Complications & MH Advice

[tigger2022]

Does anybody have any advice for coping with anxiety in pregnancy? I think I'm naturally an anxious person and though I'm much better at controlling it now, all the complications I've had in the past few weeks (I'm 36 weeks) are really taking their toll. I have spent a lot of time in the pregnancy assessment unit and I find being sat there left with my own thoughts really gets to me (especially when the complication of the day relates to the baby's health instead of mine). I've been getting quite upset and spontaneously crying. Being in PAU nearly every day for almost a month makes me feel I'm doing something wrong. Do you have any advice for coping with challenges mentally?

Hello lovely, don't worry, you're almost there! Try taking some pressure off yourself and make sure you talk to someone. Take a list of questions about things that are worrying you to appointments and make sure you ask them. Reach out to your partner/ family/ friends and tell them how you feel. Deep breathing exercises (lots of guided videos on YouTube), warm (not hot) baths, plenty of sleep and getting out in nature helps too. It's natural to feel sad and anxious when complications crop up, especially with all those pesky hormones flying about. Best wishes ❤️

Can you ask to speak to the perinatal mental health team? I've found them so helpful during this pregnancy.