of the least supportive positions when it comes to protecting your perineum and preventing tearing. Many people feel trapped to push on their back, due to an epidural, and it is not the case that you have to. Depending on the mobility of your legs, you should be able to get into a variety of positions to push.
Not only can you control the position in which you push, but you can also control how long you push and when you feel comfortable taking the next step to progress labor (if you need it). Remember to give your body the time and space it needs to deliver a baby.
You are in control of your mindset
This is something that many people discredit when it comes to preparing for their birth. I love to remind people who are going to give birth that 90 percent of labor is mindset and it really is. Your contractions (if there is no increase) are not bigger than you because they come from you.
You can decide how you will react to the information provided to you during labor and delivery. Will you allow the news that your doula cannot be in the room and will make you feel distressed or will you be creative and take advantage of resources like online childbirth education. Remember, most of the things that happen at birth happen in plenty of time so that you can take a moment to feel the emotions, collect your thoughts and ask questions. Ask all the questions you need!