Panic Attack Public Speaking

[CoffeeMonkey]

Ok this is a bit of an odd one... I’m 17 wks pregnant & my job requires me to occasionally deliver presentations or training to my colleagues or clients. I wouldn’t say this is something I have ever really enjoyed but i do have a certain level of confidence & experience in this, and it would never have filled me with dread or turned me into a nervous wreck!

However since I’ve been pregnant & had to this I have turned into a bit of a mess each time my heart is pounding, I sweat like crazy, get the shakes & my voice is quivering. I can just about get through it ok once I get started but it feels almost like a bit of a mini panic attack immediately before hand.

Anyone else ever experienced this while pregnant or anything similar? I’m trying not to avoid these circumstances so it doesn’t become a big deal but also can’t really understand why it’s only happened in pregnancy.

Im in a similar sort of role although I'm only 10 weeks. But pregnancy increases blood flow and body temp which could cause the sweating, and breathlessness has definitely been a thing for me so far which leads my voice to become more shaky and my heart to pound more, its a common pregnancy symptom. So even though you're an experienced speaker even the small amount of nerves or adrenaline before you present are probably exacerbating all those things. That's my take anyway although sorry I don't have much advice on how to cope with it!

Have you tried beta blockers to reduce the physical symptoms? They are safe when taken situationally in pregnancy (my GP told me there's some evidence it can restrict baby's growth in the last trimester but only with regular use).

That's what I use for public speaking and it really helps me x