Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz
Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information available if you are pregnant and have cerebral palsy or another physical disability. I'll try to help with my own.
My husband and I always wanted to have a child. We thought about adopting, and we were going to proceed with adoption after our exchange student went home. However, we were happily surprised to learn I was pregnant in February. Now we were in uncharted territory.
After I first knew, I had this thirst that I couldn't quench. Then I started with morning sickness. I had morning sickness all day. It wasn't completely horrible because I knew why the sickness was happening. Nothing really helped with my sickness. I tried everything possible, but it kept coming.
My husband was completely supportive. I felt bad for him because he had to clean up after me. He never complained. He was there for me. Having a support person is really important especially if you need physical assistance.
The other complication for me was finding the right obstetrician. A lot of doctors don't understand cerebral palsy let alone a pregnant woman with CP. I started going to one that is less than five minutes from my home. I was reluctant going there because they have nine obstetricians in their office. Needless to say, it didn't work out.
I had to explain to every doctor what cerebral palsy was. I went to a specialist who wrote a letter about CP and how I can deliver naturally. The doctor didn't even read it until I was there. I met with a genetic counselor who gave me an attitude when I told her that my husband was born two months premature.
So, I'm currently looking into finding a new obstetrician. One that has a smaller office and can get to know me.
I notice with pregnancy my cerebral palsy isn't real spastic. I'm actually pretty calm. Now that I entered the second trimester, I feel my ligaments stretching. That is very painful, but I'm handling it. I'm excited to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl!
