What support is out there?

[MelliehaBay93]

Hi,

I'm about 12 weeks pregnant. So far, my first trimester has been riddled with anxiety and fatigue - only now do some of the symptoms seem to be reducing (which is a welcome relief).
I've felt extremely hormonal over the last few weeks - mood swings and frequent crying over nothing.
I experience social and health anxiety when not pregnant and I feel like these symptoms have massively skyrocketed during pregnancy so far. Not knowing if everything's going okay until scans etc!

I don't know if what I've experienced would be classed as antenatal depression but just looking to see if anyone can relate. Has anyone got any words of encouragement as I can't seem to shirk feeling low at the moment?!

Thanks :)

Speak to your midwife somepeople get issues before baby is here

I had the same as you - sudden, crippling anxiety out of nowhere in pregnancy. I think some people find the hormones really impact them. I was constantly on the edge of tears and panic, felt doom and down. I spoke to my midwife (which was hard to do as I was trying to hold tears in) and she was brilliant. I got continuous care seeing the same midwife, extended care after birth and she helped me get referred for NHS therapy. I ended up under the perinatal mental health team as mine escalated. They have been amazing and I wish I got help and was honest about how bad things were sooner. Medication is possible in pregnancy too. My DD is nearly one and I am still getting support. I am a million times better but still in therapy as they will support me transitioning back into work. I was reluctant to get help but my DH encouraged me and reminded me I can always say I don't need the help once it comes which was a useful way to look at it.