Self care for anxious pregnancy

[iloveyoubutilovememore]

Hi ladies,

I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant with my second and wanted to see if anyone had any good self care tips/plans to put in place to help reduce anxiety and stress.

I had postnatal depression with my first and am very fearful of it returning once the baby is here. I know it's not completely preventable, although I am having an elective section this time round, and have very supportive family and friends who know what signs to look for should it happen again.

I can feel the anxiety increasing as the pregnancy progresses so would love to add some things to the mix to help reduce it if possible.

Have you spoken to your mw about your concerns as that will help. Have you tried breathing exercises, calm app, mindfulness?

The important thing is that you are aware, seek help and have support. And you have support so that’s a great start.

Hi @ZombieAttack thanks for replying! I'm surprised no one else has tbh given how hard times are at the minute.

I have spoken to my midwife who will put in a referral to the perinatal team. I think more than anything I just want to be assured that support is there should I need it. I did some meditation last night before bed which was really nice, although have a cold coming on and my three year old keeps coming into our bed at 1/2am so I'm v tired today.

I tend to feel more anxious when I'm not sleeping well, here's hoping for a good nights kip tonight!

You should jump to the front of the queue for things like CBT etc because of your pregnancy so it’s worth having a chat with your GP as well, in case there is more than the perinatal MH team available to you.

Have you checked as well to see if your hospital has a MH maternity team or similar?

Hi OP! I'm a FTM and 36 weeks pregnant. Have you read The Positive Birth Company's book? I think it's called 'Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better'. I'm finding it really helpful to ease my anxiety and give me strategies to relax - it explains things really well.