A friend called to share some news. Their family member had an ectopic pregnancy and they were going to lose the baby. It was heartbreaking to hear and the family was devastated. It’s hard to know how best to help others during these times. I listened and let them know I wanted to support them however best I could. I can only hope listening and caring somehow helped.

I reflected on my own pregnancies—I never was concerned about my babies making it to term (perhaps the thought they wouldn’t was so great I wouldn’t allow myself to consider it), and irritated by the discomfort I felt throughout. Knowing others would do anything to switch their situation with mine was a good mental reset for me and how I experienced pregnancy. Pregnancy resulting in a live birth is not a given. It really is a miracle every time someone is born. We (I) take it for granted and are reminded of the fragility when the unexpected occurs.

Have you ever had an experience that made you rethink how you viewed your own pregnancy?