Hi, I'm new! Worried 2 questions!

alikat357 · February 2014

Hi everyone, I am just now getting around to checking in here! I had a question or 2... Last week my doc said baby feels on the small side so ordered an us for next week. Should I be worried? She is very active and I'm very petite so I feel like it should be ok?
Also, I have panic attacks & am terrified of going to the hospital when the time comes! Anyone else dealing with anxiety attacks, etc.?
Sorry for saying so much on my 1st post!

kat8805 · February 2014

Hi,

Few things:

1) welcome! An intro would be nice, or you could swing by https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12264223/hey-newbs#latest this thread and add your intro there.

2) until you have an untrasound, and even then, I wouldn't worry too much if she (congrats on being team pink!) is on the small side. Growth scans and fundal measurements aren't always very accurate.

3) Have you discussed your anxiety/worry with your SO (significant other) or your Dr?

My first fundal measurement at 27w6d was reading at 34w, so we had a growth scan this past Friday at 30w, and the tech two measurements, first put her in the 96th percentile, the second in the 76th percentile. I also have excess fluid, making me measure even larger. Add in my extra fluffy nature, and the fundal measurement is straight useless.

I assume this is your first, some level of anxiety is expected. It's a lot of unknowns, and a lot of guaranteed change. We're here to answer what we can, but feel free to do a whole bunch of browsing on the forum before asking, as your questions and concerns may be the same as others, and some great advice may already have been given.

Again, welcome, and congratulations!

FunSizeGrl · February 2014

I can't say much about her feeling on the small side. I would wait until after the US to even think of being worried. She could just be a petite baby

I'm glad you don't have to wait for long to know more!
Did you have anxiety or panic attacks before getting pregnant? If so I would just use the same coping skills you used then. If you feel like you need more I would seek out a therapist to work with you. I know dealing with panic attacks is awful. I have some apprehension about dealing with them in labor. I know I can deal and relax at home but I'm not looking forward to the transition to the hospital or being in the hospital at all. The biggest things I'm relying on is of course my husband, we've hired a doula, and I'm practicing breathing techniques (like hypnobirthing) as much as I can. Welcome to board!

RachelCA29 · February 2014

I don't really have much to say on the measuring small thing, but in terms of your anxiety about labour and the panic attacks, have you talked to your doctor or midwife about a birthing class? A class to review the labour process, pain management or interventions would go a long way to ease your mind a bit when it comes to "fear of the unknown" factor. I was very anxious about that until I started looking into courses. Just being signed up (mine start in a few weeks) has already put my mind at ease.

My hospital doesn't do traditional tours but offers an online video and gave me a big booklet (it's 100 pages) that took me through the whole "going to have a baby" process in terms of what happens at the hospital. Reading through that was so reassuring. Again, I think a lot of my anxiety was the "unknown" factor.

I hope you can find some help that eases your mind! Welcome and congrats!

alikat357 · February 2014

I just added my intro onto the linked board, hopefully in the correct area!
I have been working with my psychologist, husband and ob and yes I've had a history of anxiety and panic since I was young. I'm really not afraid of the pain but of the hospital in general... I don't do well out of my comfort zones!
I'm trying not to worry about the little one and wait to see what the test shows, everything else is reading well.
Thank you for all of your replies already! It's nice to have a place to talk to others who are actually having babies!!!

Dplusbsquared · February 2014

I have anxiety and panic attacks with regard to hospitals. It's only when I'm the patient. I even panic at the sight of ambulances with lights and sirens on.

I have to see the birth of my baby as a HAPPY day and a BIRTH day party. I don't allow myself to "go there" and only think about the happiness. I keep reminding myself that I finally get to meet my baby.

I wish you patience with yourself on this one. It's tough.

DBonfante · February 2014

Have you tried going to a yoga class to help focus on the positive aspects of baby's birth? It can also help with breathing techniques and visualizations that can help ease stress and anxiety.

CamrynnsMommy · February 2014

I'm fairly petite as well (5') and my fundal height measured small last week, so they're sending me for a growth u/s in two weeks. I'm not too concerned, my last DD measured in the small side and she's just a petite little thing. She could just be small.

I hope all is fine at your u/s.

I'm no help on the latter matter.

alikat357 · February 2014

Thank you! All of your replies are really helpful! I did actually just get a prenatal yoga video and I've noticed that guided meditation seems helpful.
It's just frustrating that the anxiety has increased a lot during pregnancy so I'm hopeful it gets better once she's here!
Thank you also for the reassuring words on the "measuring small"... I'm happy that I do get to see her again at the u/s so I'm focusing on that more than the worry for now!
Now I just need some energy back so I can get things ready, that's a nice distraction too

Unknown · February 2014

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