Panic Attacks

[loobybump]

Hi,
im going to be a mum for the 1st time and im 23weeks pregnant. I keep getting little panic attacks over really strange things i dont like to tell my partner as i don't wanna be a pain in the ar5e and i dont wanna stress anyone else out with my -probably very small worries. I also keep getting bad headaches and my vision has changed don't know what i should do as in fear people may think im just a drama queen. As i usually am with things haha! any advice?

You need to go and see the mw or Gp asap about the headaches and vision changes as it could be your blood pressure.

Have you suffered from panic attacks in the past? It's not unusual to get panic attacks in pregnancy, it's afterall a huge change in your life with many things to stress about and worry. Remember also that panic attacks are usualy a reaction to something you were stressing about earlier but put out of your mind, creeping up on you for seemingly no reason. I've always suffered from panic attacks and have of course had a few during pregnancy. Try deep breathing, getting some fresh air, having a cold drink and hang your head between your knees with your arms up in the air to get blood flowing to your head if you feel faint the next time you get an attack.

It's also normal to get headaches in pregnancy, a combination of hormones and increased blood flow swishing around. Vision changes are also normal as the increase of fluid in your body will cause your eyes to swell also, causing eye sight changes that return to normal after the birth. However, definitely mention this to your doctor or midwife because it's still important to moniter things. As with many things in pregnancy, very innocent symptoms can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious issue and it's important to have yourself checked over, if nothing else for peace of mind. If you are worried about stressing your partner out about something that ends up being nothing, go see your miwife first and that way you will know if it's worth stressing him out. I would think though that if you have a good relationship with your partner he'd want to know about your concerns. Who cares if anyone thinks you are a drama queen, it's your perogative as a pregnant lady!

Panic attacks are quite common in pg, had to see my doc about them them but second ledodgy about seeing the gp, especially if you're having vision changes.

Do you have a history of migraines? I got my first (and thankfully only - so far) migraine in my early 30s, my mum suffers terribly from them. I didn't even realise what it was at first, the vision changes for me were lots of strange swirly flashing lights in my eyes (my mum has always had black spots) and then I had the headache to end all headaches. I felt sick and sweaty and was really panicky about it. It might be worth considering if hormonal changes might have triggered a migraine. GP is definitely the best course of action.

Thanks everyone thats v kind of you all. yeah iv had a history of migraines but the doc put it down to certain food and drink. I have to see midwife next week so i guess I should say something. its probably nothing to worry about just v hard being pregnant v lonely at times actually. first baby an all i guess most people go through weird stuff too.

OOO another question is it normal to itch more? v random i know!?

Looby - it's quite possible the changes your body has been going through could have triggered a migraine. Don't suffer in silence though, it's hard enough being pregnant. And if you're lonely, come on here and share. Most of us have been through the same things at some stage or anotherr. Have you joined the due in Sept ante natal club?? (I guess you're due then, as I'm due on the 19th and I'm 22 weeks today) We're quite a friendly lot, and there's always someone to talk to when you're down.

xx

I haven't joined no,i only registered to this today i got so fed up of having all these bubbling questions so i was like hmmmm who could i talk to who would give me better advice than my partner. lol Bless him. Yeah due on 11 Sept although at first they said the 1st. congratulations to you is it waking you in the night with big kicks!??? I'll try navigate my way around this thing... Not v good @ this.

ooh i've just seen you're over there now.. don't forget to add your stats so we can all keep an eye on you (kidding!)

Welcome, I've been here for almost all the 22 weeks of my pregnancy and I still feel like a stranger at times, don't worry, you'll find your way round. Tis a great place for advice if like me you have a mum and sister who roll their eyes each time I ask a dumb pregnancy question!

oops, posted too soon. Not being woken at night by anything other than endless trips to the loo and dh's snoring. Kicks are quite strong, but not enough to wake me, a small atom bomb detonating by my face wouldn't be enough to wake me.. (my poor fretful child has no chance!)

Oh loobybump I started a thread a few days ago about panic attacks - I was having one, they are so scary arnt they!!

Everyone told me to get some Rescue Remedy from boots, so glad I did its wonderful stuff & you can have as much of it as you like, It does contain alcohol but you can get pastils which dont contain alcohol from boots too. It stopped mine, cannot recommend it highly enough, plus its also ok during pregnancy.

Thanks hillary i think i like the sound of the one with alcohol in it :-) i ended up phoning midwife with my list of problems and she wants to see me asap so ill have a word with her.. i think its just iv got so much going on in my life at moment... more than what i had when i wasn't pregnant - think someone has it in for me!!! lol. ill get over it i guess. just so many things happening to me and my body now pregnant so i guess its bound to happen. agh!!! x