How did you get through 1st tri? (Coping mechanisms needed!)

eminbmore · March 2010

I swear, I'm about to have a panic attack. Every little twinge, every time I feel CM, every time my nausea subsides or I feel ok for a second - I freak out and am sure that this is IT and I'm going to see blood.

I can't live like this for the next eight weeks. (And yes, I know 2nd tri isn't completely out of the woods, but I will breathe easier!) I know that stressing out isn't going to help or change anything, but my logical brain isn't doing a good job convincing my skeptical/freaking out/ZOMG brain.

Did you have any particular coping strategies, diversions, relaxation techniques, tricks, tips, ANYTHING, that helped you get through it? I'm just so worried.

lil_rhody · March 2010

I hit up the public library and read a ton of books. Books tend to be my escape from everything. Otherwise, I really just tried to keep busy and forget that I was pregnant.

vflipo · March 2010

I wish I knew. I stay pretty busy with work and school but I still worry constantly... and my next appointment isn't until I'm almost out of 1st tri. Nothing to ease my mind from a medical perspective (which is what I really want).

ezbakejess · March 2010

We got a doppler, and the was probably the biggest help to me. We listened to her every morning before we got out of bed.

I guess the emotional thing that helped me the most was just realizing that I'm going to be worrying about this little girl for the rest of my life now, so a little bit of worry is ok. I tried to talk myself down to a normal amount of worrying, and it was almost like allowing myself that little amount kept it under control... I hope that makes sense... You're a mama, and mama's worry about their babies their whole lives - it would be unnatural NOT to worry.

I hate that we all have these worries - I hope you can find something that helps you.

OCIrishBruin · March 2010

I'm right there with you and wish I knew the answers. I'm probably going to order a doppler if all goes well at my first u/s a week from Monday. It's just getting to that u/s that is killing me.

Jess - thanks for your response. It totally makes sense.

TravelinMama · March 2010

I say try and stay busy if you can. If it's nice in your area, it's perfect, go for a walk, I guess walk lots lol.

I have no idea. I do the same thing day in and day out (but it's still butt ass_ cold here and the weather sucks for anything besides staying in). I'm counting down the days till my next u/s when I think if all is well I'll finally be able to relax a little bit.

lisatlantic · March 2010

I'm EXACTLY the same way, and it's exhausting. I've tried doing some deep breathing when I started to get really panicky and overwhelmed, and that helps. I also keep trying to tell myself that I'm doing everything right and if another m/c is going to happen, there's nothing else I can do to stop it and I'll just have to cross that bridge when/if it comes. I HAVE to talk myself out of these obsessive thoughts or else I'll drive myself and everyone around me insane. I just have to make it to my first appointment, hear the heartbeat, and then I think I'll breathe easier.

grr_aargh · March 2010

I'm definitely staying in the moment, not thinking about the future, and spending my time knitting chemo caps and working on my Relay for Life fundraising.

And we're not telling anyone. You guys are the ONLY people who know - nobody IRL, nobody elsewhere, just you. In a way, that keeps me sane. Nobody's asking where I am in my cycle, how TTC's going, how I'm feeling, etc. We're just. . . being.

Honestly, having done this 4 times in 14 months, I can't really get too wound up about it. I'm hoping the 5th time's the charm, but I'm resigned to another loss as well, if that makes any sense.

Kelly0615 · March 2010

I still have really anxious moments. The 1st tri is very scary, though. I did Cranial Sacral therapy with massage and let DH take really good care of me. I went for walks and also did a ton of organizing around the house. Projects and reading are always a great idea.

I hope the time flies for you. Hang in there and hugs!

vlewis515 · March 2010

lil_rhody:
I hit up the public library and read a ton of books. Books tend to be my escape from everything. Otherwise, I really just tried to keep busy and forget that I was pregnant.

This! I have my panics but for the most part in the very beginning I let myself forget that I was pregnant a lot!

teachinbr · March 2010

The time between my 7 week appt and 11 week appt. were unbearable. I was beyond stressed. I called my OB's office a few times (spotting, horrible back pain, son got the flu). I also asked her to push my appt up a few days (which she did). At my 10 week appt, much to my surprise, baby was doing great so when she scheduled me to come back in 4 weeks, I asked if I could come back in 2 weeks. She had NO problem with it and scheduled me an appt to sneak in and do a quick doppler scan. She also recommended that I do not get a doppler (I asked) since I am such a worrier. She says she has so many patients calling or coming in because they could not find a heartbeat. I have one week till I am out of first trimester and then will begin to worry about something new-my NT scan. But it has gotten so much easier now that I am close to the "finish" line

lelia · March 2010

I feel very much the same way you do. Everytime there is a twinge or anything wet down there, I rush to the bathroom expecting to see blood. I?m trying to stay away from Dr. Google because he only makes things worse, and do anything which might distract me.

BAM_2780 · March 2010

My loss was in my 2nd tri last time, so honestly, I'm more of a wreck now than I was in 1st tri! I wish I knew what would help. I guess try and stay busy. But then the other part of me has the, "Today I'm pregnant and I love my baby" attitude - enjoy it as much as possible. Good luck to you.

mristine6 · March 2010

I got an u/s at 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 18 weeks and 20 weeks. My doctor did it because it really helped calm my nerves. Maybe your dr. would be willing to see you more often? Unfortunately getting to 2nd tri didn't really help with my nerves and I'm still pretty nervous but I hope its not that way for you and you do get to breath easier once outta first tri. Good luck!

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How did you get through 1st tri? (Coping mechanisms needed!)

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