Anxiety/panic attacks - anyone?

Filly78

I will be 36 weeks tomorrow.  I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks when I was in college, but haven't had to deal with any of that since then.  Now all of a sudden, I feel the anxiety/panic attacks coming on.  I feel like I can't breathe sometimes and just overall overwhelmed.  I had an OB appt yesterday and the OB told me to go talk to a psychiatrist.  So much for getting some sympathy and understanding from her. 

 Is anyone else feeling like this?  I need some help relaxing!

jrshyke

Ugh...I have suffered from anxiety for years and years.  I do see a psychiatrist in addition to my OB MD and she said that it is very common for anxiety to be heightened during pregnancy.  Usually they don't 'treat' it medicinally unless they are affecting everyday life, then they prescribe Ativan or something similar.

I usually try to do some type of relaxation like deep breathing or imagery. I also try to avoid triggers, like family.  I hope this helps and good luck.

tigerlove85

I suffered from anxiety, panic attacks too a couple of years back. They subsided and have recently been heightened. At my first dr appt, when I found out I was pregnant, the dr noticed in my file I had anxiety in the past and said same thing about it coming back during pregnancy. She said she could prescibe something during preggers, if need be. I've been doing yoga, relaxation techniques, deep breathing ect, and have gotten through it ok. Best of luck to you, I understand how tough it can be.

mkaultman29

My anxiety attacks came back full force at the beginning of my 2nd trimester. The combo of hormones and the major change in your life (probably why they come on in college) will do it. I'm sorry your OB wasn't sensitive towards your situation, but I would still take her advice. There are plenty of medications that are safe during pregnancy and they might have a therapist that they recommend. Whatever you decide, you will be happy you nipped it in the bud so it doesn't become a post partum issue. GL!

hopefulmom81

Yes, I am.  I have dealt with anxiety since my teens and had sporadic bouts of panic attacks when things get overwhelming. I have also noticed they might be triggered around times my hormones are surging.  Since 26 weeks I have been getting them again and they don't seem to be triggered by anything in particular

The lack of being able to breathe COULD be because baby is smooshing your lungs, which CAUSES a panic attack which causes MORE breathing issues and then just kind of spirals.  Kind of a "which came first" issue.

I would suggest yoga or maybe a funny book that you could dive into just to focus your mind for a few moments.  For the breathing, maybe step outside and just take a few deep breaths of fresh air?

I am sorry you are dealing with this. 

Natali25

I also had/have anxiety issues. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm about to have a heart attack. Glad it's only breathing and relaxation issues. I find myself being stressed when I procrastinate and sometimes when I'm just plain uncomfortable with the baby in there. I've learned to take it one day at a time and do one thing each day so I don't feel bogged down all at once. When I get uncomfortable from LO I just go for a walk or take a nice bath and drink some sparkling grape juice. Others may not believe in this but I pray and sometimes I pray a lot and cry. It really helps me get things off my chest that I'm worried about.

Hope you get some relief soon!

Jeactc10

I have panic/anixety to, I haven't had an attack in a few years. But sometimes I feel like I'm gonna have one so I just go in another room away from DH turn on a fan, and sip some water and put on some headphones and just lay on my side since I'm pregnant I can't take the medicine the doctor prescribe me 3 years ago. So I've found other ways to get me to calm down without worrying anybody else.

SGreen0985

Man, I've been having a lot of anxiety attacks these past few months. When I was diagonsed with GD I pretty much flipped out. I was thinking/crying about it constantly. I'm a natural worrier, I have been worrying about everything from the medication-free birth I want, to the xtra ultrasounds the doc prescribed, to silver-nitrate drops in baby's eyes. I worry way too much. I actually broke down and cried in the doctors office. And she ended up prescribing Ativan 0.5mg. She told me that the powerful anxiety attacks I was having could put me into preterm labor. I've only taken the Ativan once (it relaxed me a bit and made me a bit sleepy). But I feel better knowing I have it if I get another anxiety attack, kind of like a safety net. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT pro-medications, especially during pregnancy. But I just couldn't take the helpless, out-of-control feeling, so I'm glad I got the prescription. I also really can't afford to go to a psychiatrist at the moment. I don't know how you feel about this issue, but it may be something you might want to ask your OB about prescribing.
     I have also been practicing my hypnobirthing slow breathing technique, and that seems to help. As well as warm baths, and the occasional wine glass filled with pomegranate juice. Also reading magazines and books completely unrelated to pregnancy is a good distraction.
    I wish you the best of luck! Keep your head up, things will get better. And don't feel ashamed if you need to seek medical help, whether it be from a therapist or doctor recommended medication. Take care!