Anxiety

Nittyk · November 2017

hi ladies,

im having a hard time sleeping and I feel so anxious. How do you deal with this? I just feel anxious about the whole pregnancy. I'm 16 weeks today and more nauseous than ever. And this is adding to my depressed: anxious mood

jenotontx · November 2017

Do you have a hx of Dep and Anx? Do you see a therapist? I would suggest you consider getting in to see a therapist if you don’t already have one. If you have a hx of Dep and Anx or are feeling that way now then you could be at increased risk of having PPD after your baby is born. I think it would be within your best interest (and baby) for you to be followed by a professional. A therapist could also help you develop techniques to deal with the Dep and Anx.

millieb14 · November 2017

I️ have struggled with anxiety since law school and agree with the above poster; better to address it now and get a good plan in place with how to cope because post pardum was much worse.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a great way to talk out your concerns. Having some calming techniques Like nightly lavender lotion (kinda lame bUt when you’re preg there aren’t many options) and regular exercise help too.

Maybe plan a babymoon or some fun events to look forward to so you can focus on that instead. My nausea finally got better this pregnancy around 17 weeks so hoping yours will too!

Nittyk · November 2017

Thank you!

btm013 · November 2017

I apologize in advance for the long post. It’s a topic I find important to discuss!
I suffered from anxiety before I conceived my first child - mainly bc of my job. I was off all anxiety meds (which wasn’t a whole lot, 10mg of Prozac and an occasional half tablet of klonopin) before I got pregnant. Once I got pregnant, it returned with a vengeance. That coupled with hyperemesis led to depression which was something I never experienced before. I was at a very low point where I wasn’t excited about pregnancy or the prospect of being a mother. I was hospitalized with dehydration for the third time and they needed to do an ultrasound. I’m ashamed to admit this but I didn’t care how the baby was - if I miscarried then maybe I would feel better. My husband said he watched me as they did the ultrasound and I just laid there completely disengaged. My OB and husband begged me to go on a low dose of Prozac. I was fighting it because I worried how it would affect baby. I’m so unbelievably glad I did. It was a game changer and once the morning sickness cleared (which wasn’t until 18 weeks!) I finally felt human again. I never came off it. I’m still on that very low minimal dose even now. I also see a therapist who at this point is just there shoot the shit with bc I don’t feel as though I need it. Don’t be afraid to seek help. There is no shame in it.

ladythrice · November 2017

I just want to add that I suffered from post-partum anxiety after DS was born and I WISH I had talked to a medical professional about it sooner than I did. I finally broke down at my first pre-natal appointment for DD (I was 11 months PP and about 7 weeks pregnant) and the (stupid) nurse practitioner basically told me I was screwed and should have said something earlier because now I'm pregnant and to call her back if I felt REALLY bad. [She said this to me while I was sobbing in the exam room... cuz you know... that's how 'not bad' anxiety manifests...]. Anyway, I ended up convinced it was unsafe for me to do anything while I was pregnant (NOT TRUE) and I spent the next several months... struggling. It took six months for me to start feeling normalish but it was the darkest time of my life and I'm forever resentful of the damn NP for ignoring me. I blame my anxiety for not connecting to my pregnancy and for feeling like DD was a parasite. The NP should have helped me. I should have sought a second opinion.

This is all to say, talk to a medical professional. And if its someone in your OB office and they blow you off, get a second opinion! You shouldn't have to struggle through your pregnancy.

mountainsmama · November 2017

I agree with the comments above about seeking help and finding ways to cope that work for you. I have struggled with anxiety at times in my life and pregnancy seems to amplify what you're already dealing with. And, not to scare you, but for me it got a lot worse after giving birth. I read there is some part of the mother's brain that physically changes and makes you hyper-aware of your kiddo, but for me it also "turned up" my baseline anxiety. My brain was having the weirdest and sometimes disturbing thoughts. After a couple months, it just went away. But it's so important to have a support network around you (partner, family, doctors) who can keep an eye on you and a place for you to openly talk about what you're experiencing.

irenejean · November 2017

I'm sorry you're dealing with so much anxiety right now. I have a history of anxiety and agree with what everyone said above, get the help you need now. And I also agree that the anxiety gets worse after delivery. Something about the postpartum hormones, lack of sleep, and having a delicate newborn just kicked that part of my brain into overdrive. Find a good support network now and have a plan for postpartum. I hope you get some relief!

danjoly · November 2017

Antepartum depression and anxiety is a thing although less common that PPD/PPA. Definitely talk to your OB about it!

sjn00 · November 2017

I can't add anything that others havent already said. I am also a sufferer of depression and anxiety (along with many other diagnosis) I definitely reccomend bringing it up to your OB asap. There are safe medications to take while pregnant and breast feeding that could help you feel better. Therapy is also something to look into to help further your treatment in feeling better. I hope you start feeling better soon, its a miserable feeling.

fancybelmont · November 2017

Talk to your OB. I was on meds for anxiety prior to this pregnancy. So far I'm managing okay, but I'm monitoring myself honestly and will go back on if I need to. I will most definitely go back on something after the baby is born. Anxiety and depression are very common in pregnancy and after. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There is no need to suffer and no reason to be embarrassed. I was and I waited and I suffered for a long time before I finally got some help. It was the best choice I ever made and my life is 100 times better because of it. You aren't alone.

Hang in there.

jem8407 · November 2017

I am so sorry to hear you’re going through this. It is far more common than many women understand. I take herbs when I am not pregnant to manage anxiety. Mine also flared up during this pregnancy. I began using an app called My Headspace as a form of meditation/mindfulness and the doctor did prescribe a very low dose of Zoloft. I cut it in half and took it for four days. Then I freaked out even though legitimate medical literature stated otherwise. My OB team has been extremely supportive. I hope that you also have a supportive structure and that you take care of yourself. It is such a difficult role we are in but we must care for ourselves.

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