Shaking and Anxiety :(

[Julietee]

I have anxiety disorders diagnosed, but they were very much under control til I got pregnant.

As my pregnancy has progressed, my symptoms have got worse.

Right now, the most troubling one is somatic anxiety - that is, shaking when I get anxious and wound up.
So, I'll get this trembling in my stomach that lasts anywhere up to half an hour (usually shorter because I remove myself from the anxiety provoking situation).

Obviously I'm scared that a) the trembling can hurt the baby, b) that the anxiety associated with the trembling can hurt the baby.

Can anyone offer me any reassurance on these?

I'm being referred to a psych to make sure my anxiety doesn't get any worse.
(20 weeks)

Forgot to add that today the baby was kicking a lot after a trembling bout so now I feel horribly guilty that all the bad stress hormones were waking him/her up and making him/her angsty and uncomfortable :(

First, don't worry about worrying.
Your baby is ok, and you're not hurting it. It's good and important that you've been referred for help to manage your anxiety - I really sympathise with the way that you're feeling. When you don't feel anxious, can you make yourself feel good and relaxed by doing some yoga-type deep breathing? This might help you overall too, but it will give you an opportunity to really be in charge of your body at some points during the day.

Don't feel guilty - you've nothing to gain by that - but do work on looking after yourself (and, so, your baby too).

Thanks Callamia - yeah, anxiety about anxiety is a pretty useless spiral, I'll admit!
I'll try and get some yoga sorted out.
I just feel so awful about it all right now - I'm sure lack of sleep isn't helping (hip pain).

while waiting for ur appt check out www.getselfhelp.co.uk and look up anxiety there are some useful coping strategies and breathing techniques on there, relaxation can be helpful too but remember it can take practise for any of the techniques to work!
good luck and congrats on the pregnancy

Thanks.
I've just made a list of happy-making distractions and activities to investigate.
Still concerned about the effects of trembling though - I can't control it.

Lack of sleep is the worst for anxiety. Do use this as an excuse for napping whenever you can!