Help with birth anxiety

[Ashpan26]

Hi everyone not sure where to post this I am 38 weeks today so not long to go now but I am having awful anxiety about the labour and birth I feel like I can't do it I do suffer from health anxiety is there anything I can do or try before to help me calm down

I used the Maggie Howell natal hypnobirthing CD to help my anxiety. Worked great for me during labour, listened to the CD every night from around 35 weeks. Mediation in general is good.

I hope your anxiety settles down. I am a very anxious person too.

9 have no suggestions (don'5 have health anxiety) BUT my labour was 4 hours, 55 mins and I didn'5 even a paracetamol. Some labours are text book so try to stay positive xx

Hypnobirthing is a good suggestion. Have you done any antenatal classes? At the very least look into some breathing techniques. Not all births are awful. Mine was absolutely fine, pretty short and totally manageable. Don't torture yourself thinking about worse case scenarios.

I was exactly the same as you. I got in such a state they were trying to organise an emergency counsellor. I'd convinced myself I was going to die giving birth, I was shaking and sweating at the mere thought of it. When the time came, my birth partners and I told the midwife caring for us everything. Once she fully understood the extent of my anxiety she was absolutely amazing and I can honestly say it was the most beautiful experience and it was lovely and calm. So my advice would be to tell your midwives exactly how you feel and let them help you, I'm so so glad I did x

Thanks eveyone for your replies I think I am just thinking worst case everyone is different I went to antenatal and they didn't teach any breathing but I do meditate when I can and try deep breathing so I will try this when the time comes

Hi op it's normal to feel anxious, it's a pretty big deal. I second the recommendation to talk to the midwives about it, they will be perfectly used to this and it might help to have a note on your file.
You don't mention if your OH will be there, do you have a birthing partner?
Could you afford a doula?
I had DC3 this year and was very anxious, even tho it was my 3rd.
The midwives were really supportive and the delivery suites are designed to be as calming an environment as possible.
Keep reaching out for support, there will be loads of women in your situation. You can do this.

Hi my partner will be there with me he is supportive I will speak to the midwifes and explain the way I'm feeling Thanks

Totally normal to feel like this. My DD is 10 days old today and, despite the birth not going the way I had wished, I can honestly say I didn't care at all once I saw her face. Had to have an EMCS. You never know what will happen, but you will handle it.

Breathing techniques that I got from the hypnobirthing were what got me through labour. Am a total wimp usually, and I managed it without pain relief, as others said, some births are text book, mine was :)