Anxiety and fear of birth

[mortifiedmama]

Pregnant with DC2. Absolutely do not want to give birth. Had a hideous time with DC1 and ended up with PND and long term physical and mental complications.

I've been granted a c section for DC2. My trust don't really distinguish between mat choice & electives for other reasons (they follow nice guidelines to the letter- the option is presented at every turn). But this hasn't really helped, I'm now terrified of thinngss going wrong with that!

I'm 34 weeks so not long to go. Who do I talk to about this? I need someone to do something, not just listen. I'm thinking GP as I suspect I need medication. It's keeping me up at night, I'm crying about it and on the verge of panic attacks.

I'm not a generally anxious person but certainly have some generalized anxiety following DC1. It's very focused on DC. I'm not currently on meds, my PND wasn't treated (undiagnosed until recovered) but i did have counseling which I organized myself when DC1 was 2.

Speak to your GP or midwife asap. Both can refer you to the perinatal mental health team. Mine are amazing, and they have very strict rules about seeing you quickly during pregnancy.

I have anxiety, and during my first pregnancy it got far worse and turned into antenatal depression, which was severe. I also had gestational diabetes and have always been petrified of giving birth, made worse by knowing I'd be induced early due to the GD. I had an ELCS and it was amazing for my mental health. Knowing when and how things would happen, it was all so calm, knowing I was already in theatre with surgeons if things went wrong (they didn't). I was at high risk of developing PND but I didn't, and I really feel it's due to the support I received plus the fact that my birth experience was calm and positive. I was on a high for months afterwards.

I'm pregnant again now, 14 weeks. Was referred to the perinatal mental health team straight away and saw them really quickly. They are incredible. The depression has recently started to kick in again and we upped my medication very quickly before it could really take hold. It's definitely helping. I'll be having another ELCS too, which they've already said will be fine.

Sorry, long post but just basically wanted to say there are great services and in my experience they can really help with this. Good luck.