Is it normal to feel so anxious in late pregnancy?

[becca2906]

I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I feel so lonely and anxious plus my self-esteem is shot. I have two weeks at work left and I am so tired. I am terrified and feel so terrible that I even feel this way. I would so appreciate someone replying saying it's normal! :( Midwife says so but doesn't make me feel any better.

I'm quite a few weeks behind you at 30 weeks but just wanted to empathise with you. As I get further on I am very anxious about baby's health. Even though everything has gone smoothly so far, I still find it overwhelming that I'm solely responsible for keeping them safe, knowing whether something is wrong and getting help in time, even though I've never done this before so I have no idea what's normal!

Then there's worrying about whether you're prepared, what's going to happen to your finances, your relationship after, changes to your body etc etc...of course the tiredness just makes it worse. I think it's totally normal! You can't really do anything more life changing than becoming a mum for the first time. I totally feel you. Be kind to yourself.

I am 37 weeks and have finished work now. I think being off means I can truly relax, rest and focus on getting prepared for giving birth & sorting the house for baby.

When I was still working I felt like everything was getting on top of me. Now I can just take each day as it comes and do as little or as much as I like and I feel a lot happier in myself and excited for what’s to come.

Have you thought about finishing earlier? If you’re struggling it might be a good idea.

I can feel my anxiety getting worse, it was extreme after my first one and its creeping back the closer birth gets.

Thanks for the responses so far, It helps knowing it’s not just me. @Murph90 I can’t finish earlier unfortunately, but I am phasing out and working from home more. I’m hoping once I’m done I can focus on myself a bit, or like you say, do very little! X

@becca2906 I'm 31 weeks, but agree with everything you said. Anxious, exhausted, and starting to get overwhelmed with work deadlines. I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone!

@DerbyshireGirly you said it perfectly, could not have put it better myself. The responsibility is huge and I feel like its completely on my shoulders. It's not up to DH or anyone else to monitor the baby, only I can and sometimes I'm really not sure I'm doing a good enough job!

I'm either feeling guilty if I've been distracted/stressed/overwhelmed by work or I'm downing snickers (which I hate) with disgusting hot water to try to prod baby to move. I'll probably end up in a sugar coma at this rate and then start worrying about GTT :/

@becca2906 I’m 35+6 first time mum and also feeling very anxious. I have finished work now which I think is helping, but some days when I’m not doing much it’s all I think about and get stressed again! So maybe try and look at it as a nice distraction for a few more weeks.
I had a growth scan yesterday and the current weight is 6lb12oz!! Which is above the high line, so I’m extra nervous that I’m brewing a very large baby. I’ve been panicking about what I can do, but I’m not necessarily eating bad or too much, I think he’s just going to weigh what he wants regardless x