Anxiety and Being PG

scottishlass1213

Im a STM here but over the last few years my anxiety has really ramped up and knowing we were going to have our second, I went off meds last summer. 

Basically my anxiety, as random as it sounds is that I’m constantly worried about not feeling well or getting sick somewhere and not having any control of the situation. 

With my first DS I did have food aversions and felt blah but this time around it’s all day long and then I am making it worse because I keep worrying about throwing up. I know I sound like a crackpot lol but it’s a huge fear of mine. I can barely handle when DS is sick. 

Im 7w1 day. Anyone out there like me? I’m scared to go to work or go anywhere right now. Luckily I can work from home but I don’t want to push it.  I work at a University and we’re closed for Winter Break starting next week so I’m hoping if I make it through that I’ll be okay and back to normal. 

livinthesunnylife

I'm sorry you're going through that.  I don't have anxiety, but I had several friends I knew with my first born that really struggled with being off their medications during pregnancy.  Maybe talk to your doctor and see if they have any advice or if there's anything they recommend? 

kindbytealikat

If your anxiety is bad enough that you can't leave the house that is not okay. You need to talk to your doctor, there are things you can take while pregnant. No need to be miserable because your afraid to ask. 

vinerie

Definitely talk to your doctor. I have panic attacks, although I know the trigger and with some medication taken before the trigger, I can effectively avoid them. I got seriously upset about not being able to take my meds when I needed them and got SO worried and eventually broke down in my dr.'s office. It turns out that there is a WHOLE lotta "gray area" when it comes to medication. We worked together to find a solution that both my GP and my OB agreed was perfectly safe and healthy. 

hannerbananers

Hey girl, 
I am also struggling with anxiety at the moment. In general I can be an anxious person but I've never felt this (as you also said) "loss of control" feeling. The nausea is starting for me this week (6 weeks 4 days) and I got a stomach bug a few days ago to top it off. I've only been at my new job for four months and I felt terrible calling in sick.

I've been doing relaxation/meditation with videos on youtube twice a day and telling myself "this will pass" as a reminder that I won't be nauseous forever. See if you can find a mantra that works for you.

If your fear if letting people/work down because you're feeling ill, try not to feel guilty. Many people get pregnant and get ill, I've had coworkers go off for weeks at a time when pregnant and I never judge them as harshly as I am currently judging myself. Like the other bumpies are saying though, try talking to your care provider about how you are feeling and see if hey have any suggestions. Feel free to reach out to me too at any time as I think we are both experiencing very similar feelings/tensions

scottishlass1213

hannerbananers said:

Hey girl, 
I am also struggling with anxiety at the moment. In general I can be an anxious person but I've never felt this (as you also said) "loss of control" feeling. The nausea is starting for me this week (6 weeks 4 days) and I got a stomach bug a few days ago to top it off. I've only been at my new job for four months and I felt terrible calling in sick.

I've been doing relaxation/meditation with videos on youtube twice a day and telling myself "this will pass" as a reminder that I won't be nauseous forever. See if you can find a mantra that works for you.

If your fear if letting people/work down because you're feeling ill, try not to feel guilty. Many people get pregnant and get ill, I've had coworkers go off for weeks at a time when pregnant and I never judge them as harshly as I am currently judging myself. Like the other bumpies are saying though, try talking to your care provider about how you are feeling and see if hey have any suggestions. Feel free to reach out to me too at any time as I think we are both experiencing very similar feelings/tensions

Thanks so much! I tend to not like it when things aren’t scheduled or right and this is definitely throwing me off. Pregnancy is so unpredictable and the end result is great but I hate the process to get there!  I can take any other symptom but nausea I can’t handle. 

canadianmom89

Definitely talk to your doctor. I suffer from anxiety and went off my medication last month when we started trying. I’m not sure if it’s the hormones or my anxiety but I’ve been irritated by everything lately( my anxiety comes out with irritation) . I saw my doctor tonight and she reassured me that my anxiety medication is safe during pregnancy if I would like to start taking it again. It was reassuring knowing that if I feel like my anxiety is getting bad again I could take my Medication 

scottishlass1213

quinnsmom21 said:

Definitely talk to your doctor. I suffer from anxiety and went off my medication last month when we started trying. I’m not sure if it’s the hormones or my anxiety but I’ve been irritated by everything lately( my anxiety comes out with irritation) . I saw my doctor tonight and she reassured me that my anxiety medication is safe during pregnancy if I would like to start taking it again. It was reassuring knowing that if I feel like my anxiety is getting bad again I could take my Medication 

If you don’t mind me asking, what we’re you taking? I was in lexapro. My anxiety comes out in anger and irritability too!

canadianmom89

scottishlass1213 said:

quinnsmom21 said:

Definitely talk to your doctor. I suffer from anxiety and went off my medication last month when we started trying. I’m not sure if it’s the hormones or my anxiety but I’ve been irritated by everything lately( my anxiety comes out with irritation) . I saw my doctor tonight and she reassured me that my anxiety medication is safe during pregnancy if I would like to start taking it again. It was reassuring knowing that if I feel like my anxiety is getting bad again I could take my Medication 

If you don’t mind me asking, what we’re you taking? I was in lexapro. My anxiety comes out in anger and irritability too!

I was taking citalopram. My doctor said there is rarely side effects to the baby. Sometimes the baby can have slight withdrawal symptoms if you have a high dose but I’ve always taken the minimum dose . I’m hoping I can stay off it until I’m done breastfeeding but I’m just taking it one day at a time ! 

lauramariiie

My anxiety comes out with irritation too. I hadn't been taking it for a while because I was nervous about the side effects if I got pregnant, but my doctor says it was safe to use and if I planned on getting back on it, I should ASAP. I'm on 150mg of wellbutrin a day, so it's not much, but it does help. I have the same fear too and I HATE not being able to plan/control things but I'm taking it one day at a time and hoping that this will help me learn to control that issue and just go with the flow as best I can. Hang in there!!

essexamazon

Hello. I've had anxiety for maybe 7 years. I have panic attacks and different triggers can cause either. I started off with depression too but that eased off. My panic is mainly anxiety and the fear of another panic attack. I'm emetophobic (fear of vomiting) and tokophobic (fear of pregnancy) so I've got a double whammy here.
 This year is the first year of my life (33) where I've even been able to consider TTC and we fell on the 4th month. The last two weeks have been filled with fear and dread and panic and nausea. I'm literally terrified of vomiting. It makes me feel like I can't catch my breath and will suffocate. I do totally understand that for people who don't suffer with this it's seems rediculous but believe me when you live with these fears every day it's very very real. I have had times where I can't leave the house for fear of panicking and I work with the public so always concerned about getting a sickness bug. The best thing to do in my opinion is find other people who suffer too that you can vent to. It's important not to take on the other people's phobias or worries as it's easy to pick up more. But venting to people who understand makes you feel like you are not alone and you are not crazy. It's just that our brains have become sensitised to certain situations. If you need to chat, I'm here. But we will get through this, we will be ok.

scottishlass1213

essexamazon said:

Hello. I've had anxiety for maybe 7 years. I have panic attacks and different triggers can cause either. I started off with depression too but that eased off. My panic is mainly anxiety and the fear of another panic attack. I'm emetophobic (fear of vomiting) and tokophobic (fear of pregnancy) so I've got a double whammy here.
 This year is the first year of my life (33) where I've even been able to consider TTC and we fell on the 4th month. The last two weeks have been filled with fear and dread and panic and nausea. I'm literally terrified of vomiting. It makes me feel like I can't catch my breath and will suffocate. I do totally understand that for people who don't suffer with this it's seems rediculous but believe me when you live with these fears every day it's very very real. I have had times where I can't leave the house for fear of panicking and I work with the public so always concerned about getting a sickness bug. The best thing to do in my opinion is find other people who suffer too that you can vent to. It's important not to take on the other people's phobias or worries as it's easy to pick up more. But venting to people who understand makes you feel like you are not alone and you are not crazy. It's just that our brains have become sensitised to certain situations. If you need to chat, I'm here. But we will get through this, we will be ok.

Omg I’ve never found anyone like me!! I had my first appt today and the dr. Told me to take half a unisom and B6. 

I live in in fear of the stomach bug too. It’s definitely happened with a 4 year old in daycare but I’m constantly paranoid when he tells me his stomach hurts etc. I’ve literally ran from him when he’s sick (DH was here). 

Im sitting here even debating going to work but I know I need to and can’t work from home every day as I’m in Human Resources. 

We have plans Saturday with the entire family that I am already dreading and debating the what if’s and maybe not even going. 

Definitely would love love to chat more!

Firemanswife11

scottishlass1213 said:

essexamazon said:

Hello. I've had anxiety for maybe 7 years. I have panic attacks and different triggers can cause either. I started off with depression too but that eased off. My panic is mainly anxiety and the fear of another panic attack. I'm emetophobic (fear of vomiting) and tokophobic (fear of pregnancy) so I've got a double whammy here.
 This year is the first year of my life (33) where I've even been able to consider TTC and we fell on the 4th month. The last two weeks have been filled with fear and dread and panic and nausea. I'm literally terrified of vomiting. It makes me feel like I can't catch my breath and will suffocate. I do totally understand that for people who don't suffer with this it's seems rediculous but believe me when you live with these fears every day it's very very real. I have had times where I can't leave the house for fear of panicking and I work with the public so always concerned about getting a sickness bug. The best thing to do in my opinion is find other people who suffer too that you can vent to. It's important not to take on the other people's phobias or worries as it's easy to pick up more. But venting to people who understand makes you feel like you are not alone and you are not crazy. It's just that our brains have become sensitised to certain situations. If you need to chat, I'm here. But we will get through this, we will be ok.

Omg I’ve never found anyone like me!! I had my first appt today and the dr. Told me to take half a unisom and B6. 

I live in in fear of the stomach bug too. It’s definitely happened with a 4 year old in daycare but I’m constantly paranoid when he tells me his stomach hurts etc. I’ve literally ran from him when he’s sick (DH was here). 

Im sitting here even debating going to work but I know I need to and can’t work from home every day as I’m in Human Resources. 

We have plans Saturday with the entire family that I am already dreading and debating the what if’s and maybe not even going. 

Definitely would love love to chat more!

Another extreme fear of vomit-er here. I've pulled my son out of day care for the week due to the flu. My anxiety has definitely gotten worse over the last 5 or so years. Vomiting is the worst thing on earth. I have extreme fears of germs. 

crbarrera

Bipolar and obsessive compulsive over here.
My husband and I waited to conceive until I was in good health and stable. Went off medication and conceived the 1st month of trying. I'm considered high risk and have had pretty bad mood swings already. During manic episodes, much anxiety, worrying and insomnia. Currently feeling depressed episode with excess tiredness, disinterest, repetitive negative thoughts and poor self image.
I appreciate you all sharing, I feel alone through this because many do not understand mental health and have bad views and stigmas. I even had a member of my family tell me I shouldn't have children because of my condition which caused me such shame and turmoil. Thank you so much for sharing and contributing insight it means so much to me during my journey.

scottishlass1213

Maybe we need to start doing check ins every few weeks to see how we’re all doing, like a mini support group!

justsuzie

...lurking from May. I always check in on the anxiety posts.  If you are ever worried or curious about your anxiety meds check out www.mothertobaby.org . This website has a lot of info of the true studied effects of your meds. I was terrified of my medication until I checked it out.  And although it is a rescue med for when I am having a panic attack I don't fear taking it.  There are a lot of meds you can take in low doses with very minuscule documented side effects. Good luck.  Talk to your doctor, see a therapist, be open with your partner, get a lot of exercise.   

spring2630

I also have anxiety and came off Zoloft shortly before getting pregnant with my second; I'm 7 weeks today. I also completely understand the specific worries you're suffering from. I worked over an hour away from my home throughout my first pregnancy and had many meetings I'd be stuck in during the day while I'd stress over getting sick or something negative happening with the pregnancy while I was "stuck" in the room and have actual panic attacks. 

I found it helpful to fit a 5 minute walk/escape in throughout the day as often as possible and especially before a meeting. Bonus if it was outside in fresh air. Hopefully the winter break you have coming up will help since your pregnancy will have moved along by the time you go back. I second others saying to talk with your doctor if you feel it isn't possible to cope with your anxiety unmedicated but I also 100% get it if you're really trying to avoid medication. I cannot wait to go back on mine in 9 months I feel like a completely different person. Best wishes; you will get through it!

essexamazon

Thanks everyone for sharing. Im feeling quite isolated and alone. Physically I'm not but mentally iam. I just keep getting told I'm doing the most natural thing in the world and I just need to relax. Honestly I want to gauge their eyes out. It feels very unnatural to me and I'm feeling exhausted of all the anxious thoughts. Particularly as I've been doing so much better this year till I got pregnant. I even came off my meds. (Sertraline which Ithink is Zoloft in u.s.a) I saw my doctor today and he was only interested in putting me back on it which I will do if I have to but I'd rather try alternative s first. We've also had visitors with us over Christmas all with colds and I'm now mentally thinking about all the surfaces they've touched.

scottishlass1213

Yes! I understand you in not being able to relax when you’re not in control of your body! And this is my second. Where are you from?