Feeling really anxious and unsure in run up to labour.. help?

[kayleighb21]

I'm naturally a very anxious person and suffer panic attacks.. in fact I'm not really sure why I decided to have a baby it was probably one of the worst decisions I could make for my health anxiety!! I'm now 2 weeks off my due date and feel constantly in a state of panic.. I'm so scared about the labour and if I have to get put to sleep or if I vomit during it.. I just can't relax I'm not sleeping or anything. What can I do?

[mamarach26]

I was exactly the same, there is no need to panic. Your body just takes over, I was sick and had a little poo, in the moment you don't care what's happening! Just enjoy the end of your pregnancy!

[Wolfiefan]

Please speak to your mw or GP for help with your anxiety.
Find out all your options eg pain relief etc. I found TENS and water really helpful with my first.
Are you an emetophobe? They can give you anti emetics in labour.
It wouldn't be usual to have or need a general anaesthetic at all.
You may surprise yourself. I expected to be a crazy screaming loon in labour. I felt quite calm TBH. Laboured at home and only went into hospital for the last 2/3 hours. Was fine.

[sj257]

Please try not to worry. I understand, I have anxiety myself, health anxiety included. We will be fine (I'm 37 weeks tomorrow), I promise you xxx

[kayleighb21]

Yeah Wolfiefan I have very severe emetophobia.. I've had it since I was about 10! :-( I'm not scared of pooing myself lol I'm just so scared about being sick. My midwife has been useless and said they will give me antiemetics only if I am sick which is no consolation for me whatsoever!! I'm tempted to take my own antisickness with me but they make me drowsy!
I'm just so scared I will go into a massive panic attack and won't be able to labour properly or will slow it down / annoy the staff with my anxiety and panicking. For example now I have a pain high in the middle of my stomach (think it might be indigestion) and feel a bit sick and I'm nearly having an anxiety attack. I can't cope I can't do this!!
On top of this I'm not even sure I will cope with being a mum.. I'm so selfish and unorganised and I'm so scared about how my life is going to change. Its sounds awful but I kind of feel like I'm starting to regret it :'(

[kippersandcurtains]

I was scared too. It was fine - worthy of feeling mighty proud - but fine.
All three times.
Good luck

[Wolfiefan]

I have had two babies. I was actually unwell with my first. (Don't have a McD's milkshake whilst in labour!) Fine with second.
Once in labour maybe stick to water and stuff that won't make you ill.
If you feel sick tell them. Maybe get them to agree to give the anti emetics if you feel sick?
Never did poo in labour. Neither time. If you do you may well not even notice and mw won't point it out!
Would you try hypno birthing or relaxation techniques? A doula?
You can do this.
I'm quite selfish and disorganised. I made it up as I went along! I wasn't selfish where my kids were concerned because I loved them and wanted the best for them. The organisation thing came. Well mostly!

[kayleighb21]

Are you emetophobic too? were you just sick the once with your first? Thats kind of what I'm worried about too not knowing when I'm going to go into labour and having a big meal or something beforehand! I'm seeing my midwife after new year when I'm about 39 weeks, but I think I might book a GP app to talk about it as I really don't feel like my midwife listens to me. What is a doula? I have seen people talk about them but don't know what one is! I looked into hypobirthing and it was quite expensive but I wonder if there are any videos on youtube or whatever. Haha I just can't imagine the organisation thing coming to me at all! I'm so dozy haha!

[DowntonDiva]

Ina May videos on YouTube really reassured me when I felt anxious just before I gave birth. Perhaps you could watch some of those and they're free.

[kayleighb21]

Ina May - I will have a look.. thank you! I just feel in a constant state of anxiety now no matter what I'm doing... like tonight I'm sat watching tv with my family so I should be relaxed but I'm nearly having a panic attack!

[Wolfiefan]

I'm not emetophobic but do suffer with anxiety. I was only sick once and it really was due to the stupid milkshake!
With your first you may well have lots of warning before proper labour starts so you won't be having a three course meal just before pushing.
Doula is a professional birth partner. A calm birth partner is a great help.
I didn't do hypnobirthing but did use breathing techniques. Helped me to focus and stay calm. Felt quite chilled for most of it TbH. Not like me at all!
Re organisation. You soon work out what helps. I used to repack changing bag after we had been out (replenish nappies etc) so I didn't run out!

[manhowdy]

I've never been sick during labour. Never felt even remotely sick in fact.

I know it's hard to appreciate right now with your anxiety ramped right up, but labour is so all-consuming and mind focusing that your anxieties won't get a look in. They just won't. It's like some kind of protective fog descends over your brain and focuses you entirely on the job in hand.