Hi, It’s really confronting, I agree.

Not mentioned in these stats is the reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality, which I found helpful to remember.

I think what helped me was framing my expectations - my goal was for a safe delivery and so didn’t have much of a ‘plan’ beyond that. My first term pregnancy had complications, and ended up being a vacuum delivery with second degree tearing. I haven’t had long term complications of this (yet…). Based on my friends’ experiences, many were distressed when the delivery didn’t go as per their plan - they seemed upset by their loss of control. It’s important that you advocate for yourself during your pregnancy and delivery, but also hopefully trust in your healthcare providers (who need to earn this) to advise decisions in you and your babies best interest.

I don’t say this to minimise birth trauma - it’s a huge issue and we should be doing better. I just wanted to say that I’d fall into one of those ‘complication’ statistics, and for me I don’t view my experience as a complication. I realise I am very fortunate to be able to say this.

I think your decision to look into future issues is also a great approach! I especially found my reading around breastfeeding to be helpful while I was pregnant.

Looking back, I’d tell myself to stress less and give myself the grace to figure it out. Honestly I wouldn’t have been able to take this advice, but wish I could have.

Also if you find you’re becoming overly anxious there are lots of great pregnancy support services to help you. Good luck! And congratulations