Anxiety leading up to due date.

[Laurens93245]

Hi :) im 37+5 and been having very strong braxton hicks over the past 24hours, I have rang the ward and they say im possibly contracting to help the head move down to engage, which is all fine as I definitely want this baby out before Christmas. But I'm now starting to get abit of anxiety whenever I feel a contraction or movement, I've suffered with anxiety for 4 years now (since my previous birth) although all went smoothly and had no issues with that one.
I know getting stressed and worrying isn't good for baby, so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions to help stay calm throughout?

Look up Hypnobirthing meditations on the Internet... So relaxing and helps you breathe through the BH

Why do you want the baby out before Christmas if he or she is due at least 5 days after?

Just relax and I don't believe stress effects a baby. Iv had my fair share of stress from 20weeks and I wonder how my baby is still ok in there but he is. I'm 37wks too and having strong regular braxton hicks that subside after a while. My baby has major heart defects so I am scared of him being born but I'm trusting my body knows what it's doing and will get him out when he's completely ready and the best time for him

Unlikely baby will be here before Christmas I would have thought.

It can happen anytime I'm 38+3 getting loads of braxton hicks but nothing else I'm afraid it is most likely end of pregnancy niggles

Not sure why people are concentrating on the 'I want this baby out before Christmas' when I'm asking about different ways to combat anxiety in the last stages of pregnancy.

What is it you are getting anxious about?

Focus on everything that happens after labour, those first cuddles, not being pregnant and getting to know your new baby. You can't control the pain but you can control the way you feel about it. When your contraction is at its peak you know that the worst is over. In between contractions really focus on completely relaxing your body, it helps so much for the next contraction

Thank you, definitely something I will remember when I go into labour x

Fwiw I don't think there's anything wrong with hoping baby comes before Christmas, you're term now and if baby is ready then baby is ready!