Have I damaged my baby?

[seanchai]

looking for reassurance, please...

I have high levels of stress and I'm 24 weeks pregnant. I'm ashamed to say that I have gotten really upset a few times over my pregnancy - lost my temper, screamed and shouted and thrown stuff.

I have an anxiety problem and I took propanalol (beta blockers) at the beginning of the pregnancy to calm me down. I've had this problem for years and really try hard to keep on top of it but I'm worried that I've really upset the baby or that the tablets (which I only took for two weeks cos I was desperate)will have affected development (even though the doc says they are pretty safe.)

Maybe the baby is going to have anxiety issues anyway because its genetic -or they'll learn from me, but I am trying hard to conquer it. I have had lots of relaxed times too over the pregnancy.

While we're at it, I had an x ray at the dentist in the first few months - anyone know it its really safe? I did tell t he dentist and she said it was okay, but...

Anyone in the same boat? I love this baby so much already, and feel awful that I might have affected him/her in some way already.

Please help

Seanchai

[indigobarbie]

Morning, hey just wanted to reassure you, I am absolutely sure the baby will be fine. In the past I too have suffered anxiety probs and panic attacks so know how draining and scary it all is.

I think that propranolol are given to control blood pressure in pg ladies and that dental xrays are minimal. I had an MRI scan when I was just pregnant and didn't know it yet.
I was also disciplined at work dor having 4 periods of absence in a year even though I had been dealing with an undiagnosed and painful condition. I got extremely emotional (read out of control almost) during this time, yet again didn't realise I was early pregnant.
I am sure others will be along with some words of wisdom but there are so many hormones being flooded in the body that it's hard to know how any of us are going to react/cope. I'd say just try to relax yourself and don't be too hard on yourself either - everything will be fine. Maybe pop along to the Dr's to have a chat - it might really help ease your mind. Thinking of you.

[BooKangerooWonders]

I have no medical training, but it sounds to me as if your baby will not be affected so far.

But instead of focussing on what's happened, why not do something positive for your baby? Make a pact with your baby to take up pregnancy yoga or pilates and stick with it until the end of the pregnancy. You can combine it with listening to relaxation or meditation cd's. That way, you'll feel better and the feelings will transfer to your baby.

I think taking positive steps will help you both (we could both be doing something relaxing at 6 am instead of mumsnetting!)

[Derv78]

Take it you are Irish? If so, maidin mhaith, tá súil agam go bhfuil tú ceart go leor.

I work in mental health, so wanted to write a quick reply to you (sitting awake bf as I type!)

First off, pregnancy is a time of worry for most mums, so you're not on your own. It's only natural to feel anxious about your baby & worry about him/her. It would be more weird if you weren't!

If you're usually an anxious person, this will be magnified. But it won't do your baby any harm. However, much better for you to try & relax as much as you can. I found pregnancy yoga really lovely, each session finished with relaxation & I found deep breathing really great. (If you've had any anxiety management you're probably familiar with breathing exercises, if you haven't had anxiety management you could chat to your GP about referral to see someone about it; you should be seen within a few weeks depending on where you live).

Secondly, at 24weeks your baby is only starting to hear noises outside the womb, so he/she won't have noticed you shouting before then! Even if he/she did, they were probably just interested in what the noise was, so don't feel bad!

As yes, propranolol safe in pregnancy, so don't worry about it having any effect on your baby.

[fifitot]

I took propranolol for 2 weeks in early pregnancy by accident! Mixed the tablets up with iron tablets - idiot! i freaked but doctor said it would be fine and it was.

[MumNWLondon]

I had a dental xray at 4 weeks with DS - but he is fine. Don't worry about that.

Stress is not ideal (esp late on in pregnancy) but its very unlikely you have damaged your baby - but studies have shown that being very stressed during pregnancy can lead to the baby being stressed so look forward, and try and make the rest of the pregnancy as calm as possible.

[LazyJourno]

I think there's much more radiation exposure from flying than x-rays but no one bats an eye lid at that.

And re the meds? Your doc's not concerned so relax. The effects of the stress hormone cortisol are apparently aguably more damaging than the Beta blockers.

But I'm not a medical professional. I am a parent though and guilt and anxiety are part of the job I'm afraid.

Sure you'll be fine

[seanchai]

Thanks, indigobarbie, it's so reassuring to know someone else has been where I am and it's worked out okay.

Thank you for your positive thinking, BooKangeroo. I think that's something I defo need to try! Hubby said me and him could do some yoga together! It can be hard on them when their womenfolk act a bit crazy!

Hey, Derv78
ta suil agam gur maith leatsa!
You've given me a good idea to bf whilst on mumsnet! Thanks so much for your reassurance. I'm defo going to get a referral. I love what you say about baba just being interested in what's going on,
go raibh maith agat

thank you fifitot and Mumnwl for your help.

Lazyjourno, you are so right. It's all part of the job, we've just got to get on as best we can.

Thanks everyone for your help. It is so wonderful to feel supported.

Thanks a million XXX

[Trickle]

Just to say I've had random pannic/anxiety attacks for ages - they come and go.

Can't tell you how it's effected the baby (could come back in a week if you want and give you a clue )

I breathe meditate yada yada (I actually find something that makes you breathless and uses up the flight or fight hormones helps - swimming). I was getting a little anxious about the effect on the baby - however it struck me as silly, I can't control the attacks (I can shorten but not stop them) however worrying about the effect in between is just going to make it worse multiply the effect. I've just had to accept that it is what it is - control what I can and go with the flow.

[skihorse]

A friend is currently on beta-blockers at 34+ weeks partially due to anxiety. I'm guessing they wouldn't have prescribed them if they're bad...

[HumphreyCobbler]

also, are you getting enough exercise? I found my anxiety goes through the roof when I am not getting any exercise. Pregnancy was bad for this as I had spd so it was too painful to even go for a walk.

[TakeLovingChances]

I'm Irish too, but don't speak Irish

Anyway, from around 20-30 weeks pregnant I was very very stressed at work (for a range of reasons) and ended up having nosebleeds from the stress. I rang my MW and she said that nosebleeds are common enough in pregnancy, but that the stress would be the most likely reason for me having them.

She told me not to worry and after a few days the bleeds went away.

I'd say as long as your baby is moving about okay and growing as he/she should you both should be fine.

[seanchai]

I'll be honest,I'm FBI, foreign born Irish (Scouse in this case!) But my hubby's Irish and my parents, and we keep close links.

Thanks, everyone, so much for your help. I'm defo going to do some exercise, I hear it 'unwinds the mind'. Great tip, thanks for the reassurance X