38 weeks - very anxious, down, failing to bond or believe baby is coming

[Marmite223]

finding the last few weeks SO rough
feeling overall sick & tired, nauseous but mostly so anxious & depressed
I have convinced myself i'm not going to be able to look after my baby, as i'm feeling so sick, & feel completely unattached/bonded - keep crying, can't engage with organising/tasks , can't look at names etc just feeling so much doom

have spoken to MW & psychologist but will be reassesed after birth

anyone else feel like this & turned out fine with their baby?

It so common to feel this way in the latter stages of pregnancy, especially when it's your first. It's overwhelming!

You'll be surprised how quickly the physical symptoms (nausea, etc.) you are experiencing disappear once baby is born.

I didn't bond with my unborn son during my first pregnancy and found it hard to believe there was a real life baby in there. Once he was born it still took a few weeks to really feel connected to him. Becoming a parent is a surreal experience!

I'm now almost 28 weeks pregnant with my second and wouldn't say I've bonded with this one either but I'm not worried, I know it'll be different once he's here.

It's good you're getting help, keep asking for and taking it x

You’re really doing a good thing articulating this and do keep telling midwife etc if it remains an issue.
I also wouldn’t underestimate the importance of nutrition as there is such a strong link with feelings of depression and a shortage of essential fats like omega 3. A growing baby can deplete our own stores. Gut health is also key to anxiety and a good probiotic taken with a whole food diet can really make a difference.
I am sure I felt very overwhelmed too with our first and please don’t worry if the bonding takes time, it is normal and usually gets stronger and stronger as you get to know them.
What are your plans for labour as if you can try hypnobirthing or anything else very calming it might really help too.

Ps another good idea is the minute you notice a negative thought about how you will cope switch it to a positive one about yourself. I had anxiety once and it really helped to do this , once you’ve done this a number of times it should break the habit

thank you everyone