"Panic attacks" whilst asleep - anyone else?

[FluffyDonkey]

Am 16+5. This morning, at 4am DH had to shake me awake because I was sobbing in my sleep and hyperventilating. Took me AGES to calm down and breathe regularly and get my heart rate down and I was really shaken (as was DH). I was having a nightmare, but I have those every night so I'm used to it.

Had a similar "attack" a couple of weeks ago, but it was 7am and I was very stressed and worried about my work that day so I just put it down to that.

But this time I wasn't stressed in the slightest.

Any ideas why?

We're not sure if it's worth going to the doctor about. I spoke to my gynecoglogist earlier this week about my nightmares and she prescribed me magnesium and a herbal calming thing. It worked for 2 nights, then back to the nightmares and broken nights.

I can cope with the nightmares (just about) but the hyperventilating worries me - I'm not sure about the effect on the baby as my heart was racing and I was having real difficulties breathing.

Anyone had a similar experience? Did you got to the doctor?

I've had some really weird and scary dreams that left my heart racing - one night I woke up and I didn't know where I was at all! It took me ages to calm down after that. I haven't had enough of a problem to do anything about it yet though.

The hyperventilating is a typical symptom of panic attacks. Yes I've been to the doctor for this before, and got told there was absolutely nothing wrong with me physically! You won't die from the hyperventilation, but it can certainly scare the hell out of you if its your first few times having it. Can I suggest you try breathing with a brown paper bag over your mouth and nose when you start getting these hyperventilating symptoms again? Don't try to take deep breaths - that can make things worse in a panic attack. Just breathe normally. It'd be good to learn some calming techniques too.
However since you are pregnant, there might be more to this that I don't know about... so I've tried googling for more info about this that you might be interested to read : www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyperventilation-topic-overview

as scary as panic attacks are now that you know that what happened you might be calmer next time
you can start recognising what you felt last time and remind yourself of what it actually is and bring yourself to relative calmness

middle of the night panic attacks that wake you up are nasty things

some info here

Thanks for your replies. And the various links show that it's quite common in pregnancy (great, another thing to add to the list! )

So, I'm guessing I don't need to go and see a doctor (big relief, have far too many medical appointments atm!)

Anyone have an idea of the effect on my baby? None of the websites seem to mention it.