Slap me round the face and tell me I'm being ridiculous

[Gagagalaxy]

Having an anxious day (for a change). My current panic is that I crouched down today to pick something of the floor with my thighs against my stomach and knees against my chest and panicked that I had squashed the baby (I'm 16 weeks).

I have this thing were if I do something that makes me worry I do it again in an attempt to convince myself that it's fine, which then makes me want to do it again to reassure myself that the second time was fine, and again and again and so on. (I'm clearly nuts)

So I crouched down again this time with my hands on my stomach to feel the pressure, and again and again and again. So basically I have crouched down with my legs pressed into my abdomen several times today, which puts pressure onto my tummy.

I CAN'T do the baby any damage can I? It's the same as sitting down and leaning forward to put shoes or socks on. It's so well protected in there isnt it? Our bodies are designed to bend over and for it to be ok until we physically can't because the bump is too big aren't they? No one has ever lost a baby because they bent over/crouched down have they? I'm going mad aren't I???!!

I know you can't help worrying and I may not be the best person to answer as pretty clueless about pregnancy myself but I'm sure it's absolutely fine!

I have to hold my breath when bending now as there doesn't appear to be enough room for air and bending but I'm sure our bodies are designed to carry on as normally as possible, so please relax!

I think it's very unlikely that crouching down has caused any harm to come to your baby.

I had quite a nasty car accident a week or so ago. Had a double squish of bump with seatbelt plus double bumping of myself and baby is absolutely fine so I doubt very much that bending over will cause any damage. I'm also a teacher so spend half my day crouching in the same position, it's not the most comfortable position anymore (22 weeks) but it's done no damage at all. My midwife gave me a good calming down after my crash saying that it is actually pretty difficult to cause damage from the outside as baby is so well cushioned by fluid etc.

You know those giant clear plastic balls that mad people in I think it's somerset climb in then launch themselves down hill?

There's one of them round the baby.

S/he would have barely felt it.

Have you spoken to your midwife about your anxiety? They might be able to suggest some relaxation techniques :)

I am so happy that someone else is just as paranoid and crazy as me. I was led on the setee the other day with my legs on hubby and he lifted them up so I was heading into a 'L' shape but no where near that far and I thought the whole thing would have been over! I am 16 weeks and was reassured that everything was going to be just fine with the baby. Hubby on the other hand got a beating stay safe ladies.x x

Thanks for the reassurance ladies. And sparklekitty - I hope you're ok after your accident, I bet that shook you up! I can always rely on someone to come and put things into perspective for me and today that someone was you

Yes I clearly am mad and over anxious. It's my first pregnancy and I can't wait to feel movement! Seeing the midwife next week so I shall speak to her about my anxiety then. Thanks ladies

You're not mad, you just haven't spent as much time 24/7 obsessively reading all the parenting websites like I am, to the detriment of actually having a life (12+3 with pfb)

I have been in one of those balls, and yes, it was in Somerset!

Glad you feel reassured - have similar thoughts like this occurred before ( " I have this thing"). I am no expert on this, just slightly bonkers myself, but it sounds like your anxiety is prompting you to create irrational rituals to deal with a rational fear. The danger here is that they don't fully work ( why you're on here) but you can't help repeating them anyway.

Some people on mn like cbt and counselling for anxiety issues but many people really do not. As a more pro-active solution would you consider a pilates or yoga class with someone trained in adapting the exercise for pregnant women. It would show you just what is possible but still safe in ways of positions while pregnant and also put you more in touch with your body, build your confidence and maybe help with the anxiety a bit too.