Anyone anxious first pregnancy and not second?

[cheerfullysleepless]

Hello! Very early days but am pregnant with second which is something i thought I’d never say because my last pregnancy was from day one affected by debilitating anxiety which I never experience the like of before or after the pregnancy. Not even five weeks in yet so clearly fully time to lose the plot yet but already feels so different - not just no anxiety but also not feeling disgusted by things like papa John garlic sauce (we are a classy household!) or the reed diffusers at work like was before... wondering whether anyone had experience of a second pregnancy that was much more smooth mental health wise than their first? Thank you!

Hiya

Probably not much help but I'm the other way.

First was fine and this time round I had anxiety- it's not bad just enough to make me aware of really stupid stuff and worry a lot more.

Hate the feeling though and I've had jobs which would make superheroes cry and I haven't flinched but this is driving me nuts

I’m really sorry to hear that. Am sure you’ve had all the right advice already but please make sure your midwife knows and can refer you to mental health teams eg specialist mental health midwives - was an absolute lifeline for me last time - I hope you get the right help xxx

Not pregnancy anxiety however I had severe post parfum anxiety with DC1 and nothing at all with DC2. I was so worried about it happening again that, upon the Midwife’s recommendation, I registered with IAPT whilst pregnant in order to have fast access this time if I needed it. You could do the same - you can find your local service here www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Psychological%20therapies%20(IAPT)/LocationSearch/10008 and self refer, just in case you need their support later down the line.

Best of luck and big hugs x

I'm sorry to hear you had a rough first pregnancy with anxiety. I did too, it was totally debilitating. However, I went into my second pregnancy much better prepared - I spoke to a midwife about it early, I warned my husband and my Mum, and... the anxiety never materialised. I don't know if I was too occupied with a toddler to have time to brood, or it was just because it was a different pregnancy, but it just didn't happen.

Get your support network in place just in case, but it may not happen a second time.

I had really bad anxiety and depression with first PG. I think because it was such a big life change and I didn’t feel in control of things. I also had quite a different lifestyle with a long commute into London, and the stress and tiredness contributed to that.

Second time around and I’ve only had the odd bit of anxiety. I know more about what to expect and have managed to keep stress to a minimum. Each pregnancy is different. And you may well feel better this time round.