The dictionary defines connection as a relationship of people, things or ideas that are associated with something else. We connect with others on everything from faith, to jobs, to entertainment. Just go to a concert or a sporting event and you will find people, once strangers, hugging and celebrating together when that perfect song is sung or the team wins the game. We were created for relationships, and when you are pregnant, your healthy connections are more important than ever.
Pregnancy can be one of the most amazing times in your life. It can also be a little scary, overwhelming and lonely. Let’s face it, pregnancy brings up a world of emotions! And one of the best ways to handle all of those emotions is through positive connections and relationships.
Did you know that people who experience good connections with others feel less anxiety than those who do not? In addition, they have a higher self-esteem, feel more compassionate toward others, and develop higher levels of trust. Those who experience higher levels of connection are also more physically and mentally healthy. What better time to take a look at the connections in your life than when you are experiencing a pregnancy.
So, you know you need positive connections, which are extremely important during pregnancy. Those positive connections can consistently help you get through the ups and downs of bringing a new life into this world. But, how do you determine if your connections are positive? You can start by asking yourself these three questions.
Question 1: Do you trust this person?
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. Trusting someone means you have a firm belief in the other person, and you find them completely reliable. To determine if a connection with another person is positive, ask yourself if you fully trust this person. Do you trust the wisdom and guidance that this person offers you? Would you trust this person to watch your baby when it is born? If the answer is yes, move on to question two. If it is a no, then chances are you do not have a positive connection with them.
Question 2: Do you have open and honest communication with this person?
Open and honest communication allows for trust to be built. Open communication means you can basically say anything to this person and they will not change the level of friendship they have with you. In fact, it may even grow your relationship deeper. Ask yourself if this person is open with you. Are they honest, even if it may anger you a little bit? Does this person share with you as much as you share with them? Do you feel confident in sharing information with this person?
Question 3: Do you respect this person, and do they respect you?
Respect is key to a positive connection in a relationship. Mutual respect is when both individuals feel a deep sense of admiration toward one another. There is the understanding that both individuals have value and worth and both give and take equally in the relationship. The reality is each person is involved, invested, and engaged. Ask yourself, does this person appreciate you and do you appreciate them? Does this person support you? Do they value you and what you bring to the relationship? And of course, you need to ask yourself these same questions about your role in the relationship.
If you can answer yes to all three of those questions, you more than likely have a positive connection with that relationship. Seek to build that relationship and to protect it because that person will be instrumental in helping you navigate those pregnancy waters.
What happens if you do not have any positive connections in your life right now? We want to help! The staff at the PLC Health Clinic care about every individual that walks through our doors. We offer help at all levels of pregnancy from free pregnancy testing, to free limited obstetric ultrasounds, to free educational classes where you can earn baby bucks to shop in our baby boutique. And we can answer a strong yes to all three of these questions. You can trust us, we will have open and honest communication with you and we will respect you.
You can always count on us to be one of the positive connections that you and your new baby need as you experience pregnancy and beyond. Give us a call at 419.238.9177 or email us at for any questions or to make an appointment to see one of our staff.
