Panic attacks in the middle of the night?

lindsey85d

I am not one prone to panic attacks or anxiety. But lately, I wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and feel like my chest is closing in-classic panic attack symptoms. I am totally fine during the day.

Anyone else experiencing something like this?

gsancho

I haven't had panic attacks per se...but my heart rate has been a bit erratic and I often wake up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding.  I know pregnancy elevates the heart rate some, so maybe that's contributing.  I'd ask your OB about it.  She straight up asked me if I was experiencing any panic attacks, so I'm thinking it's not all that rare.

MrsPDX

Yes!! I always wake up panicked about something. Last night it was this work project. Woke up, not even stressed. In the middle of the night though it's like the end of the world. Might try taking Unisom (doctor approved and bumpie recommended) if it continues... My midwife definitely said anxiety can increase in pregnancy due to hormones.

cjsweet79

I was thinking about posting this same question!!! This has been happening to me for the last several days. Mine starts at bedtime and then goes throughout the night. Major butterflies in my stomach and rapid heartbeat. It is aweful.

lindsey85d

shmeell25 said:

I had night sweats early on in pregnancy due to rising hormones. Do you feel anxiety or just the symptoms that come along with anxiety?

Just the symptoms. Heart beating, chest pain, heavy breathing, sweaty and panic feeling for no reason. It's so bizzare because I am fine during the day with no anxiety or depression! So weird. I have the night sweats too.

lindsey85d

MrsPDX said:

Yes!! I always wake up panicked about something. Last night it was this work project. Woke up, not even stressed. In the middle of the night though it's like the end of the world. Might try taking Unisom (doctor approved and bumpie recommended) if it continues... My midwife definitely said anxiety can increase in pregnancy due to hormones.

Totally!! I am on Diclegis which has Unisom in it (it's for all day nausea) and its supossed to help me sleep - wishful thinking

Jazzyashes84

I can't see how far along you guys are on my phone, but, when I was 5-6 weeks I was having terrible anxiety at night... My doctor said I could take simply sleep pills so that I could sleep through the night (bc the less sleep you get the more prone you are to anxiety/panic attacks)! It's gotten a lot better. Hormones have tons to do with it I'm sure.

marijaa333

Yep, right there with you. Last night, I dreamt of witnessing a plane crash and going to the crash site only to find everyone dead in their brace positions. Then I dreamt I was bleeding profusely and first thought I was miscarrying but then it turned out I (only) had a major cut in my thigh. Tonight I woke up at 2:30am for no reason; it's now 4:15 and I'm not sure when I'll fall back asleep.

These are not the same symptoms as a full on anxiety attack but clearly worry is a huge part of pregnancy. In my part of the world, they say "a small child is a small worry; a big child is a big worry." So I suppose we're just training for the real job of managing anxiety as parents.

Swanky929

I used to have pretty bad anxiety and this pregnancy has brought it back. My Dr. says that it's normal. The increase in blood, hormones, and heart rate make pregnant women more susceptible to anxiety and panic attacks especially in the first trimester. Hang in there ladies!