Pregnancy anxiety support thread

[Kate3150]

Hey,

I thought it would be nice to set up a group for those suffering with anxiety at whatever stage of pregnancy.
I’m approaching 14 weeks and my anxiety has been up and down, particularly as I had a loss last year.
I’m currently having therapy and trying to stay active. Eating and drinking well...

Any tips/thoughts/rants welcome. xx

@ChicaXS I’d keep testing at home and see what happens. Is there any way you can go and see a private specialist? I really hope it works out for you. The NHS can be a real pain at times and communication can be shocking.

@Rani06 welcome. Sorry to hear about your anxiety. Your only 3 weeks so maybe it’s too small at the moment to see anything. If it makes you feel any better, a friend of mine was having bleeding and her first initial scan at 6 weeks she was told there was no baby but now she’s 20 weeks she has a healthy baby growing.

Hi @RC1985 thank you. Yes I’m done with the NHS, I am now looking to go private. Looking online most scans detect at 6 weeks so I guess I have to wait for two weeks before booking one in? I did another test this morning and it’s bit more positive.

Made me feel a bit better. Only concern is I don’t have sore breast as before but the good news is I have still not bled. When are you past the safe zone for chemical? As I’m 4w+1 today. I suffer from PCOS so don’t have regular cycles.

Hi,RC1985 Hope you are good

Thank you for sharing your friends experience. I really did not like how I was dealt. The lady who did my ultrasound was so moody and did not want to explain anything.I had to fish out all the information out from her so I can have some hope and peace of mind. Just to add she was not able to see anything on the scan and at the time of the scan I was mid way through 3 weeks.

Hey, ChicaXS

We are literally on the same boat I myself suffer from PCOS and have irregular periods. I am also 4w+1 today and feeling anxious. I don't have any spotting but occasional cramps. At the moment I am waiting to get my blood tests done so they can be compared with my previous ones to see if my pregnancy is progressing but the wait is so long and does not allow me to concentrate on anything. I don't have many symptoms at the moment. My mum mentioned to me that she did not feel any symptoms either no sickness nothing at all. Everyones experiences pregnancy differently.

Hi @Rani06
I hope your anxiety is better today. I’ve been throwing myself at work everyday to try and not think about it and just set myself a date to a private scan at 6 weeks in which for us will be 2 weeks time. Also if your feeling really bad, there’s some walk in EPUs you can walk into for a scan straight away. I’ve been doing some research and there are facilities that can help us. I’ve been testing everyday and the line is still there aswell which is reassuring! Have you done the same?

When is your next blood test?

@ChicaXS that line does look darker than yesterday so keep positive. Good to hear you’re going to book a private scan and you can walk into EPUs if needed. I didn’t get any symptoms until I was about 7 weeks. I only knew because my cycle went on longer than normal and my temps were high. Chemical pregnancies normally happen when your period is due but I know this is difficult because of your PCOS. Are you temping as consistent high temps are a good sign. I think distracting yourself for the next 2 weeks will help you not think about it until your scan.

@Rani06 sorry your experience was rubbish. Some people shouldn’t be in their profession. Try and distract yourself until your blood results and see where you’re at then.

@RC1985 so went to a EPU and my HCG levels are where they should be and I go in for a scan on the weekend to confirm the pregnancy - better news. Switched hospitals and now I’m Feeling much better. I keep testing everyday however officially I am 4w2d! For the first time I feel so happy and more reassured, the nurse was brilliant!

@Rani06 how are you today honey? X

Hi everyone,

I just saw this thread, and hope it's ok to join!

I am very very newly pregnant, I had my FET transfer 11 days ago, and it's positive. The clinic just said congrats and they'll see me in a few weeks for a scan. I have had two chemical pregnancies this week, and just very scared that every move I make - even the anxiety itself - is going to scare my little embryo off.

Everyone says that anxiety doesn't harm the pregnancy, just the mother, I hope that's right - that would actually help me relax a bit!

Much love
Maggie x

Hey everyone!

Need to catch up properly with everyone’s posts.

@Maggie272- congratulations my darling, what wonderful news! I’ve got everything crossed things will be ok for you 🤞🏻. I worried CONSTANTLY during my pregnancy that my anxiety would do harm but It didn’t. Baby is absolutely fine. I’ve also had a loss in the past and think we’re so desperate to keep the little one safe we’re scared of feeling anything negative Incase it harms them. Your anxiety is
completely justified, don’t put pressure on yourself to extinguish it so to speak. Let it be there and allow the thoughts to flow through without fighting them x

@ChicaXS- my only advice with regards to anxiety is to just allow it to be there. I know that sounds weird, but the more you fight it the more you will tire yourself and make things worse.
Anxiety in your situation is completely understandable, being at peace with that will make things a little easier.
Don’t forget to seek additional support if you need. I had counselling throughout my pregnancy- I loved having an outlet where each week I could discuss how I was feeling without judgement or someone saying “you should feel this or that way”. You can get through this, us ladies are warriors 😚💜 xx

@Rani06- Hey lovely, welcome to the thread.
I also have PCOS along with endometriosis and possible adenomyosis so pretty much every gynaecological condition going!
Also I didn’t have any pregnancy symptoms throughout so I would say that alone isn’t a good enough indicator that something is wrong, but I also did fall into the trap in early pregnancy thinking the worst because of it!
Like I’ve said to previous posters it’s natural to feel anxious and although it’s shit and I hate having anxiety, I just try and make peace with it to make it more bearable. Do seek support as-well.. i cannot recommend counselling enough. I think it’s important to have a neutral person to talk to without judgement or opinions! 💜 xx

@RC1985- Great to hear that little one is active. Have you thought of any names!!? Not long until
your scan! Is it a 4D one? X

Hello, I wondered if I could join this thread please? I'm almost 28 weeks pregnant and have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks during my pregnancy. I finally met with the perinatal mental health nurse yesterday after being referred months ago. She was really kind and said she'll be there to support me through the rest of my pregnancy that's left me feeling more positive than I was a few weeks back.

@brightside11-
Of course you can join! Congratulations on your pregnancy and I’m really really happy to hear you are receiving some support 😚
Panic attacks are just horrible, did you suffer with anxiety pre pregnancy?
My anxiety rocketed during pregnancy, it’s such a demon to deal with but seeking support and asking for help is a big step in the right direction. Do you know what you’re having? X

Thank you @Kate3150, you're so lovely!
Yes, I think my worrying will probably get a little worse, as time goes by.

One thing that freaked me out was having some painting done at our house - I was so stupid to plan it after my transfer. The smell irritated my throat and chest - even though I didn't inhale much. I hope it didn't effect the embryo. I suppose women work as cleaners, and in hospitals etc and inhale all sorts...

Hi everyone, sorry for late reply. I have been battling with a cold the last few days, had yesterday off work as haven’t been sleeping at night :( I’ve been using hot steam to shift congestion which is working but now it’s sitting on my chest so hoping good old honey and lemon will help shift that. No fun! I normally just use Sudafed spray and take day and night nurse and I’m fine, don’t need time off work but you can’t take that in pregnancy.

How is everyone?

@Kate3150 no names yet, you get a 4D scan preview but no photos but that’s not why I’m doing it. I’m not bothered about photos just want to know she’s ok and growing properly. The scan also offers a Doppler scan to check the placenta is working properly too. She’s been really active the last three days, literally having a party in there but seems quieter today, only had a few movements so far. Hoping she’ll get a bit more active later and she’s just a bit tired from the last few days. How is your little boy doing?

I thought I would get pregnant after gruelling round of IVF and sit happily on a lily pad for 9mnths! Had the most stressful day today, full of anxiety over my meds. Please tell me I didn't fry the embryo...4+4 today xxx

@Maggie272- Oh my love why has your day been stressful? Feel free to vent 💜 xx

@Kate3150 hello lovely how are you? When are you due!? Im 40+1 now. X

@ohdearymemumof3- oh wow!!! How are you feeling? I’m sure you’re sick of hearing it but you could be having an Xmas baby 😚!
I had my little boy on the 10th (elec c section) all went well and recovery going well. Just didn’t quite realise how much newborns feed and poop 😂. I’ve heard it gets better 🤔 xx

@Maggie272 how are you feeling today?

@Kate3150 awww i cant believe hes finally here 🥰 how lovely! What did he weigh? What did you name him?..
I really hope she holds off until at least the 27th🙄 i have a sweep booked for 27th too. Im glad everythings going well for you ❤xx

@Kate3150 @RC1985 oh I didn't get notifications for these posts!you are so kind! I am doing better, thank you XXX. I had a couple of hours on Sunday and an hour today of feeling very anxious. Were you guys told that anxiety would not cause a miscarriage? Thatsy my only worry today but I don't have that anxiety, just lingering in thoughts! I'm 5 wks tomorrow! @Kate3150 did you have your baby?! Xx

Oh just read that you did! Wonderfull!!

@Maggie272- Remember that anxiety is thoughts and I know that those thoughts can be scary but try not to react to them.
Thoughts cannot hurt you, and that’s something that comforted me when my anxiety was at its peak and it’s still something I tell myself now. X

@RC1985- are you all ready for Christmas!? You will love the scan, I used to look forward to mine so so much.
Little man is doing good. Literally a feeding and pooping machine 😂 xx