Panic attacks

gsterman2012

I keep having a panic attack on the way to work in the morning, I'm 25 weeks pregnant tomorrow with my first.. I suffered with anxiety before pregnancy and found it went for a while but it's coming back pretty bad. I'd just like some reassurance don't wanna stress baby out

MrsSarahRenee

I have been having increased panic attacks since pregnant. My doctor said it is common in previously diagnosed anxious women to see a spike. Our babies are going to be okay.
I have been seeing someone to help feel better without meds but meds are an option if things get worse.
Talk to your doctor because we can be at higher risk for post partum. But my impression from my doctor is that a few panic attacks a week aren't having detrimental affects on baby. Some small affects yes but talk to your doctor about that.
Try not to be anxious about being anxious! That's how I spiral out into panic attacks!

Thewizardofrhythm

You may already have this in place, but talking to a good therapist/psychiatrist is essential. If your experiences an increase in your symptoms, going more often can be really helpful.

mandapear

Having coping strategies in place before an attack are key. I've worked with a therapist on breathing exercises, relaxation triggers (bath, lavender essential oil), and find that having a plan when an attack strikes helps break the spiral. While sporadic stress has not been shown to be detrimental to fetal development, constant stress has been, so you would be wise to figure out ways to deal with panic before it becomes a daily event.

AmandaJean12

Is there something about the drive that's specifically triggering you? Maybe the car getting too warm, the traffic, thinking about everything you have to do on the drive? Sometimes little things help set attacks off.

gsterman2012

Thank you so much for all your replies. I find it difficult to talk to people about it as I feel as though I am just being silly because I know nothing is wrong with me. I take the bus to work, but even when the bus is not busy I still feel just as much anxiety as if it is. It is a lot worse when it is hot as my work uniform is quiet thick, I have started wearing different clothes to work to try and cool myself down but hasn't helped much. I have tried the 4-7-8 breathing and find it works sometimes but not a lot. I think I'm gonna have to learn to talk about it with my doctor/midwife. I also have a heart condition which is undiagnosed as of yet and the docotrs