Panic attacks during pregnancy

[Sarah821]

Has anyone else experienced sudden panic attacks during pregnancy? I am 13 weeks and this will be my second child. I was fine with my other pregnancy but had pre eclampsia later on. For the past week I have been getting sudden anxiety when I am alone or trying to sleep. I can't catch my breath and feel a sense of dread. I do worry sometimes that there will be complications. It's 10 years since my last child and I feel overwhelmed. Anyone have any tips on dealing with this?

I would see your GP and ask for a referral to mental health maternity services for CBT to try and nip this in the bud.

Out of interest did you know that prenatal depression and mental health issues are more common than PND? What am trying to suggest is it a good idea to get as much support as you can to prevent it becoming a huge issue.

I agree with PP it’s a good idea to get some support.
This is my first pregnancy and although Ive never had panic attacks I found in my first and second trimester I had a lot of anxiety.
I was able to manage it but I was so unexpected so I can kind of sympathise.

My gp doesn't seem concerned and suggested I just speak to family and friends. That it is normal to feel some anxiety.

You should be able to self refer to mental health online in your area if the GP isn't being helpful. Word of warning though - despite being "high priority" as pregnant, you will still wait forever. I first saw the GP at around 10 weeks for a referral to mental health due to panic attacks. At 23 weeks I am still waiting, having had to subsequently re-refer myself online due to missing two calls during the working day (no message or contact number left), and having had an initial "telephone review". I am now paying to see someone privately and to have acupuncture. This whole pregnancy business is so expensive!

oh OP certainly self-refer to mental health team or speak to your MW as they should be able to refer to the perinatal MH services.

I am under consultant led care because of my anxiety. My consultant said anxiety in the mother during pregnancy can be a cause of issues to the baby developing and later in life so certainly worth having advice from an actual MH Dr!