Panic attacks during scans

[Robs20]

Has anyone had this/ any suggestions on how to deal with it?

Background- I am v nervous! Dd1 had a rare condition that was undiagnosed during pregnancy. She died suddenly at the start of last year.

I am now pregnant with twins and due to past history and DT1 being high risk (higher NT fluid and now Polyhydramnios) I am scared out of my mind. We are at the same hospital again so lots of memories.

The last 2 scans I have totally freaked out - these were scans 7 and 8 so not in a new place/ with new people. Yesterday I felt sick/ faint/ got pins and needles really intensely in my arms and the medical student was ordered to take my top off to cool me down! was suddenly very hot and dripping with sweat.

Consultant was lovely at the time and knows me very well, but has written in my notes I should be accompanied at all future scans. I feel so embarrassed for causing a fuss and for not being able to cope with this alone. Realistically DH won’t be able to come to all future scans (they are fortnightly plus I have a cardiac scan and mri in the next month).

Any suggestions on how to cope? I try to focus on deep breathing and take water with me but don’t want this to happen every time.

Oh bless you I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and it is entirely understandable. Firstly don't feel embarrassed at all! You are experiencing a very rationale response to a very traumatic prior experience and understanding that this is completely logical will be important to help you manage these episodes.
Is it possible for you to have a friend or family member accompany you on future scans where your husband cannot come along with you? If not then could you maybe see if there is a nurse who you can speak with before you go in for the scan who can be with you during it to keep you calm and reassure you?
You can try managing your breathing more than just taking deep breaths - breathe in through your nose for a count of 3 or 4 and then out through your mouth for a count of 6 or 8 (so double the in breath). Also see if you can take something with you to distract yourself before you have to go in for the appointment. It may also help you (although if you're not into this that's understandable not everyone is) to discuss the statistics of the things you are worried about with the doctor and the 'what ifs' so that you know exactly what will happen in each possibility. Of course this could just worry you even more so it's not everyone's preferred approach. Finally have you had counselling for the death of your daughter? If not then it might be helpful for you to start seeing someone to talk about all of these emotions and they can also give you techniques to manage when you begin to feel overwhelmed and panicky again.
Sending you big hugs - it sounds like you have a great healthcare team looking after you and keeping an eye on you. I hope some of what I suggested might help xXx

Hello, this sounds awful. I get panic attacks which are similar when I'm trapped in situations. Have you tried a grounding technique? Noticing 5 things you can see, hear, smell etc. Sometimes deep breathing can make us feel worse as you start to hyperventile. There are lots of different breathing techniques. If you get chance listen to the DARE technique ebook, this really helped with my management of panic. All the best xxx

I passed out at every scan with my first. I had panic attacked before but this was on another scale.

Could you listen to music and not look at the screen and then they can explain everything to you at the end and you will have a photo etc?

Sorry you've had such a rough time and I'm so sorry about DD.

Hi Robs, I recognized your name from an earlier post, I've been wondering how you're doing. Just wanted to tell you that you're not alone in this. This is my third very stressful pregnancy (first was a mmc at 14 weeks), and I developed pretty serious anxiety while carrying my son. (He was flagged for suspected spina bifida in utero, but thankfully is fine). Since our increased nuchal translucency finding at 12 weeks, I've had to start seeing a therapist because my anxiety got to the point that I was throwing up before ultrasounds, and shaking so badly they had trouble doing the scans. Here's a few things that have helped me a little bit...

• The grounding exercise someone mentioned above. Specifically closing my eyes and trying to note 3 things I can hear.
• Pelvic floor relaxation. It's basically like doing a reverse kegel, I think you can google it. It actually helps.
• I took up knitting which maybe sounds lame, but honestly has helped. I bring it to the ultrasounds and focus on doing a couple rows before each scan.
• Visualization. Create a very specific mental image of a place where you feel safe. (For me it's the beach where my husband and I honeymooned). Then try to build out every detail of it in your mind... the way it smells, the temperature, the sensations of being there, etc. This one helps me a lot while on the table.
• A mantra of sorts, to stop the negative thoughts. For me these are "fears are not facts" and when my thoughts start to spiral I use "these thoughts are not helpful or accurate." It's enough to at least stop the rabbit hole.

I still get a sour stomach and shake a little during my appointments, but some of these techniques have helped me avoid full blown anxiety attacks. Just want to say again, I'm so sorry you're going through this. And so so sorry for your loss. Your body is responding in a way that's totally rational given your history... of course it senses danger being put in this scenario. But try and remember that the past is not a predictor of your present situation. Sending love xx

Thank you for all the suggestions and kindness. It may sound strange but it helps to know that other people have struggled with anxiety around scans too.

I can’t believe I didn’t think of the ‘5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear’ etc strategy. I have used this a lot since dd1 died and will definitely use it in the hospital.

I would actually really like to wear ear plugs (rather than music) during the scan. Do you think that would be weird? Consultant is very very understanding but I know she is concerned about my MH and asks me about counselling/ antidepressants at every appt and worry if I do this she might be more concerned. Sounds are one of my biggest triggers in the hospital and I have recurring flashbacks of the sound of the crash alarm. Visualisation is also a good idea and something I am used to from emdr so could try that too. I spent the first 4/5 scans with my eyes closed. She has slowly encouraged me to look at the screen and I think that has increased my anxiety.

I did feel like I couldn’t take anyone else to the scan. My DM offered to come but I stupidly feel like I need to protect everyone else (by telling them not to come) just in case there is bad news. My family were very involved in dd’s life and were devastated when she died. Maybe I should reconsider this for next time.

@georgiablue2 I hope your pregnancy is going ok? You are totally right that past is not a prediction of present and I need to remember that.

@bb2605 yes I have a lovely therapist. I see her weekly but she has just gone away for a month. We focus on bereavement/ trauma but I think talking about it is making my anxiety about the future worse.

I'm so sorry @Robs20. You've been through so much and now to have this additional anxiety piling on. I guess my last bit of advice is just to say, that whatever you need to do to get through the next few months of scans, you should do, and not feel one bit bad or weird about it. If ear plugs help, you should 100% bring them and feel free to be as vague as you want with the ultrasound tech. ("They help me relax.") Do whatever you need to do!
(And things do seem to be going OK over here at the moment, thanks for asking!)
Sending you all the good vibes and prayers for a smoother road ahead, from across the pond.