Need to vent and reassurance

[Zorka17]

I don't know where to turn but to fellow mum's that have been through pregnancy and birth. I've come off contraception and my head is a whirlwind. I've suffered from anxiety for all my adult life and I'm sure it's what happening but need to put into words before I go crazy.

I've been with my loving husband since school and married for 2. I'm 35 in May and we're going to try for a baby this year. I'm tracking my AF but I'm scared of the future. I know I'll be a damn good mum but the lack of control in my life that motherhood brings scares me. My husband is aware and supportive but I need advise and reassurance from women who've been through birth and bringing up children.

I will seek medical support for my mental health wellbeing during my journey to motherhood but could do with some real life experiences.

Thanks

I think that you’re doing the right thing seeking medical support for your mental health, I strongly advise to do it before you try to conceive. Your mental health is important as it will effect your ability to look after yourself and care for your baby. Anxiety and depression can become worse during pregnancy and it also may impact your ability to even become pregnant, you’re also at risk of developing post natal depression due to your history of having anxiety, so definitely seek some support sooner than lately.

All women are different and have different experiences, forums like Mumsnet can be helpful however they can also have a negative impact especially if you’re an anxious person, so counselling and joining your local NCT group may be better so that you get real life support.

Echo previous poster, I would look to get some support with your mental health before TTC.

I suffered from anxiety/depression historically but was pretty much level when we started TTC, off medication for 2 years etc. The process of TTC itself was pretty stressful and my mental health was a bit less stable, Especially when we miscarried. When I got pregnant the 3rd time the additional hormones exacerbated things plus the worry about baby/miscarriage/heartbeat/scans/movements/pains etc weigh down a lot of women without preexisting anxiety.

I’m 36 weeks now and wouldn’t change things for the world, but my mental health has put a strain on my relationship and I am being monitored as history puts me at high risk of PND. I’ve triggered early maternity to give me some space as I recognised I needed to reduce my stress levels. Hopefully the support we’ve put in place will help avoid PND, but hormones throw a spanner in everything!