For the first couple of weeks, I ignored the coronavirus and pretended like it wasn’t happening. It wasn’t until March Madness was cancelled that I began to realize this was more serious than I thought.
Since then, so much has changed. There are so many unknowns, which can be SO scary – especially to a first time momma. I want to encourage you on how stay positive during the coronavirus while pregnant.
What NOT to Do:
In the midst of uncertainty, there are a few things you can do to help keep fear at bay.
1. Stay Away from Social Media
Easier said than done, huh? Social Media can be a wonderful way to connect with friends and family, during this time. It makes us feel a little less isolated, especially when we are spending so much time stuck in our homes.
There are a few things you can to have a healthier relationship with social media:
Unfollow, Unfriend, Take a Break
Although you adore Aunt Sally, she might be posting every update about the virus. Taking a break from friends like this can help keep your feed free of triggers.
Don’t Scroll
This one is pretty self explanatory, but don’t scroll through your feed. It’s a mindless habit that can lead to feeling uneasy as everyone is updating you about their current situation during the pandemic.
Go to Profiles that are Important to You
If I want to see an update on Aunt Sally or my friend Ally, I go straight to their profile. Even better, reach out via messenger or text the people who are important to you.
2. Don’t Look for Daily Updates
It’s easy to spend hours searching for the newest information to bring us comfort and reassurance. There are a few things I’ve been doing that help me to STOP my bad habit of google searching:
- Ask your partner, mom, or friend, to give you updates.
- If you need to, set a timer once a week and give yourself permission to look up new updates.
- Make sure this information is from a reputable source.
There are tons of experts out there, but here are a few that I’ve been following for the past couple of weeks:
- Bridget Teyler – Birth Doula
- Mama Doctor Jones – OB/GYN
- Mama Natural – Momma Co-Hosted with Midwife
What You SHOULD Do:
I will be the first to tell you that anxiety and stress isn’t good for me or my little girl. Finding ways to help calm my fears and enjoy my pregnancy is super important to me right now! Here are some things that I’ve been doing to be more positive during this time:
1. Talk to your doctor about any questions than can calm your nerves
When I went in for my 20 week ultrasound, I asked my doctor all the questions that I could think of. This gave me answers that I would have been otherwise googling…. Which saved me a lot of worrying.
2. Walk/Exercise
Everyday, I take a two walks and if it rains I do a light exercise. Anxiety often presents itself in physical ways through our body. It can’t remain there when we’ve done a little exercise. Take a few minutes each day to get your body moving!
3. Journal
Writing can be so therapeutic. Even if you don’t like to write, getting your thoughts out on paper can help you to evaluate the situation a little better. I like to prayer journal in the morning… this has helped me to lay down my fears before God.
4. Daily Mantras
Everyday, I start out my journaling with a couple of mantras. I am enough because…….. and I am worthy of……… These simple phrases have kept my mind thinking positively throughout the day. You can even write them on a sticky note or post card and keep them somewhere that you will constantly see it.
5. Go On A Drive
Get out of the house! Just don’t go into any stores 😉 There’s something about just getting out and seeing nature that can be such a sweet distraction from all the stressors. In our familiar spaces, it’s easy to be reminded of everything we are worried about. So, get out and enjoy a change of scenery .
6. Call Your Best Friend
If you have a friend that you can confide in, give her a call and explain how you are feeling. Since she knows you pretty well, she may be able to help you see reality. Even if you don’t call for advice, just chatting about life is always a sweet distraction!
7. Start Nesting
Even if you are only in your first trimester, start getting things ready for your little one’s arrival. You can start your registry, get the nursery finished, or wash all the baby clothes! I’ve been spending time every night mediating and reading about different methods for labor. Use this time to your advantage!
8. Focus On What You Can Control
With so much uncertainty, we can feel like everything is out of control. For myself, anxiety creeps in when I feel like there is nothing I can do. Focus on nesting, making deeper relationships with friends and family, or what you are going to make for dinner! This will help you to feel like your life isn’t quite so out of control.
9. Remind Yourself “You’re Doing The Best You Can”
This is something that I do a thousand times a day. When you realize that you are doing everything you can… to the best of your ability…… this allows you to let go of any fears that you have when it comes to the “what ifs.”
10. Does Worrying Help or Change it?
I constantly ask myself “how is worrying going to help this situation?” I love the verse in Matthew 6, where Jesus talks about how worrying won’t add a single hour to your life. It does sound pretty silly once I stop and think about it.
11. Set aside time to talk with your parter/spouse
Last but not least, set aside time to talk with your partner. Maybe you guys grab a (decaf) coffee and go for a drive or spend a few extra minutes over dinner. Worry and anxiety can’t survive when we talk about it. Your partner may even have some insight that will help you to relax and enjoy this time!
3. How to Have Faith During the Pandemic
What’s crazy is that my faith has never been so strong. With so much loss of control, my only option has been to turn to God and trust that He will protect our little family.
What Should you Pray for?
– Protection and safety
– For your growing little one.
– That you would find the good in this situation.
– Thank Him for the blessings in your life.
Bible Verses To Calm Your Worries
• John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
• Matthew 6:27
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?(NIV)
• Psalm 147:11
The Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love. (NIV)
• Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)
• Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; (NIV)
• Jeremiah 17:7-10
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.” (NIV)
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Tademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
How to Deal with Canceling Your Baby Shower
This is an area I have not fully accepted. It’s one of those events that you dream of since you were a little girl. It’s hard to imagine not celebrating with friends and family before my little girl’s arrival.
But, I’ve come to a place where I am dreaming of my friends and family meeting our baby girl for the first time. We are planning a “Sip + See Party,” once the whole virus dies down. Which sounds like a lot more fun, when I actually think about it!
My mom and I are planning a Virtual Baby Shower. Where friends and family can join a Facebook group and we will go live with games and of course, opening presents! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote some tips on planning a virtual baby shower – so make sure you check that out!
Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Although it feels like our whole world has been flipped upside down, finding ways to relax and let go of the worry can help us to enjoy this pregnancy! I hope that this helps you to find peace and stay positive during the coronavirus while pregnant. I’m praying for you and your little one’s safety. <3
Other Posts you might enjoy……
- Hosting the PERFECT Virtual Baby Shower>> Click Here
- Long Distance Gender Reveal Ideas>> Click Here
- Bible Verses and Prayers for Labor and Delivery>> Click Here