Feeling claustrophobia and panic attacks at 22 weeks

[saudades15]

Hi
I just wanted to find out if anyone has been through this or has any advice for me.

I'm 22 weeks pregnant and for the past week I've been having quite a few horrible nights where I can't sleep and I feel extremely uncomfortable, can't close my eyes and relax, I get really hot, then I get really cold... have to get up every two minutes... having horrible thoughts, can't breathe properly and feeling extremely claustrophobic, anxious... terrified, like I have a knot in my chest.... I basically panic, can't sleep the entire night.... It's driving me crazy and I'm so scared this is only going to get worse as the baby grows more.

It's weird as it only happens during the night when I try and go to sleep, I'm perfectly fine during the day and feel exhausted the entire day, day dreaming about going to bed but as soon as I lie down, that tiredness goes away and I'm wide awake feeling that way...

Can anyone help?

[Jenda]

Sorry you are feeling horrible. I would definitely suggest speaking to a GP or Midwife, you don't have to suffer this one your own. Hopefully as it has only just started, it will go away just as quickly.

For now could you try making a cosy bed on the sofa and letting yourself drop off watching something boring?

[Itsgettinghotinhere]

Really sorry you've started to feel this way. I struggled with this when I was pregnant too.
I eventually was taught some excellent breathing techniques from my ante-natal yoga instructor and they really helped me to focus and stay calm.
I also found that getting up and watching late night tv stopped me lying there and becoming more anxious.
I think talking to your midwife/doctor as Jenda suggested is helpful too