Grief is an appropriate, though painful, response to loss. A highly stressful situation like an unexpected pregnancy can come with its own kind of grieving process. However, your circumstances probably feel uniquely difficult if you’re managing an unexpected pregnancy after losing someone you love. Maybe a family member or friend passed away, and their absence during this challenging season of your life has been tough to bear. Perhaps you recently lost your partner who fathered the pregnancy. No matter what your grieving experience has been like, you’re probably feeling at least a little bit vulnerable and isolated today. Know that you don’t have to navigate any of this alone.
Did you know that December 2nd-8th was National Grief Awareness Week (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA))? This period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is an especially fitting time to talk about grief and its effects, both on day-to-day living and major life experiences. If you’re dealing with the overwhelming stress of losing someone you love and navigating an unexpected pregnancy, Avenue Women’s Center is here for you. We’re a first-step pregnancy center with multiple locations in Chicagoland. Our compassionate, knowledgeable staff is available to meet you with confidential support.
Discover our no-cost services! We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more.
Understanding Grief
SAMHSA generally defines grief as, “the period of time after a loss and the subsequent response.” The word “grief” most often refers to an individual’s reaction to the death of a loved one. However, it can allude to any kind of loss. (For example, a person who’s experiencing an unexpected pregnancy may grieve over her perceived loss of freedom). SAMHSA describes grief as, “a complex and deeply personal experience that can impact both mental and physical health,” and points out that, “nobody processes it in the same way.” Grief can change in intensity and impact on day-to-day functioning over time (SAMHSA).
Grief, Pregnancy, and the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a particularly hard time to cope with either of the major experiences you’re going through- the loss of someone you love, or the discovery of an unexpected pregnancy. Facing all of this at once may feel overwhelming in a way that’s difficult to even describe. Perhaps festive traditions you used to enjoy have triggered painful memories of the person who passed away. Maybe you don’t feel like you have the mental/emotional or physical energy to engage in normal holiday activities (like buying gifts, sending cards, or spending time with family). You probably feel like you have even less time and strength to engage in a thorough pregnancy decision-making process. There’s no denying that experiencing the holidays during a season like this can feel like salt in a wound. Acknowledge the pain, but recognize that you don’t have to face it on your own. Caring support is available to you.
Discovering How to Cope
At its core, grieving is healthy. It’s a process, totally unique to every individual, that allows us to acknowledge and eventually accept the difficult changes we encounter in life. As you navigate the days ahead, know that there are ways to cope with the emotional pain you’re experiencing and express your grief in a healthy manner. SAMHSA highlights several key coping methods: journaling, writing a letter to the person you’ve lost, venting your grief with art, reflecting on good memories, and seeking support.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to support you emotionally and practically. Our free early pregnancy services are designed to offer the important information and compassionate care you need to make a confident and well-informed pregnancy decision when the time is right. Check out some of our other blogs on the subject of coping with grief.
Coping With Grief During a Pregnancy: Close Family Member Passed Away
Coping With Grief During an Unexpected Pregnancy: Partner Passed Away
*Avenue Women’s Center does not provide professional counseling. However, we can provide professional counseling referrals for individuals who are interested in these services.
You’re sure to miss your loved one and grieve over many aspects of their loss, including the fact that they can’t walk this pregnancy journey by your side. The person you’ve lost could never be replaced. Still, it’s always possible to grow your support network in new ways. Our compassionate team at Avenue is available to meet you in your grief. Our role is to help you cope by providing unconditional support, while equipping you with the tools you need to make your own best pregnancy decision.
Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center today! We’re conveniently located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
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Reference:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2024, December). Shining a Light on Bereavement and Grief: SAMHSA Recognizes National Grief Awareness Week. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/shining-light-bereavement-grief-samhsa-recognizes-national-grief-awareness-week
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.