Fear/obsession surrounding stillbirth

[CathyandHeathcliff]

Is anyone else like this? I’m 28 weeks today and already suffer with hideous anxiety/panic attacks.

I’ve been told there’s a possibility I have GD but I’m having the test done in two weeks time. I’ve also started itching, so my new worry is about ICP/OC. I am due to have a blood test for this next week to check, the Midwife didn’t seem immediately concerned as she said my symptoms sounded unlikely to be OC but will get checked anyway.

I’m now convinced something is going to go horribly wrong. I know if I have either (or both) of these conditions, I’ll need to be induced or have a c section at 36/37 weeks, but I’m still really convinced something bad is going to happen.
I’m away at the moment and keep thinking if I need to get checked, I don’t know the local area. I’m obsessed with movements (unhealthily so) although he moves a lot.
I have yet had to go to hospital for reduced movements so that’s a good sign I guess.

Had my growth scan on Tuesday and he was measuring big at 3lbs (27+3) but everything was looking really good, heartbeat, placenta blood flow, fluid etc. So no worries there.
But I just can’t shake this feeling I won’t be coming home with a baby.

Hi OP.

I don’t have any advice to give but just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. I’m due in less than 3 weeks and cannot even think about the birth without crying as I’m so scared. I’ve even planned how I will tell people if the baby is still born.

I have always suffered with anxiety - it’s not debilitating but it does affect my quality of life as I spend much of my time worrying. My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and I spent most of the first trimester and up until 24 weeks worrying about that. Like you I now obsess about movements.

Have you spoken to your midwife about how you feel? I cried through most of my booking appointment and the midwife referred me to see a consultant specialising in mental health. In my case, it was deemed that medication wasn’t necessary and I didn’t feel counselling would help, but my file has been left open in case I need support. I think I’m at a higher risk of PND so will need to keep an eye on my emotions after birth.

If you haven’t already, please speak to your midwife.

Take care

Have you told your midwife about your anxieties? As the pp above said it’s worth getting a referral for both antenatal and post natal support. Or if nothing else your midwife could schedule you for twice monthly checks instead of once monthly.

I don’t think it’s in the guidelines to automatically induce for GD - unless that’s what you want. This again is worth chatting with your midwife about. Do you think a birth plan would help at this point, to ease anxieties around that?

It is so difficult to shake intrusive thoughts like this but you must remember that your thoughts have no bearing on what will happen.