Navigating the Third Trimester in Italy, Away from My Husband During COVID-19

My third trimester was an unforgettable journey, but not for the reasons I had initially imagined. Like many, my pregnancy was affected by the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID pandemic. My husband was working in Macao at the time, and as the virus spread, we had to make the difficult decision for me to move to Italy, where his parents could help me. It was a time filled with emotions—fear, anxiety, loneliness, and the challenge of being apart from my husband during such a pivotal moment.

When I first arrived in Italy, I felt a mix of relief and heartache. Knowing I was in a place with access to great medical care and support from my in-laws was comforting. But it also meant adjusting to a new environment while being physically distant from my husband, Federico, who I wished could be by my side as we prepared for our baby’s arrival.

Strength in Separation: My Third Trimester in Italy During COVID, Away from My Husband

Being in the third trimester alone during COVID came with its own set of challenges. I had imagined Federico and I going to every prenatal appointment together, planning the birth as a team, and sharing all those small but meaningful moments. Instead, I had to navigate doctors’ visits and ultrasounds by myself, trying to keep him updated through video calls and messages. It wasn’t the pregnancy journey we had envisioned, but it was the one we had to embrace.

One of the hardest parts was the unpredictability of the virus. We didn’t know how long we’d be apart, and the thought of him potentially missing the birth weighed heavily on my heart. Still, I tried to stay focused on the positive aspects—I was surrounded by his family, who treated me with such care and love, and I knew I was safe. We had to trust that we were doing what was best for both our baby and ourselves.

Physically, the third trimester came with its usual discomforts—swelling, back pain, and that ever-growing belly—but it felt even more challenging without my husband there to share the burden or offer a reassuring hug. I did my best to stay active, taking walks around the neighborhood and practicing prenatal yoga, even though it often felt like I was going through the motions alone. Mentally, I relied on meditation and journaling to help me cope with the anxiety and isolation I felt. Every day, I focused on the end goal: the day our little one would arrive.

When labor drew closer, I packed my hospital bag with extra care, making sure everything was organized and ready. I found comfort in planning for the unknown and staying connected to Federico through calls and messages, even though we both knew it wasn’t the same as being there in person.

In the end, despite the physical distance, we made it through those final months of pregnancy together in spirit. Federico’s parents were a tremendous support system, and knowing he was doing his best from afar helped me feel stronger.

Looking back, I learned so much about resilience, adaptability, and the power of love during those months. Our baby arrived safely, and even though our journey to that moment wasn’t typical, it was ours. And when Federico finally met our little one, the joy on his face made every challenge worth it.

For anyone going through pregnancy apart from a partner or family, know that you’re stronger than you realize, and you’re never truly alone. Lean into the support around you, and trust that everything will fall into place in its own time.