7 Tips If You’re Going Through Pregnancy Alone

Pregnancy can be a joyous, albeit stressful, experience for any mother. But being alone during pregnancy? That adds a whole extra dimension to motherhood. Feelings of loneliness. Feeling lost. Extra stress from rude questions like, “So, where’s the father?” If you’re a woman facing this special time alone, there are ways you can manage your pregnancy, birth, and motherhood and thrive.

Continue reading to learn 7 tips for going through a pregnancy alone.

7 Tips If You’re Going Through Pregnancy Alone

1. Rework how you see your situation

Whatever the reason your partner is no longer in the picture (or is half-in, half-out), if you rethink your situation, the positives will be easier to see. Don’t mistake this for toxic positivity!

You need to feel how you feel. But then become a proactive problem solver and badass mom for your baby. If a man can’t put together the crib, it looks like you’re in for a new skill set (if you decide to DIY). If your partner ditched faster than your best childhood game of ding-dong-ditch, you will learn how to be stable, calm, and connected with your child.

Take the time you need to feel how you feel, but when the clouds have passed, try to see the light kissing your forehead.

2. Lean into the support you already have

A reliable partner may not be in your picture but lean into the support already there for you. Do you have a friend that can go with you to your doctor’s appointments? A family member that can be at your birth? What about a Good Samaritan from church who may be able to rally up toys, clothes, and diapers for your new baby?

You may feel reserved and embarrassed about asking for help, but you know the whole “it takes a village to raise a child?” There’s a reason everybody knows it: because it’s true! So mama, reach out to friends and family.

But if that’s not a reliable option, or you’d like more support…

3. Join support groups

Nestle into your Mom Tribe with a support group. Many women find online and in-person support groups emotionally and financially helpful, especially when going through pregnancy alone. They’re fantastic little hubs to vent, talk, and gain insightful advice.

Support groups can offer a listening ear and provide advice. You may also feel less lonely being with women who understand what you’re going through. Some support groups like The Parent Centre provide at-home visits for families from pregnancy until a child turns 5.

• Mums Support Network is a support group in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

You can connect with other moms via WhatsApp, Facebook, face-to-face meetups, and remote group chats.

• Expectant Mothers Guide offers a directory of South African support groups.

From postpartum depression to taking care of a baby with a chronic condition, this list makes it easy to find what you need help with fast.

Go to ‘S’ to find the single mom’s support group.

• The Parent Centre has a Parent Infant Home Visiting Programme.

This service teaches parents about childhood development and positive parenting strategies via counseling services and (20!) in-home visits.

4. Follow famous (and funny) single moms on social media

Laughter is good for the soul. Do you agree?

Follow these single mom accounts for belly laughs and virtual hugs of affirmation if you do!

• @whitevershewants
• @black_single_foster_mom
• @kristinakuzmic
• @singlemomsocietyclub

5. Get a doula

If you’re scared of pregnancy, giving birth, and everything that comes after that, you may want to consider hiring a doula. A doula is a trained non-medical professional who provides pregnant women with emotional, physical, and educational support. Think of your best friend as a pregnancy and infant expert. That’s a doula.

They can be your birthing partner and will literally hold your hand if you wish!  Doulas can also be on call like a doctor can’t, a perk for frantic first-timers, or when you need a little reassurance, like, “Is this normal?”

Furthermore, doulas can help you make informed decisions when you aren’t sure what to do (like if you need an emergency C-section or don’t know how to breastfeed) and can help take care of you and your newborn in the first few days after birth.

And if postpartum or prenatal depression is a worry (which is understandable as many pregnant women experience that), doulas are experts at identifying the signs right away so you can get help faster than doing it alone.

So, hire a doula if you can afford it. WOMBS is a great place to start.

6. Get outside

Get outside as much as you can because nature soothes the mind, body, and soul. And if you feel alone during your pregnancy, your mind, body, and soul might feel awfully heavy. A simple walk around the block has many feel-good benefits for your brain and body.

And let’s not forget the bump!

Spending time in nature can improve your health by:

• Melting away stress
• Relaxing tense muscles
• Improving your mood
• Keeping you focused
• Decreasing feelings of loneliness and being isolated

I bet there’s a tribe of moms in your area that meet for weekly walks! (If not, that might be your cue to create one!)

7. Tap into your inner strength

You are much stronger, smarter, and braver than you think. You have it in you to be a parent – really, you do. Pregnancy might be more confusing, scary, and emotionally and physically painful than expected. Or you don’t know what to expect yet. This probably isn’t how you wanted it to be. It’s probably not what you pictured when you were a little girl with your baby dolls. Or, maybe it is, and you’ll take all the support and advice you can get.

But can you charge forward, alone during pregnancy, and do the best you can? Yes – if you choose. You know life isn’t perfect, so this journey will not be perfect. But you can choose to show up for yourself, show up for your child, and become a family unit overflowing with love.

Final Thoughts

Going through pregnancy alone can be stressful, isolating, and lonely. Still, there are matters you can take into your own hands to feel better and more prepared for birth and beyond.

Lean into the support system you already have, join support groups, and consider getting a doula. Head outside when stress creeps up to boost your mood – and follow those 4 accounts of funny single moms for a good laugh. Lastly, think about how you can change your perspective on the situation.

And don’t forget to tap into your inner badass.

Have you experienced pregnancy alone? How did you cope?

About The Author

Kris McCormick is a boy mama, wife, and blogger. Since becoming a mom six years ago, she’s been researching the best advice, resources, and baby gear from small businesses to make pregnancy and child-raising easier for all parents. You can read more about Kris here.