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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Childbirth and panic attacks

12 replies

glitternanny · 25/04/2011 13:30

When I booked in with my mw we got onto the subject of my panic attacks, generally trigger by crowds or confined spaces or emotional distress.
She asked about my thoughts re childbirth and I said I was nervous and had looked into hypnobirthing or the other hypnothereapy thingi I forget what it's called.

My question is if anyone out there has experienc. Of suffering from pa and childbirth!

TIA

emma

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Italiangreyhound · 26/04/2011 00:11

glitternanny I had panic attacks years ago, before I had my daughter. I went to see my GP and he referred me to my local hospital where I had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Counselling. I found this immensely helpful and the panic attacks stopped after a number of sessions with the counsellor. This was about 13 years ago.

When I had my daughter (about 6 years ago) I was fine at the time. Although, I was very ill when she was born due to an infection and (as I just mentioned to someone else on another thread) I know after I had my DD I stayed at home and had an almost agoraphobic time for a few weeks! Luckily, I had signed up for an NCT post natal course before DD was born and so when she was a few months old I kind of had to go, (because I had paid!) and it got me out of the house and helped me back into society! So I know child birth can be difficult but there is no reason why it should totally set you back. Personally, I think the best thing is to get some help before the birth, get yourself some CBT counselling if you can. If all goes well it may not be a problem at all, but even if you do have any small problems, you may be able to get some help to sort it all out. Are you expecting now or not/ when are you due?

All the best.

HipHopOpotomus · 26/04/2011 06:41

I did with first pg - found the hypno birthing relaxation cd invaluable in sorting my head out and relaxing. Do give it a go.

TanteRose · 26/04/2011 07:00

I used to get mild pa when I was pregnant and commuting to full time work...I would be waiting for the subway train and as I heard it coming out the tunnel, I would have palpitations and the urge to run! It was like a big dragon coming to get me and my baby

I think most women are nervous before their first births, but giving birth did not make me panic, as I felt in control to a certain extent.

Original poster

glitternanny · 26/04/2011 15:46

Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences!
I think I'll mention it to the mw I see at 16w see if there are any services locally.
Definately look into the CDs though - there's an iPhone app too!

OP posts:

KatyN · 27/04/2011 19:43

I used to suffer from PA and now just good ol' depression.

One of the strongest thinkgs for me with PA is that they are jsut that.. only a PA. Nothing is giong to happen. so... worst case senario you have a PA whilst you are in labour, you will live to see the other side and you'll have a baby with you.

I also found it really helpful to tell people.. 'sorry I'm just having a panic attack' rather than freak out further covering it up.

I'm not saying they aren't F*cking unplesant and I truely hope you get through labour without one, but if you take away the fear of them you are MUCH less likely to have one.

I almost sound convincing don't I?!!

8rubberduckies · 27/04/2011 20:59

I have suffered from panic attacks for years, although due to extensive counselling by the time I gave birth to ds1 they were only occasional by that point. I didn't have a panic attack during birth, but at times did experience feelings of panic, mainly because I went from 0cm-10cm dilated in an hour, but the feelings of panic didn't escalate into full-on panic attacks. I found gas and air really helped, and the midwives were a very calming influence.

I am now pg with dc2 and have been for counselling regarding worries about childbirth, am going to yoga and have just borrowed a hypnobirthing cd which I intend to start tucking into soon. I'm feeling pretty calm this time, I think partly because I know I have been through a pretty traumatic birth without having a panic attack, and can do it again. I am sure you can ,

juststarting · 28/04/2011 21:23

I suffer with panic attacks - when I feel trapped, and when i feel sick. The combination of those also means also, when I go into a hospital. I minimised the threats to myself - I organised a home birth and that took a lot of fear away, if only because I felt more comfortable having a panic attack in my home than in the hospital - odd really, same midwives are going to witness it. Like someone else said, explaining to the midwives about the panic attacks and the possibility of having one helped. And yes, having a lot of knowledge about what a panic attack IS, recognising it. If you dont have a good knowledge of the cycle of panic, go, as people say, get some CBT. Even if you have to pay for half a dozen sessions to keep from waiting. See whether there are any IAPT services in your area. My labour took a VERY long time, and I think that was in part cause I was too scared to let go. I didnt like it one bit. But I am going to do it again. Dont be afraid of feeling scared - not everyone has experience of panic attack, but I dare say the majority of women going into labour are scared.

Original poster

glitternanny · 28/04/2011 21:51

thank you kt and juststarting

duckies can I please ask how you got your counselling regarding childbirth.

Thank you again for all of your help.

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LaWeaselIsOupaLaDouffe · 28/04/2011 23:04

I had a panic attack in late PG, and was probably getting pretty close to having one when I was in the hospital and in labour. (I thought I was going to die, which sounds silly, but hey)

The MWs gave me pethidene. I know a lot of people aren't keen on it, and it did make me sleepy - but I also calmed down and was able to deal with the rest of the labour without panicking. Special breathing was no help to me at all, although I know it helps some people.

Who will be your birthing partner? Talk to them so you are sure they know that it might happen and what you want them to do if it does and also write on your birth plan the same.

Some people are dismissive of birth plans but if you keep it short and simple they can be very effective. Mine was definately read and they made an effort to stick to it.

ShowOfHands · 28/04/2011 23:13

It doesn't sound silly to think you're going to die. I think it's important that more women talk about that feeling because it's normal to feel like you're going to die in childbirth. It's not an omen or a failure, it's the sheer magnitude of the situation. Your brain rationalises that you can't be in that much pain, that out of control, that consumed by something and survive it.

Granny23 · 28/04/2011 23:36

'I also found it really helpful to tell people.. 'sorry I'm just having a panic attack' rather than freak out further covering it up.

I was strongly advised by a psychiatrist to warn people in advance e.g. when joining a new group - that I occasionally had panic attacks and what to do with me if I took one. I found that having taken away the pressure to try to fight the attack off, I had fewer attacks.

8rubberduckies · 29/04/2011 16:56

Glitternanny my midwife referred me to a local charity (Bristol-based) who specialise in counselling for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, traumatic births or the death of a child, sessions were run on a donations basis and I had 10 sessions. If you ask your midwife there may be something similar in your local area. Failing that, I remember looking at a website for women who have experienced birth trauma some time ago (sorry, can't remember details) and they listed counsellors country-wide who specialised in counselling women around childbirth issues. Or, you should be entitled to 5 counselling sessions on the NHS if you ask your GP.

If, by any chance, you are local to Bristol, and want details of the organisation I got my counselling through, PM me and I will find you their contact details.

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