panic attacks?

Re: panic attacks?

• mlhw NH member

  November 2011

  Have you tried relaxation cd's.  I have them for hypnobirthing and they have really helped with my anxiety in general.  There is nothing more annoying to someone who worries than to tell them just don't worry or just don't panic!  I get what your saying about that.  There are many anti anxiety medications out there, sorry I wouldn't know which are safe if any during pregnancy. 

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• amandajb1 member

  November 2011

  If you dont think your OB will be sympathetic to the situation I would talk with you PCP. Its something that you want to get undercontrol before your a mom. Let me tell you from experience, its not fun having a panic attack while trying to nurse a newborn. Also psychatic nurse may work for you too, they can do counseling and medication. Good luck! And def try the relaxation cds, they will help teach you deep breathing. Dont ever listen to someone who says just dont panic, they obvously have never been there before.

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• BUmama

  November 2011

  You need to talk with yor OB about this. If your pcp is like mine, then he'll want to consult with the OB anyway.

  My OB knows that I have a history of anxiety disorder and depression and throughout the 2nd trimester offered me meds but I said no because I was doing fine. At my next appt I will discuss starting meds that are compatible with breastfeeding because of how overwhelmed I'm feeling. I've never felt this way before in a pregnancy (this is my 3rd) and I want to avoid a nasty bout of PPD and be proactive.

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• tkmiraglia member

  November 2011

  I started getting panic attacks in my second trimester, too. Around 20 weeks. I went to my OB about them and they sent me to a counselor. I was offered a medication consult but I turned it down. The counseling has really helped me. I learned I wasn't coping with my stress so by the time it found its way out I didn't know what the stress was about. So, really, all we work on now is healthy coping mechanisms. 

  But, anyway, going to a psychologist or counselor can help and if you do want the medication, they can do the consult for you.  

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• BritanyV

  November 2011

  Most medications that help with panic attacks are not really considered safe during pregnancy.   I would only go with meds as an absolute last resort. 

  I have panic attacks and since I know that the meds I can take for them can potentially be harmful to the baby, I just live through them.   Something about knowing that the meds are harmful helps me make it through the attacks easier and actually decreases the amount I have.

  If you have access to counseling, that might help.  Also light exercise and relaxation can help too.
  

  

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• Kristine Schilling

  November 2011

  I am diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Before I was pregnant I was on Abilify(not safe for pregnancy) and Zoloft. I was off all meds by the end of my first trimester for safety reasons, and I would assume that since no different meds were offered, none are safe.

   I was also seeing a therapist regularly to teach me how to "cope" with attacks. The idea being to eventually wean me off meds anyway.

   First off, Talk to your OB, she may recomend a therapist, which is generally covered by insurance BTW...Anxiety and stress cause all sorts of fun chemicals to flow in your body which can be bad for you and baby.

  Depending on your severity of anxiety attack, there are several techniques to try. The first thing you need to do is recognize that it is an attack. Then take a couple slow deep breaths. Once you realize it is an attack and breath, you most likely can calm yourself down. However, an anxiety attack triggers a nasty cocktail of endorphins and hormones, so a bit of excersise(taking a walk or something) will help alot. Changing the situation also helps tremendously.

  The frustrating thing about anxiety attacks is that you really have very little warning. My therapist taught me how to recognize the attack before it hits full on, but that requires understanding what can trigger it for you personally. My therapist has been tremendously valuable to me, and I am sure you would benefit from one as well. 

   All sorts of things are going on in your body right now, and sometimes you need help to understand and deal with them. Talk to your doctor please.

  

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