Pregnancy Anxiety

[KSharp]

Hi,
Feeling a bit daft but I'm having real problems with anxiety at the moment. I'm 6 weeks pregnant, I've 'known' for about 4 weeks but didn't get positive test until 2 weeks ago.
We weren't trying this time round, after trying for 2 years for first child, so I think it's maybe just seeming too easy but every twinge I'm convinced I'm about to miscarry and I'm probably doing myself more damage worrying than anything else.
Has anyone been on anti anxiety medication while pregnant? Or had counselling that helped? I can't spend another 8 months like this without causing the damage I'm worried about!
I'm hoping i'll relax after a scan but thats 6 weeks away....

I agree with above - it’s quite understandable to feel worried especially if it’s a long awaited pregnancy. I too burst into tears at the 12-week scan (and I really mean sobbing) in relief & happiness!

The 1st trimester drags because you don’t tend to tell anyone and you may not have any symptoms so it doesn’t feel real. Keep busy, look after your body, eat well, keep active etc - give your body the best chance to grow a healthy little one inside you

Worry and anxiety are very different things. It's a bit like comparing pneumonia to a cold, some cross over in symptoms but wildly different in severity.

If anyone has actual experience of anxiety or taking anxiety medicine in pregnancy I'd love your opinion/experience before I make a decision (I've seen GP).
If your opinion of mental health is that it's an exaggeration caused by pill pushing GP's, bore off.

Hey OP!

I suffer from severe anxiety and depression and when I fell pregnant (14+4 now) was referred back to the local mental health team. I've not had my appointment yet, but just knowing I have the support of my GP and can phone the MHT anytime has provided with me an invaluable safety net. I also have some money set aside so should I really feel I need to see someone urgently I can pay for it privately.

I have found myself obsessively googling the chances of different things going wrong lately - I am trying to force myself to re-focus on something different, but at the end of the day I can't believe that I would be so lucky as to bring our baby home healthy and well. It's something I really struggle with and there is so much we just don't have any control over, which is terrifying and a big learning curve! I did have a private scan at nearly 9 weeks and it put my mind at ease for about a week. It was nice to see though.

I have been taking Citalopram 20mg for 5 years and am in no way ready to stop taking it, so after a discussion with my doctor we decided it was best for me to stay on them. I have read plenty of anecdotal evidence written by women saying their babies were born perfectly healthily, and studies show there is no increased risk of miscarriage. I may have to switch to a different anti-anxiety/depression medication towards the end if I want to breastfeed as citalopram is present in breast milk.

I really think CBT will be beneficial for you - did your doctor discuss this with you?

I was on sertraline when I fell pregnant for depression and anxiety. I was advised to stop taking it, thankfully I had already lowered my dose and weaned myself down when we were TTC. My anxiety was worsened by the fact my two previous pregnancies ended in MC and I have emetophobia so in a constant state of fear of morning sickness. The best help was seeing a counsellor once a week. Just having a stranger listen and at times comfort, let me cry, vent, really helped. Sounds weird but I set myself a reading challenge which made me forget I was pregnant as much as was possible, and kept my mind occupied.

I am sorry you feel like this, it’s horrible to feel robbed of the happy pregnancy days. I think your response to the previous posters is rude though, they were well meant and offering you kind words.

Hiya, not sure if I’m any help but I have always suffered with bad anxiety. I’ve had loads of therapy for about 10 years. I stopped last year because I finally learn how to be my own therapist and for a long time it felt so good!!! But these past few weeks I’m anxiety has been all over the place. I’m having panic attacks. I haven’t been going into work some days because I can’t face walking out the house - no reason as to why I’m scared to leave the house just that horrible feeling you get.

I’m having to work harder on myself than I’ve ever had to before. I’m going to get antenatal therapy for some extra support and help. I’ve never been on anti anxiety medication before so I can’t really say much about it but if it will make you feel like you can cope better then I would speak to your GP. Nobody can judge you for that. You are doing what is best for you and your mental health and that is also best for your baby! I hope you get peace and clarity soon!! X

Hi ksharp, my name is heather and I’m a mental health nurse. First of all your concerns seem very understandable considering your experiences with your last child. Try and reassure yourself and be kind to yourself. Anxiety is very common in pregnancy-around 25% of pregnant ladies have problems with it and it’s often worse in the first trimester as your body tries to adapt to all the changes going on.

You mention being convinced that your going to miscarry and I would try a few things. First of all look at your current lo they are proof that you can carry a baby to term, try and hold on to that and take some deep breaths if those thoughts become invasive. Maybe try writing them down.
Secondly think about what you do for mummy time to relax, have a bath, a walk for example.
Thirdly I was anti anxiety tablets for both of my boys and I’m pregnant again and I’ve went back on them because it was really striking for me how quickly feelings of anxiousness built up. You haven’t failed for wanting some relief from anxiety and having a conversation with your gp. Having a conversation with your midwifery team will help to, fearing miscarriage is such a human fear not a sign of weakness or madness.

Good luck, I hope you find the support you need.