This woman shared her surprise birth story in a friend group chat and the friends’ reactions were hilarious
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A cryptic pregnancy can be a real emotional rollercoaster
Image credits:Aditya Romansa (not the actual photo)
As a psychotherapist for pregnant and new parents, Dr. Sarah Allen has a few strategies to help mothers deal with their new reality. “In order to process the shock of what has happened I would have her think, or write out, her birth story,” Dr. Allen says.
That means detailing the experience in full. The psychotherapist advises to think back to the moment the mother first realized what was happening. Then she would have the woman recount what she remembered about the birth and to think about the past and how she became pregnant.
“When she gets to the parts that bring strong emotions, we would deep dive into the experience. What she saw, heard, felt etc. That allows the brain to process what has happened. We would also talk about the emotions she is currently feeling and develop coping strategies.”
A birth of this nature can impact a woman’s future decisions regarding reproduction. “Something so important and life-changing can have a huge impact on her life and her anxiety about future pregnancies,” Dr. Allen believes. “It is important for women who experience unexpected births to be supported in understanding why and how this happened and what their future contraceptive choices are so they can be prepared.”
How can a person give birth without knowing they are pregnant?
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Cleveland Clinicwrites that this happens to people who don’t experience any symptoms of pregnancy. Others can mistake symptoms like vomiting, fatigue and nausea for a virus. Pregnancy tests aren’t always reliable too – they work 99% of the time, according toPlanned Parenthood.
There are people who might be more at risk of not noticing they’re pregnant. Those who use birth control, for example. Even when used correctly, there is a small chance of failure. Those who recently gave birth are also at risk. They might become fertile again sooner than expected.
Parenting
