How does anxiety harm the pregnancy?

[bernieaa]

I'm having panic attacks and have called my GP for an appointment tomorrow. Im also under the care of perinatal who are now aware of this, but im unsure if they will follow up.

I don't like taking daily mental health medication because it doesn't work (for me).

Usually if I was in this position I would take Propranolol, but really I've not had anxiety for a long time (like this) so it's really unexpected.

I feel like I can't breathe as my throat is being choked and my heart feels like it's racing. It eventually passes.

Is there any risk to the baby if I allow the panic/anxiety to resolve by itself?

Bless doctors they are trying their best but really I'm in limbo whereby the mental helath midwife's can't refer me to anyone because I'm under the care of the perinatal and perinatal haven't yet decided to take me on. The GPs has pushed anti depressants down my throat despite me saying they make me maniac (psychiatrist picked this up). They will give me medication but really I would want some talking therapy.

Anxiety over work could be an issue.

Hopefully you'll hear from the perinatal team soon, make sure you explain just how much its currently impacting you. There have been various studies into the effects during pregnancy, but honestly it then becomes a cycle of adding being anxious about that into the mix which doesn't help. You're the important one at the moment, sadly often we do have to advocate and push to recieve support but speak to the GP and they might be able to expedite things with the peri team. For what it's worth, just anecdotally, I was sectioned during pregnancy as it very much exasperated my existing MH struggles, and baby was absolutely fine and is now a happy and healthy 8 year old. All the best OP, it's great you recognise its becoming an issue and are reaching out for help.

Also if work is not helping remember you are legally protected during pregnancy in terms of not being able to be penalised for time off, just be mindful of pay and qualifying weeks.

They can't really do much as I need to work. New job and im screwing up so badly. I've passed probation but really I need to reduce hours permanently. I'm knackered.

I don't know if the perinatal team will help. I have an assessment with their psychiatrist in a month. I refuse to take medication as it's not safe for me and lead to times of S etc. all drug induced. I was supposed to start lithium but than my primary psych left. Not spoke to community mental health for a year now.

Even in a new job they can't count pregnancy related absence towards any sort of absence procedures etc- appreciate money might be an issue but if you need to be signed off you're legally protected. In theory they can fast track you to services but appreciate sadly its not functional in all areas- your GP might be able to add some weight to your referral though. Hope you manage to get something sorted OP.

I'm not a doctor but I'm a lawyer who has worked with hundreds of refugee women and children.

I've had clients who while pregnant- fled violence, watched their homes burn down, were shot, lived in refugee camps, crossed an ocean with nothing etc.

Their children were healthy, strong and intelligent.

Women have been having babies under stressful circumstances for thousands of years.

Obviously it's better for you and therefore baby to be relaxed if you can. But don't heap more pressure on yourself by stressing about the impact of stress.

And don't be afraid to take medication if you need it, assuming your doctor is on board.

The mental health team have been fab as I've had a breakdown recently.... but let's face it, I won't take medication so they are limited.

Hi @bernieaa anxiety will not harm the baby hun. I've been through so much in my pregnancy and i've known others that have been through domestic violence while pregnant and baby comes out healthy.
Please don't worry, relax, eat well and enjoy your pregnancy. For me music really helps xx