Delivering early due to anxiety

[theresaplaceforus]

I’m wondering if anyone has ever done this/if it is allowed?
I’m 37 weeks and so anxious about my baby dying/something going wrong, I don’t know if I can take another possible 4/5 weeks of this.
I’ve really loved being pregnant it’s just these last few weeks I’ve felt so anxious, I’ve told the midwife but she just gave me a card for healthy minds or something like that. It’s hard to explain but I’d like to meet my baby now I don’t know if it’s safe for her to come yet.

They won't take the baby early just because you are anxious. I'm sorry you're feeling that way and I hope all will work out okay. It's common to feel anxiety during pregnancy and it's likely yot and your baby will be fine. The only thing you can do probably is push for an induction closer to 40 weeks if your baby does not arrive on time.

Have you had any help for your anxiety? Might be worth speaking to your midwife again or GP.

I've found hypnobirthing very helpful, I can really recommend the Positive Birth Company.

I agree you need help for your anxiety. But delivering early for no good reason could lead to complications. It is a really anxious time so try to get through it hour by hour.

I completely empathise with you @theresaplaceforus. I am currently 34+3 and for the past week or so I am getting the same anxiety as you are describing. As if there is something wrong with the baby. I can't explain why I suddenly feel this way, pregnancy has been fine so far. You are not alone in feeling like this.

Addressing the anxiety is the best course of action. I don't think you can get the baby out earlier just for the anxiety, it's best for the baby to be left to cook as long as they need to. Keep talking to your midwife and/or GP, not long to go now.

It’s hard because at time’s I feel totally fine and get excited about the baby coming, I’ve really enjoyed the pregnancy and although I have suffered anxiety in the past I wouldn’t say I’ve been especially anxious in pregnancy it’s just as it’s got closer and closer.
I’ve read stories about Stillbirth and I know to can happen, when I get anxious it just takes over my mind. I have tried to say to the midwife but she just jotted it down in my notes. I’ve had a couple of incidents of reduced movements which hasn’t helped either.
Maybe like pp said - once I get to mr due date in 3 weeks I can ask for an induction?

@theresaplaceforus

I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s especially understandable at the moment with all this COVID uncertainty.

There’s a reason why you’re given 40 weeks as your due date though; it’s typically how long a baby needs inside you to grow, and be as healthy as possible, before being turned out into the world!

With modern medicine, many babies can do well if they are born much earlier than this, but most professionals agree that the best place for baby to be is in your uterus, warm, nourished and protected, until the time comes. Each day of your pregnancy you are doing an amazing job, so remind yourself how amazing you are!

So please try not to hurry the little one out too soon. I promise these last few weeks will soon be over and you will finally get to meet each other!

I really really recommend the Positive Birth Company’s online course. The videos will explain this stuff way better than I can, and help you feel confident and excited.

I believe the full course is £39 which is incredible value, worth every penny x

Just wanted to update this thread - so I had an appointment with a consultant a couple of days ago which was actually for my blood pressure but I asked her if I could tell her about my worries. She could see just how upset I was and offered me induction there and then at 37+1 I know it’s a little too early for baby to come and she said that I can call any day and they will induce me if that’s want I want and I feel I’m not coping.
The assessment unit midwives spoke to me afterwards and on reflection I really do want to go into labour naturally if possible so they are giving me twice weekly monitoring to keep me reassured and some sweeps if I would like them maybe next week. Our NHS really are wonderful.
@Gerdticker I’ve bought the course and I’ve started it and you’re right - it’s great and I feel a lot more positive and that I can use some of these techniques to help me. I had read the positive birth book already which was great but thank you for giving me the nudge to buy the online course xx

I’m glad you have a supportive consultant who has agreed to an induction.

I had a baby at 37 weeks by c section because of my anxiety. I’m sure given the choice the baby would have stayed put for a few more weeks but my worries meant out was better than in.

@theresaplaceforus I am very pleased everything worked out for you, and you have a plan now 💐

@theresaplaceforus wow that’s incredible. I’m so glad you have been able to make your own decision. Good luck with the birth, soon your little one will be in your arms. xxx

@theresaplaceforus I'm due to be induced on Tuesday at 38 weeks and 3 days because of anxiety. The same as you, I've had a couple of episodes of reduced movement and although the monitoring and scans came out fine I've still been worried. Given that I'm over 37 weeks and baby is a good size, the consultant agreed to the induction. I'm having a sweep Sunday so hoping that might move things naturally but it's a relief to know I have the induction booked.

I'm glad that we've both had positive experiences of being listened to. Hopefully all this anxiety will be behind us soon!

@theresaplaceforus
Hey well done, that’s great news, you’re doing amazingly well. I’m 35 weeks myself and feel like time is slowing down, but luckily I can remember it was just the same last time, and these few short weeks will be over before I can blink! Then the fun really begins xx