Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Can't Stand Being Pregnant Any Longer | | | QUESTION | | | Dr. Greenfield,
I can't stand being pregnant, I am having so many complications, and I can't take my medicine. I feel like I can't hold on. I am 32 weeks pregnant, and I want the baby out. Please help me. How can I get my baby out of me soon?— Desperate Mom-To-Be in Buena Park | | | ANSWER |
August 17, 2001 | | | Dear Desperate Mom to Be,
Nine months is a long time, especially when there are complications--even a few weeks towards the end of the pregnancy can feel like forever. From your note I can tell that you are obviously suffering and desperately longing to be finished with the pregnancy.
Unfortunately, you are the only one who can take adequate care of the baby right now--and if the baby gets born too soon, he will be the one who suffers. Babies born at 32 weeks can suffer a lot--they sometimes have to be in the intensive care unit, with tubes for feeding and even for breathing, for weeks without the constant warmth and comfort of a mother's touch. If there are medical reasons a baby needs to come early, this suffering has to be weighed against the risks of continuing the pregnancy; but from what you're saying, right now it is more that you are struggling with frustration and discomfort, not that the baby is better off outside your body. Therefore you need to somehow find the strength and patience to continue doing the right thing--taking the medications your doctor recommends and taking care of yourself and your baby-to-be. Try to tell your doctor and family how difficult it is for you and see if they can rally in support to help you through this difficult period. You need some TLC!
The pregnancy will end in a few weeks, and looking back you will be happier knowing that you did the right thing for your baby, even if it meant some suffering on your part to keep him healthy.
Be strong and try to be patient. You can measure the time in weeks now, and every day that goes by brings you closer to getting on to the next phase of your life. Take care of yourself and your little one. You will meet him (or her) soon.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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