Feeling claustrophobic and panic attacks at 22 weeks

[saudades15]

Hi
I just wanted to find out if anyone has been through this or has any advice for me.

I'm 22 weeks pregnant and for the past week I've been having quite a few horrible nights where I can't sleep and I feel extremely uncomfortable, can't close my eyes and relax, I get really hot, then I get really cold... have to get up every two minutes... having horrible thoughts, can't breathe properly and feeling extremely claustrophobic, anxious... terrified, like I have a knot in my chest.... I basically panic, can't sleep the entire night.... It's driving me crazy and I'm so scared this is only going to get worse as the baby grows more.

It's weird as it only happens during the night when I try and go to sleep, I'm perfectly fine during the day and feel exhausted the entire day, day dreaming about going to bed but as soon as I lie down, that tiredness goes away and I'm wide awake feeling that way...

Can anyone help?

I had this with my pregnancies, it is truly awful. My Doctor said it was low seratonin levels that can cause this. My advice would be to exercise which releases seratonin. I would also if you have a tablet phone that takes the Netflix app. Try to plug in your earphones so and put on a familiar programme that will relax you. I have listened to whole series this way. Before you do invest in Netflix, try out the BBC iplayer. If having the background sounds work then you could try it out. The hot then cold in bed is your hormones, just get used to throwing the duvet on and off and having a quiet swear. Have a bottle of water by the bed and stay hydrated.

There is medication you could ask your GP for the panicky feelings, the hot cold sensation you are stuck with sadly.

I had panic attacks around this time when I was pregnant. I would get really short of breath and chest pains or I would start crying and not be able to stop myself then I'd end up throwing up!

I was told the same thing as measles about exercising by the doctor and relaxing by watching something funny or happy. A friend of mine talked me through an attack (while I'd pulled over on the M6) and she just kept on telling me that it's just in my head, that it can't hurt me and that it will be over soon. It's good to have someone to talk to during or something to concentrate on to help you through it.

Maybe a visit to the doctors will help?

Thank you both, I am seeing my midwife next week and I'll definitely mention that to her.

I know it's all in my head and I've tried to keep telling myself that but I felt I was losing control of my thoughts and my emotions... and kept having sweats, agitation...it is just awful. I couldn't stay 2 minutes in one position and kept getting up all the time.

I will try and exercise more and maybe put something relaxing on headphones, that could work.
Thanks again!!