It's no secret that popular comedian Amy Schumer is going through a rough pregnancy. A few weeks ago, we learned that she landed in the hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the dangerous and debilitating condition that's like morning sickness on steroids. Many of us learned more about HG during Kate Middleton's three pregnancies, during which she suffered a great deal.
Yesterday, Amy reached out to fans through Instagram and asked if they would share pics and videos of kids and dogs to help her feel better during this rough time. She said, "I'm grateful as hell and know it's temporary but tough just the same."
When you're sick or feeling down (and often they go hand in hand!), sometimes it's the little things that bring you comfort and joy. In pregnancy, there are many things, whether it's a condition like HG, a different medical complication, or perinatal depression, that require extra support and mood boosting. Below is a shortlist of things you can do to help yourself through a rough pregnancy.
Tips for Coping with a Tough Pregnancy
It's human nature to seek out other people for bonding -- it's one of the biggest ways we can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. When you're going through a rough patch, or rough pregnancy in this case, one of the most effective ways to do that is to seek comfort in others. Of course, it helps if the "others" you seek are the kinds of people who just know how to comfort you! Here are some simple ways to begin to reach out.
Turn to technology - Technology -- email, texting, voice messages, and of course, social media -- is a very efficient way of being able to connect with many people on a regular basis. Make the most of your tech connections by communicating with someone (or a few someones) directly so that it feels meaningful. Direct messages often have the biggest impact. Be honest about where you are physically, mentally, and emotionally with your pregnancy, and don't be afraid to ask the other person to check in on you regularly to help keep your spirits up.
Turn away from technology - I don't mean for this list to be intentionally confusing, I promise! As much as technology can be great at helping you keep in touch, it can also be "too much." Social media in particular can leave you feeling more empty than full. Limit your scrolling to a certain amount of time per day. Try to make your interactions online meaningful. When you feel like you've had enough, pick up your phone -- and make a call to a good friend or family member, which leads me to my next tip...
Pick up the phone - Remember when you had an actual conversation with a person on your phone? If you can't remember, then it's definitely overdue. When you're feeling low, a catch-up call with a friend can work wonders on your mood and your heart.
Find your "company" - They say misery loves company, so find your company! More than likely, you're not the only one on the planet right now struggling with your pregnancy. You can find others in online forums, private Facebook groups, and chat rooms. It can really help to know that others are going through something similar, and in the process, you will likely learn new tips to help you cope!
How are you coping with your rough pregnancy? Share your tips!
Published: November 30, 2018
Tags
PregnancyHyperemesis gravidarumHGKate MiddletonAmy SchumerCelebrity Pregnancy