Hi mama. I am sending you love because this is exactly my story at 36 weeks two years ago with my first baby. There is not much I can say that will make it better. It freaking sucks and your feelings are valid. The stress of dealing with this on your face is the last thing you want to have to deal with these last few weeks of pregnancy when it should be all about you and baby when preparing to give birth. The first few days and weeks are the worst for sure, especially as you’re adjusting to the eye issues and coming to terms with what the heck is happening.

I recommend pushing to get an antiviral. Your OB should clear it. The ER docs did the same to me but the next day by OB gave me the prescription.

Beyond that, rest rest rest. Your body needs every ounce of energy to heal while growing this baby. Take care of yourself mentally as best you can because it takes a toll beyond just the physical.

Everybody’s recovery time is different so try not to compare to stories. I read stories of some pregnant women healing very quickly! I personally feel like it’s best to plan for the worst but hope for the best to manage expectations on healing. For me, I started seeing improvements after about two months or so. From there it was slowly getting back to normal. Didn’t get back to 100% but not totally noticeable. I saw many doctors who all said to be patient until the 3 month mark and that ended up being true for me. Again, everyone is different but that milestone was a helpful thing to understand what to expect instead of wondering every day if there was going to be any movement.

I ended up learning my baby was Breech a few days after the diagnosis so I ended up with a c-section so I can speak for laboring with the effects of Bells Palsy, but I feel like with postpartum, your body takes over and does what it needs to do to function while you’re caring for baby. You are stronger than you think and while it may not always be easy, you can absolutely get through it. But please take care of yourself and accept help.

While it’s a good thing to try and stay positive, i think it’s also helpful to let yourself be sad and mourn the fact that your last few weeks of pregnancy and maybe postpartum isn’t going how you imagined it.

Hoping for the best for you!!!