Talk me out of my anxiety around birth and complications..

[Expectingfirstbaby23]

I’m 25 weeks pregnant and have came across some pretty scary complications people have had . One being afe (amniotic fluid embolism) statistically I know it’s rare but apparently it can happen and I can’t help but think it’s going to be me . I’m less anxious about other complications cause I know they’re easily treatable now a days (I hope!) and afe is not so easy to treat and is very fatal . am I being silly ?? I’m in the uk I’m not sure if that means anything statistically. Anyone any knowledge?? I just wanna be excited for labour now it’s all I’m thinking about is dying 😪

AFE is honestly not worth worrying about. It's like less than being hit by lightening. You do much more dangerous things everyday, like getting in a car or crossing the road.

I would strongly suggest doing a hypnobirthing course as they are so great at addressing fear around birth and will give you some practical knowledge and tools.

I had my first baby at home, that felt safe to me, and it was a perfect 4 hour labour. I had a tear, it was stitched up and healed fine.

Birth can be an absolutely incredible experience, even when it isn't 'perfect'.

Fear is your enemy, not your perfectly designed to birth body.

If this is from an Instagram account please unfollow for your own sanity.
This is so rare as PP said.
Arm yourself with facts and information yes but do not dwell on stories like this

Read the positive birth book by Milli Hill

Agree with PP - do some reading around hypnobirthing, it will inform you as to what happens physically during birth and help you feel really calm and in control!

Hypnobirthing course by the positive birth company. You need something to change your mindset or you will just spiral.

Look at the millions of people around you in the world - they all got here safely x

AFE is incredibly rare. I work in obstetric theatres in all 3 areas- anaesthetics, scrub and recovery. None of my colleagues in any areas have ever come across a case of AFE. We have weekly simulation training on obstetric/neonatal emergencies and AFE comes up from time to time so we can be as prepared as possible to deal with this if it were to occur.

You are at far more risk just getting into a car/bus day to day than the likelihood of this happening in labour. I know the thought is terrifying but I second the suggestion of a hypnobirthing course by the positive birth company. I used this when pregnant with both my girls and I do think that it helped me keep the oxytocin flowing and I had 2 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries with little to no tearing. I was terrified too given my line of work- in obstetric theatres you never see the straightforward births (other than ELCS) just the ones that have become complicated in some way.

Wishing you all the best for a smooth delivery.

^ That

id speak to your GP or midwife and ask if you can be referred to a mental health team it sounds like you’re having lots of anxiety, which can be normal but not if it’s effecting your everyday life which it sounds like it is xx

You all are the best , thank you xx