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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Anxiety - please help

12 replies

lowra · 19/10/2010 22:11

While half of me knows I am being ridiculous, I have these horrible fears that I am damaging my baby. It can be anything from getting too hot, to lying on my front, to not eating healthily enough. Despite a very encouraging 12 week scan I am convinced there's something wrong. I constantly check my little bump and try and feel movement just to reassure myself. I try to tell myself I am being silly and that I need to relax but this fear and anxiety often takes over. Can someone please talk some sense into me.

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pinkyp · 19/10/2010 22:26

its completely normal!! Dont beat yourself up! I'm guessing this is your first dc? I'm 35weeks pregnant with my 2nd and i still panic! If i get in a hot bath i think "Oh i hope i havent boiled baby"...its just the same after there born too! My ds is 3 and i still check he's breathing when he's asleep

Cakemuncher · 19/10/2010 22:33

I am due on Friday with my first and I have spent the last 9 months in a permanent state of high anxiety! You sound completely normal!

MiniMarmite · 19/10/2010 22:34

I'm the same, I think the horrible fear will be with me until I'm so old they have to start worrying about me!

Original poster

lowra · 19/10/2010 22:42

Yes it's my first. I'm only 16 weeks and can't bear to think I might have another 5 months of feeling like this.

OP posts:

tweeky · 19/10/2010 22:45

I was exactly the same myself. I talked and sang to my bump throughout the pregnancy even in the shower, which was more to calm me I think.
I prayed alot which for me did not mean a litany of regular prayers but just talking to God which I found calmed me alot. I also went to the expectant mothers blessing ceremony that our local priest organised which was overwhelming in the relief it brought me.
I also had reflexology and craniosacral therapy which were so relaxing and helped alot with typical pregnancy symptoms.
I hope this helps!!

Original poster

lowra · 19/10/2010 22:55

Thanks tweeky, I am not religious but can see how the things you describe help. I think it is the fear of the unknown and the feeling of loss of control that is the worst. Taking positive steps to connect with the baby and just feel that you are doing 'something' has got to be a good thing.

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tweeky · 19/10/2010 23:11

Another thing that a friend of mine did when she was expecting was to write a journal to the baby, she used to take the same time every evening with a cuppa and sit by candle light (a few candles were lit so she could see what she was writing!!)
She found this to calm her and it also meant she had time for herself every evening.

PaigeTurner · 20/10/2010 11:24

I've got a natal hypnotherapy CD which is called Relaxation in Pregnancy - something like that might help?

Shelbee · 20/10/2010 12:07

So pleased to read this - I'm 17 weeks and I feel exactly the same Lowra. And then I worry that my anxiety is affecting the baby, so its a viscious circle. I'm glad that people are saying this is normal.

Someone I know is a very experienced cranialsacral therapist and took it upon himself to tell me, unprompted, that my baby is shocked, which has sent me into a tailspin of panic. why do people think its okay to make comments like that?!

Original poster

lowra · 20/10/2010 13:13

I know Shelbee, this morning someone told me my bump was very small for 16 weeks :(

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jollyjollymom · 20/10/2010 13:54

hey lowra, I was the same when I was pregnant with my twins 4yrs ago, I was 27 then and it was my first pg. I always worried that something will go wrong with them or me, I had sleepless nights, my brain overworked. I was much calmer and relaxed towards the 3rd trimester, obviously has something to do with our hormones too, hopefully it will all settle down as your pg progresses, also try to divert your attention finding baby names, looking for baby stuff, or even shopping for maternity clothes. I remember I was very concentrated on shopping around for a proper my baby's life book and started it with pasting all my antenatal scan images on them. also try to read more.. it is said to make your unborn intelligent and wise.... I had an elective CS at 37 wks and there was not a minute thing wrong with my little cuties....they are 4yrs now and we started TTC few days ago (timed it to our 7th wedd. anniversery, he he) and here's a little advice... take only what you like from others comments...discard the rest..how's that...?

tigerbear · 20/10/2010 23:03

Hi iowra, I think it's totally normal to feel anxious! I'm only 12 weeks and feel the same as you, right down to stupid things like: if I sleep curled up, will it harm the baby?/ if I wear tight skinny jeans, will they dig in too much and hurt the baby?/ If I stretch too much, will it hurt the baby? And so it goes on....

I'm even more paranoid, as I haven't had any symptoms and it's terrifying me.

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