Perinatal Anxiety Before Pregnant!

[Betsie86]

Hello Mumnet!

This is my very first post and I’m looking for some advice from you all.

My husband and I are planning on trying for a baby later this year.

For many years I’ve struggled with OCD and generalised Anxiety, I’m now at a point where I’m not on any medication and haven’t been for a good 5 years, however, I still have really good days and some bad days I think I’ve learned as to how to cope. The OCD in particular is more pressing, I have considered going back on Meds but at the same time feel that 80% of the time I cope quite well and can get myself out of it.

My fear is that when I fall (hopefully) pregnant is that me managing to cope currently will be go through the roof! So effectively I’m worrying about worrying!

I’m not worried about the birth etc or anything pregnancy related is purely having that anxious feeling and then my mind taking over and coming up with many ridiculous things that I should then worry about.

Has anyone been through this with a similar background and how did they find it? Did you find your anxiety went a little crazy?

I have booked an appointment with a perinatal psychiatrist next week to discuss with her before it happens for tips but I’m really interested to hear from you too.

Please help!

Thank you

[Anoushka1986]

I am in a very similar situation to you. I have generalised anxiety with obsessive tendencies and have been worrying about the same thing as you as I am hoping to conceive in the next few months. A few weeks ago I made the decision to go on sertraline and I am already noticing a change. My dr assured me that although there are risks they are minimal I decided the risks outweighed the benefits. I’m feeling really relieved with my decision.

[Betsie86]

Thank you for your reply I'm glad I'm not alone (albeit I know how you feel and wish it wasn't us or anyone us for that matter!)

Were you on any medication before or was the specifically to have prior to pregnancy and then continue or until the point of conception?

I have read online about risks (mainly autism) although it appears that it's a bit inconclusive.

To be honest I think my OCD causes most of my anxiety if that makes sense not so much the cleaning side but constant checking etc.

Thank you again

[Anoushka1986]

I suffer insomnia and was previously taking temazepam intermittently to manage this. I also get panic attacks and was previously taking beta blockers to manage this. When I went to my preconception appointment with my dr she said that I couldn't take temazepam throughout pregnancy and that although the dose of beta blockers wasn't too high and not too bad she would prefer to put me on sertraline instead to manage my anxiety and this would hopefully help the sleep too. So I plan to take sertraline throughout the pregnancy.

My understanding of the autism risk is that the research is inconclusive (does not take into account other factors) and that even if the risk is increased it is only increased by a very small amount. Great that you have booked in with a perinatal psychiatrist though as they should be up to date with the research in this area.

It is a tough decision and very personal choice. I feel like , for myself, I will be a much better space to grow a healthy baby now that my head is feeling better but of course I am taking a risk in making this decision.

Good luck for your appointment!

[Betsie86]

Thank you so much I feel better already!

I hope it all works out for you, I will let you know how I get on at my appointment.

Happy to stay in touch over next couple of months too to see how we are getting on

Good luck x

[Anoushka1986]

Yes that would be great! Glad you are feeling better x

[Betsie86]

So I saw the therapist today.

The decision has been to go on to some medication now to keep me level throughout . The risks and benefits were discussed at great lengths.

I feel quite relieved in a way and I'm glad I chatted everything through with them. Unfortunately I fall into the high bracket for a reoccurrence as well as genetic loading from anxiety perspective.

X

[Betsie86]

I'm also going to go for some CBT

[Anoushka1986]

@Betsie86 yes it is a relief to make a decision isn't it? It sucks that we are predisposed to this but I try to remind myself that having anxiety helps me be a more sensitive and therefore caring person. Yes I've been seeing a psych too to prepare me and support me through, so far has been helpful.

X

[xELENx]

Hi All,

Sorry, I'm a bit late to this convo (I've just joined).

My DH and I have been married a year now and decided to start TTC (this our first month trying). However, although I want a family, I am more than a little anxious about it - all aspects of it - pregnancy, labour, giving birth, actually being responsible for a living, breathing human and how I'll cope if/when my anxiety plays up again.

I have a long on/off history of suffering with anxiety and panic attacks. I've been on beta blockers, sertraline, citalopram, fluoxitine and tried CBT and counselling. I'm currently in a good place and have been off all meds for approx. 18 months. However, just the thought of falling pregnant scares me (as much as I want it).

It's good to know that the option of going back on sertraline (which was the most effective for me) during pregnancy is an option, as well as knowing that I can have an elective c section if I can't control my anxiety about labour and contactions.

Just wanted to get my personal thoughts and fears down and assure you that you're not alone! X