How to calm down? 32 weeks and just stupidly paranoid for no good reason.

[PrincessOfPatna]

(namechanged)

I worried all through my first pregnancy (baby born at 40wks, no problems) and have been even worse this time. Uncomplicated pregnancy, went in for monitoring the other day as reduced movements for a few hours but all was fine.

I can't seem to concentrate on anything and keep reading things that scare/upset me about stillbirth/birth injury etc. Initially I was obsessed with dying in childbirth but that seems to have been replaced with gnawing worry about stillbirth/something wrong with the baby, which was always there but is getting worse.

Ideally I would step away from the internet but am working on something v important with a deadline of tomorrow (!) so can't.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can calm the f down and get this project sorted on time!

Not wanting to come across all New-Age Earth-Mother but have you thought about hypno-therapy? Just some straight forward affirmations have really helped me get my head straight. Other MNers will probably be able to point you towards practitioners, etc.

Good luck!

Would a walk help?

Have you spoken to your midwife about your feelings?

Hmm, I have had hypnotherapy for something in the past with a really lovely therapist and did find it useful, I might see if I can afford a session next week to settle me down a bit.

I'd love a walk but it hurts, think maybe lack of exercise is a factor, PGP is really kicking in now and I am struggling to walk more than 100 yards or so and I am pretty active when not pregnant.

I just ate half of my DD;s easter egg - it didn't help but it was pleasant!

I don't have "a midwife", it's a very fractured service here (busy, inner city) and appointments are a bit rushed with different people every time. My HV is rubbish and would probably try and have me sectioned or something :)

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This is what I'm using - might be helpful for you. Falling asleep to someone telling you that everything's going to be fine has made me super relaxed about everything. Also, chanting to myself that 95% births are completely straightforward seems to help too.

I'll dig the old hypnobirthing book out later and try some of the exercises but I NEED to write this bloody report first!

I'm a HCP so know rather too much about the 5% that aren't straightforward unfortunately...will give it a try though :)

Ah - sometimes ignorance is bliss! Hope you're feeling more positive soon. :-)