Wish I wasn't so anxious about everything!!!!

[GemmyMummy]

Just booked my first midwife appointment and feel extremely anxious about it.....my heart was practically beating through my chest as I spoke to the receptionist on the phone!!

I had high bp from the start of my first pregnancy which gradually worsened, I was put on medication and in turn was induced two weeks early. I think this was due to the fact that every time I went to see the midwife or consultant I would get so nervous and anxious!! I would get myself into such a state that I actually developed a mild fear of going to see the midwife!!!! I'm so worried that this pregnancy is going to be the same....I just wish I could calm down, relax and hopefully enjoy this pregnancy! Does anyone else feel like this??.Help!

Sorry to hear this - it's horrible feeling.

Do you know what making you anxious? Is it seeing healthcare professionals or worries about the pregnancy?

Have you tried something to calm you down? Maybe some Bach Rescue Remedy (there are sprays or lozenges without alcohol), homoeopathic arnica pills, massage sessions or even some acupuncture/acupressure (if you're afraid of needles)?
Or taking someone that you feel safe with to the appointments just to reassure you?

I feel so silly! I think its a fear of seeing health professionals as I'm not particularly worried about being pregnant. I spent so much time during my last pregnancy in and out of assessment clinics, meetings with consultants (because of high bp) that I just became so nervous about everything. I knew each time that they would take my bp and I would try my best not to get anxious or worried in hope they would get a lower reading...of course the more I thought about it, the higher my bp became....vicious circle!!

I am so praying for a much more "relaxed" pregnancy this time round. I just wish I could get rid of this anxiety about future appointments etc. My husband was great last time round and has promised to attend every appointment with me this time. I just wish i could CALM DOWN!!...I feel so stupid!! I might try some Rescue Remedy and see if that helps. I take it its ok to take during pregnancy??

Yes, if you take the one without alcohol :)

Blood pressure being heightened due to the "fear factor" of being at the Drs is quite common when not pregnant as well. My DH has it (GP called it "White Coat Syndrome" but I think that was just his way of describing it as opposed to a formal dx ).

DH (and a couple of other people I know who have the same issue) was able to have a BP monitor attached to him which randomly took readings over a 48 hour period whilst he went about his normal day at work/home etc. The average readings came back as completely normal compared to really high readings he was getting when a medical professional was taking his BP.

It may be that your BP is in fact completely normal. I appreciate that may not be the case and of course, its all the more important to ensure that any high BP during pregnancy is closely monitored but it may be worth speaking to your midwife/GP to see if there is a chance you could be constantly monitored as above ?

It is definitely white coat syndrome. After having my son I was given a blood pressure monitor to wear for 24 hrs and the readings showed that my bp did in fact decrease throughout the period. Each time I go to the Dr (even when not pregnant) he has to take my bp a few times to get a true reading. I know that it is for the best that high bp is closely monitored. I am not anxious all the time, just when I'm at the Dr/Midwife. I Just feel so silly as I know there is nothing to be so anxious about.....will give the Rescue Remedy a try before my next appointment. :)

It sounds like you might have developed a bit of an irrational fear and your body sends you into a fight or flight response. I had something similar myself in another situation, and as I and to deal with it I went to a hypnotherapy session which helped. Also check out EFT emotional freedom technique, basically tapping points on your face and fingers, it helps calm you down and you can do it discreetly or in the loo before you go in, it's good with insomnia too. It's awful when your head tells you you're being silly but your body won't comply. I don't have any problems now, hope that helps.

Don't feel silly, it's actually really common & I would speak to your midwife about it.

NICE now recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home before starting treatment as so many people were being treated unnecessarily for the same reason.

Hopefully you will get a good midwife who can put you at ease.

I think that many people experience that in one way or another, I guess that's why when I had my scans they measured my bp three times on both arms at the same time and averaged it out.

Thanks everyone for their replies...I'm going to try to chill out, relax and enjoy my pregnancy! Fingers crossed!! :)