I had Pre and Post Natal Panic Disorder - AMA

[PanicisPoo]

I had prenatal panic disorder in all 3 pregnancies to varying degrees in each one.

But after the birth of my 3rd baby I also had PostNatal Panic Disorder. It was awful and completely debilitating. It lasted approximately 12 weeks.

I didn't even know it was a 'thing' until I did some reading on it some time after I had got better.

Ask me anything and I will do my best to answer to the best of my knowledge.

What was it that you experienced? Is it similar to anxiety ?

Never heard of it before

Panic attacks during all 3 pregnancies - in my case with absolutely no triggers. I wasn't stressed about anything. I only became anxious due to having them and the fear of having them.

My 1st pregnancy was awful because of them.

The panic attacks in my 2nd & 3rd pregnancies were manageable, whilst still extremely unpleasant.

But after my 3rd pregnancy the panic attacks carried on for about 3 months. They were truly awful. Happened countless times a day, every day. Couldn't leave the house for fear of having one. Didn't sleep for 3 days straight for fear of having one (literally did not go to bed for 3 days because lying down triggered a panic attack). That's when the visiting midwife stepped in and got me a doctor's appointment the same day. Went on betablockers.

The attacks tailed off after 3 months. Never had one since (youngest DC is now 8).

I didn't know the condition had a name until I did some research on it. It was a relief to know it was a recognised condition, as I'd never heard of it and had never known anyone else to have experienced it.

Oh! What was the panick attacks like? What were the symptoms?

I think I experienced something similar in both pregnancies.

The classic panic attack symptoms, usually starting with a racing heart beat, shortness of breath and an overwhelming feeling of panic and 'doom', that something bad is going to happen - either to yourself for example passing out, heart attack, that you are 'losing it' or if you don't do certain actions then something will happen to you or someone else. In the middle of one, your thoughts go into a whirlwind that you have no control over and thoughts come from nowhere, things you don't even think about in day to day life.

Yes I definately go through that.

First pregnancy I had that to a severe level,
And this pregnancy too.

Put it down as pregnancy anxiety. I hope it goes away after birth.