Anxiety in pregnancy

prood

To make long story short I suffered with anxiety my whole life but I have phases were I was literally in unbearable depression and panic. I'm having another bad phase. Pregnant with #5 yes 5. That in itself brought panic. I fear doctors, meds and sickness. That's my demon. So doc offered me Buspar bc I've been so anxious I have been missing appointments yet I'm scared to try meds. Surely some of you can relate and bring since to my struggle. Thx for listening without judgement.

kstirton

I have some anxiety too. Hopefully the fact that this is your 5th pregnancy can ease your fears a little. This is my first so I have nothing to compare it to, everything is a brand new experience. Look at how you got through the first 4, did any of your fears come to pass?

I don't really have advice, Have you talked to a counselor? I know that can help too. Or get involved in church. Learn to put your faith in something else besides worry - it does nothing for us anyway. hang in there everything will be just fine!

ahaas19

I also have anxiety and am pregnant with number 1...I get so bad that it's very hard for me to breathe and people always think im "sighing" and irritated!  I was prescribed Buspar as well but it is such a low dose that it did not work for me.  Obviously I am sure youre aware that different things work for different people, but Ive noticed that going for walks, listening to relaxing music, and napping works for me.  If only we could nap all day! It is also nice to have at least one support person whether it is a husband, friend, or counselor.  I feel your pain, and if youre anything like me, im sure youve tried some/all these techniques, but stay strong and try and fit some time in for yourself.

Melodyhay

emoxymoose

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but congratulations on your pregnancy! I've had some mild to moderate anxiety this pregnancy but nothing comparable to what you're experiencing. I would definitely try the medicine your doctor is offering - they wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't safe and it's definitely not good for you or your baby to be skipping prenatal appointments.

Most of the time my anxiety is me blowing normal things way way waaaay out of proportion so my advice to you is to write down the problem and concentrate on the scope of it. It helps me to be rational when my mind wants to make a giant deal out of it.

silverwings72

I have had clients experience amazing results with Buspar. I also have anxiety and depression and I was told by my doctor that if my symptoms got debilitating (missing work, not wanting to get out of bed, etc) that she would feel totally comfortable prescribing some medications in the second trimester. I've also heard good things about Celexa but I am not sure if it's safe for pregnancy. Do your research with your doc and then make an informed decision. You need to be available emotionally for your other children and missing doctors appointments is a big sign that you need some extra support right now. Hugs

Melissa2216

Sorry you're dealing with this. I've been on Lexapro for anxiety and depression for >1 year and have continued it during pregnancy. I saw a psychiatrist who specializes in women's mental health and pregnancy/postpartum. She felt comfortable keeping me on it because the risks of exposing the baby to the meds are about the same as exposing the baby to untreated anxiety/depression. I've lowered my dose a little until I deliver and I'm also taking fish oil, which is said to help with depression. I also see a therapist 2x/month. She is a mom to a young boy also, so she can really relate to the stress I deal with as a parent. I really recommend trying to find a therapist that you connect with. 

prood

I guess I'm more fearful bc I know what to expect plus I've never had 2 this close. With the first 3 my anxiety was not bad. My 4th baby was finally a girl so I focused on that. This time I was just in total shock that I had to go through this again so I'm having a hard time getting over that. Plus it's another boy which I'm also terrified about.

I hate docs and hospitals so I'm totally terrified of how I'll get through this. I'm hoping I'll go into super human material mode and just fly through it.

I'll let y'all know how the Buspar works. Thx for the support

ssstephanie214

I learned to handle my anxiety after being on and off meds but at the same time I recognize the times in my life when I can't cope on my own anymore. This pregnancy has been one of them. I would say talk to a professional who can help you sort out your feelings regarding doctors and your opposition to meds.

Kristy774

My anxiety is really really bad. I'm 33 and this is my 3 rd child. I'm constantly thinking horrible things, like I'm going to get cancer and die, I've made my doctor do a breast exam twice in the past month. If I can't get ahold of my husband I immediately think something terrible happened to him like a car accident, if the kids have a bump on their head, I think cancer, if they have a tick, I think lymes disease, its bad. I pray a lot and it does come and go, the past few days haven't been so bad.

pennyandandy

I had PPA after my son was born, and I can sometimes feel the anxiety creeping in this pregnancy. I never took meds, but I saw a counselor, and I really have to work at just taking things one step at a time. I get to the point where the smallest thing seems daunting. During those times, I focus on breaking the task into steps, I write them down if I have to, then I do one small step at a time. It sounds dumb, but then when I have accomplished that task I feel better about myself. Also, I have to be aware of removing myself from the situation if I get overwhelmed. We have areas set up in our house that are dog and child proof, so if I start to become anxious I put the dogs away, put my son in his room and take 5 minutes to calm down. I have gotten a lot better at sensing those triggers and being proactive about it.

prood

Seriously I have an ultrasound tomorrow and I'm up crying and panicking bc I don't want to go. I don't know how I'll deliver this baby. A part of me just wants to be put to sleep and get it over with. I have no coping skills left it seems. My panic goes from 0-60 in seconds before I can calm myself so I don't want my doctors seeing me like that. Ugh. Can't wait for this to be over. Thx for all the support.

minibean16

prood said:

Seriously I have an ultrasound tomorrow and I'm up crying and panicking bc I don't want to go. I don't know how I'll deliver this baby. A part of me just wants to be put to sleep and get it over with. I have no coping skills left it seems. My panic goes from 0-60 in seconds before I can calm myself so I don't want my doctors seeing me like that. Ugh. Can't wait for this to be over. Thx for all the support.

I get how you're feeling, but I think one worry you actually can remove (easier said than done, I know) is your anxiety about your doctors seeing you this way. I know you said you fear doctors, but they will be your best ally in this situation. On Friday, I had a mini-cry at my OB after complications from a stomach bug. I felt like a fool until they reminded me that their whole job is dealing with pregnant women, so there was no anxiety that they haven't seen before.

Maybe if you are upfront about your fears, they will be able to give you some drug-free coping suggestions (try lying down, clothing your eyes and tensing every muscle in body. Then slowly focus on each muscle as you relax it - really helps for me).

I hope seeing your little one at the ultrasound tomorrow actually helps with your anxiety. Every time I see or hear my little girl I'm reminded that there's a positive outcome to all of this.

I hope you get some rest tonight; good luck with your u/s tomorrow!