Just found out I'm pregnant and feeling really overwhelmed

[Pumpkin108]

Hi everyone,

So yesterday I found out I'm pregnant. It's a bit of a shock really as I've only been off the pill 5 weeks after being on it 10 years and I've got pregnant on our first time!

My husband and I had been talking about starting a family but it's all happened very fast and I'm feeling quite panicked about it all :(

I have an underlying health condition which makes it harder and I'm scared it's going to send me into a flare up.

I also suffer with anxiety and have had various mental health issues in the past like anorexia and I'm worried that pregnancy will cause these to rear their ugly heads again.

Does anyone have any advice? I'm already feeling sick and got bad cramps and I don't know if this is normal?

Firstly, congratulations! It is natural to feel overwhelmed and scared when you first find out you are pregnant - I know I sure did! Try to stay calm, you had planned for a baby after all, so this is a joyous time!

Your body is already going through so much, just go with your emotions and know that there is no right or wrong way to be feeling, but that everything will be ok!

Good luck x

@Kellyb92 thank you! It all seems so daunting but exciting at the same time

Congratulations!

It is really overwhelming the first day or two and I remember also feeling cramps and sickness on those days.

Best to take it easy the next couple of days, if you are worried about underlying health issues and anxiety you could make an appointment to talk these through with your GP, however your booking appointment with your midwife at 8 weeks is also a good time to discuss this and it will certainly be covered as part of their assessment. It does feel like it is ages until that first appointment though!

Congratulations again

Firstly congratulations!
I can imagine how daunting it all must be, especially to fall so quickly but the best advice I can give is to get an appt with your midwife as soon as possible and discuss your fears with her. They are fantastic these days about understanding the importance of good mental health during pregnancy and you can get extra support if you need it. I have a history with depression, self harm, anxiety and bulimia and was concerned how I would cope but thankfully I’ve made it to 31 weeks and apart from a few wobbles here and there, all good, and my midwife always asks how I’m doing and feeling. Just keep talking.
and if you get one you don’t connect with or who doesn’t make you feel supported, ask for someone else. You have a right to do that.
Oh and cramps and nausea are perfectly normal! It’ll be a combo of the pregnancy hormones kicking in as well as the anxiety but you’ll be okay. It’s an exciting time, even if it is bloody scary sometimes. Just keep talking to your OH (or whoever you feel comfortable with), you can do this xx

@Pineapplebaby thank you! So I phoned my gp practice this morning to get an appt and they just said it wasn't an emergency so I don't have one for 10 days or so.

Congratulations on your pregnancy too and I'm glad everything has gone well for you. It's good to hear from someone else who has struggled with mh issues.

Hi @Pumpkin108 I completely understand, I'm in a similar situation, got my BFP this week on our second cycle of trying. It doesn't really feel real yet and I'm worried about telling work, my body changing etc. I can't give you any advice but just wanted to say you're not alone in this!

Hi OP, I was in your shoes last July, my husband and I thought it would take us up to a year to get pregnant (due to my age and health issues), but it only took 2 months. I was just as shocked and overwhelmed as you are now, even though this pregnancy was very much planned.

Fast forward to today, I'm 37 weeks and can't wait to meet my baby.

Those first weeks are hard, but what you're feeling is normal. You will be amazed at how quickly the months go by. I have been writing a journal since the start of my pregnancy which helps me look back and realise what a massive chunk of time is behind me already, even though it feels like only yesterday I was looking at a poppy seed in the palm of my hand thinking this is the size of my baby. Now he's huge, active and constantly reminding me of his presence with kicks and punches!

Congrats! Enjoy the journey it's the best :)