Pregnancy after infertility
After finding out that you have managed to achieve a pregnancy after infertility, many hopeful and expectant parent describe feeling a mix of relief, excitement, anxiety and panic.
When I saw those lines (on the pregnancy test) I felt a bolt of adrenaline. A flash of fear and panic, mixed with utter relief. I ran wildly around the house, like a dog in a storm.
Ongoing feelings during pregnancy after infertility
Many men and women also say that despite becoming pregnant after experiencing infertility, their distress and despair that they experienced through months or years of infertility and unsuccessful treatments remained with them. In particular is is common for expectant and new parents to experience ongoing anxiety throughout the pregnancy and in the months following birth.
During my pregnancy I was extremely anxious. I did not buy baby stuff until two weeks before my son was born in case he never arrived…and in the after birth I had recurring nightmares of losing him.
Anxiety
Infertility can cause anxiety both during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby, and there may be a higher likelihood that these parents will be overly protective of their children.
At the beginning of the year, I had a miscarriage which left me heartbroken. I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again but I’ve also felt like a bag of nerves. ~Carrie Symonds
It is therefore important be aware of feelings of anxiety during pregnancy and in the months following birth, and be aware of how your thoughts and feelings are affecting your experience of pregnancy and your parenting in the early months and years of parenthood.
If you continue to experience feelings of distress, there is pregnancy counselling available under Medicare and you can also seek help for anxiety. Links to specialist services can be found on the e-COPE Directory.
Get the Ready to COPE app for guidance and support throughout your pregnancy
You can also download up to our free Ready to COPE app for tools, strategies and evidence-based information to help with feelings of stress, and help you to identify if, and when you may need additional support.
