Pregnancy and the Single Woman

What to Expect Expert, Heidi Murkoff, Responds to Your Questions   Pregnancy can be a worrisome time for any expectant mother, but more so when you're going through it without a husband or partner — either by circumstance or by design.   This week “What to Expect” pregnancy expert Heidi Murkoff weighs in on two important issues:

Q: "I'm single and excited to be pregnant - but also a little worried. How can I handle this alone?"

Heidi’s Response:  The key is identifying people in your life who can play the part of "dad" during your pregnancy. Is there a person in your family — your mom, or your sister, a close cousin, or even your brother — with whom you're particularly close? Or a very good friend (female or male)? Ask them to go with you to your prenatal visits, attend childbirth education classes with you, and be your coach (and a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold and an ear to bend when you're feeling stressed or worried or just need some emotional support). After all, there's no rule saying that your labor coach has to be the baby's father. To read more, click here…

Q: "I'm 36 years old and single - and six weeks pregnant. I'm so happy to be having a baby because I wasn't sure I could get pregnant, but I've broken up with my boyfriend and I'm scared to be doing this without a partner. My girlfriends do give me some positive words, but how can I handle this alone?"

Heidi’s Response: I'm so sorry to hear about your breakup — the end of a relationship is stressful enough at any time, but it's especially tough when you're expecting. Although it's difficult to go through pregnancy without a partner and raise a child as a single mother, it's certainly not impossible — you'll be following in the footsteps of many, many moms who have done it and done it well (and are happy they did). And chances are the joy you'll experience will more than compensate for the challenges you'll face (you have a lot of exciting changes ahead!). To read more, click here.

Heidi Murkoff knows that every day of pregnancy brings new experiences — wonderful, weird, and sometimes worrisome. She addresses your pregnancy questions and concerns on WhattoExpect.com.