Getting pregnant, sustaining a pregnancy, or managing a high-risk pregnancy can be stressful and difficult times. Many couples find that a pregnancy support group helps them find solidarity, resources, and friends during their pregnancy journey. There are many types of pregnancy support groups online and in-person, and joining one may be the right choice for you and your partner.
Support Groups for High-Risk Pregnancy and Infertility
You are not alone if you’re living with infertility. According to the CDC, around 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive and looking for support, you may want to consider finding a pregnancy support group in your community.
RESOLVE support groups are free of charge and found in more than 200 communities in 48 states and Washington, D.C. They can help you find resources such as local reproductive endocrinologists or psychologists who specialize in the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy and fertility difficulties. Most importantly, they can help you get connected to a community who cares and understands.
Having difficulty conceiving can be an isolating experience. You may feel frustrated and alone, even though about 12% of women also struggle with fertility. Many people find that a support group can be most beneficial at certain points of the infertility experience, such as:
- When faced with making a difficult decision.
- When embarking on new parenting options.
- When dealing with a major loss.
If any of the following statements apply to you, consider joining a RESOLVE support group:
- I’m feeling lonely and isolated.
- I have very few people to talk with about my infertility. No one understands.
- Everyone I know is pregnant or has children.
- My partner is the only one I have who provides emotional support.
- Infertility is affecting my work and career.
- I feel that my life plan is out of control. I’m having trouble navigating through my medical treatment options.
- I can’t decide when “enough is enough”.
- Holidays and coping with family and friends are becoming more and more difficult.
Myths and Facts about Pregnancy Support Groups
You may hesitate to join a support group because of some assumptions about what happens at the group. Consider these myths and facts:
Myth: Being in a RESOLVE support group is like going to therapy.
Fact: A support group is not designed to offer professional counseling or psychological therapy. It is, however, therapeutic to talk with others about an intense experience like infertility.
Myth: I’ll have to bare my soul and talk about the most private areas of my life at a pregnancy support group.
Fact: It is up to you to decide how much information and emotion to share with the group. You remain in control.
Myth: Joining a support group of infertile women or couples will just make me feel worse.
Fact: You will receive support for your pain and disappointment and will also learn new methods of coping that can help you move forward.
RESOLVE support groups are run by volunteers who are living with infertility. To find a support group near you, visit www.resolve.org.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is a non-profit, charitable organization, who works to improve the lives of women and men living with infertility.