Pregnancy denial

[fluffosaur]

Hello

I am here because I need advice regarding somebody I am supporting.

She experienced a miscarriage last year at around 12 weeks and was treated badly by the hospital (they ignored her on the ward & didn't offer her counselling). As a result she is still trying to come to terms with her loss.

However, she is also 34 weeks pregnant and /appears/ to be in complete denial of this. She doesn't look pregnant, or "act" pregnant. She already has a young son & is attached well to him but she worries about what would happen if she gave birth now.

Her Braxton-Hicks contractions started last week and I think the midwife might be preparing for an early delivery. She says she would "not be able to cope" with an early birth.

I am worried because she has not made any preparations for the birth at all. There is no cot, no baby clothes and no nappies because she does not believe there is really a baby on the way.

The baby is growing against her spine (I think?) because she has sciatica and I've read this can be a symptom of pregnancy denial.

Does anybody have ANY advice on how I can work with this woman? I am concerned for the welfare of her unborn baby.

Thanks.

[Octaviapink]

How are you supporting her? Is she a friend or family member, or are you supporting her professionally? It sounds as though she definitely needs professional support.

[MumNWLondon]

Can you get stuff for the baby - like nappies / babygros / vests / sanitary towels / car seat / moses basket etc so that when she does go into labour at least thats all done. That way when the baby comes at least the practicalities are taken care off.