Practical Tips for Self-Care and Well-Being During a Crisis Pregnancy

When a pregnancy comes at a difficult time, it can feel like the rest of life goes quiet—except for the questions and the stress. Taking care of yourself might not seem like a priority right now, especially if you’re unsure about what comes next. But your well-being matters, even in the middle of uncertainty.

This post offers simple, low-pressure ideas to support your mental and physical health during a crisis pregnancy. You won’t find big tasks or overwhelming checklists here—just a few quiet ways to care for yourself when things feel heavy.

Simple Self-Care Tools That Can Help

Pregnancy can often come with a lot of pressure—internal and external. In the middle of all that, small acts of care can make a difference. These ideas aren’t about fixing everything. They’re about offering yourself a little more steadiness in the middle of the unknown.

Journaling (even just a few lines)

You don’t need a special notebook or the right words. Writing down what you’re thinking—without editing yourself—can help clear some of the mental noise. Some people write just one sentence a day. Others make lists. There’s no right way.

Mindfulness and Breathing Apps

If your thoughts feel like they’re spiraling, even two or three minutes of slow breathing can help settle your body. Free apps like Insight Timer, Smiling Mind, or even guided videos on YouTube offer short breathing or grounding exercises you can do on your own.

Online Communities (if and when you want them)

Sometimes just reading the stories of others going through something similar can help you feel less alone. There are quiet, supportive spaces online where you can listen, share, or just scroll through without saying anything. If you’re not sure where to start, someone from A Friend for You can help you find spaces that feel safe and judgment-free.

Time Outside or a Short Walk

If the weather allows, even five minutes of fresh air can bring a small shift. You don’t need a plan or a destination—just a break from whatever’s feeling too loud.

Physical Health Still Matters—Even When You’re Unsure

When you’re in the middle of a crisis pregnancy, it’s easy to put your own health on hold—especially if you’re still trying to figure out what to do next. But taking care of your body right now doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It just means giving yourself the care you deserve, no matter where things are headed.

Early check-ups can help you understand what’s going on with your body and give you a space to ask questions. Some clinics in Fort Collins offer free or low-cost pregnancy testing and care, even if you don’t have insurance or aren’t sure what your next steps will be.

Taking care of your physical health is one way to give yourself breathing room while you consider what comes next. It doesn’t have to be a commitment for you to join our program—it can just be information.

When Stress or Sadness Feels Heavy

It’s common to feel off-balance during a crisis pregnancy. Some days might feel manageable, while others feel like too much. Stress, fear, and uncertainty can show up in ways you don’t always expect—trouble sleeping, not eating like you normally do, feeling disconnected, or just feeling numb.

These responses are valid. But if they start to feel constant or too heavy to carry on your own, that might be a sign to reach out.

You don’t need a diagnosis or a big reason to talk to someone. You just need to know that support is available—and you deserve it.

Here are a few places you can reach out to for mental and emotional support in Fort Collins:

• The Health District of Northern Larimer County – Offers short-term mental health support and can help connect you to longer-term care, even if you’re uninsured.
  healthdistrict.org
  
• Colorado Crisis Services – A 24/7 free and confidential service where you can talk, text, or chat with a trained professional.
  📞 1-844-493-TALK or text “TALK” to 38255
  coloradocrisisservices.org
  

You can also connect with someone from A Friend for You. While they’re not therapists, they’re here to listen and to be present with you—without trying to fix or direct. Sometimes that’s what matters most.

A Final Thought

You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Taking care of yourself in the middle of a crisis pregnancy isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about offering yourself small moments of care when and where you can.

Some days, that might look like getting some fresh air. Other days, it might be asking for help, or just deciding to rest. Every small choice you make to care for your body or your mind matters.

If you’re not sure where to begin, A Friend for You is here to walk alongside you. There’s no pressure to make decisions or talk through anything before you’re ready—just someone who can be there, quietly and consistently.

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through this without support.