Do you suffer from anxiety and/or P.A's? How did/do you cope with the lack of sleep?

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Hello,

I'm an anxiety sufferer and 26 weeks pregnant with my first baby and worried (there's a thing!) how I'm going to cope with the lack of sleep, specifically during the first few months after the baby is born. I've never really taken anything for the anxiety (altho I have been prescribed low dose diazepam in the past) as its not chronic, more I experience acute episodes every now and then, however one of the precursor's is lack of sleep, which I know is common. I do have a wonderfully supportive partner who knows the deal, so obviously he'll be helping but I'm just finding it hard to get excited as I have this hanging over my head . How have others coped? Any advice? I'm just wondering whether I should get some psychological help lined up now in case I need it.

Have you talked to your GP or midwife about all of this? They would be the best people to talk to.

Its very natural to worry about things when your pregnant but I think seeking professional advice now even if its just to calm your nerves would be a good thing.

I would suggest talking to your midwife and/or GP too as they can support and look out for any signs. My dad has manic depression and so I was worried about having PND after DD 1 and it helped knowing that the professionals were also observing me.
Having had dd1 some gene$al coping with lack of sleep I would suggest are:

• taking the lack of sleep one day at a time- don't think that how it is that day is how it will always be
• don't lie there thinking dd/ds will be awake in a minute - take every opportunity to sleep
• get help from parents/ friends to mind the baby so you can sleep in the day
• take EVERY opportunity to sleep in the day when your baby sleeps.

Pregnancy does make you really anxious - it does me. I'm 35 weeks and have been in a ridiculous state of anxiety for the past 10 weeks. Same thing happened with last pg. BUT the reality of having her was so much easier than the anxiety of pregnancy.

Hi there, thanks for the support. I have ran it by my Dr at my last apt, but I think next time I will stress it properly that I might need a little extra support, particularly in the first few weeks/months, so than she can make a note of it. Sunflower, I think your advise re: not thinking that how you feel that day is norm is really valid, as anxiety has that wiley way of making you catastrophise!! I've just started some hypnotherapy, so I'm hopeful that will help...