Anxiety during Pregnancy

[AimeeLou84]

Hi. I’m 39 currently 19+3 pregnant with my first baby. I’m constantly worrying if she’s breathing or if I’ve miscarried. I’ve just gone out and bought a Doppler which isn’t picking up the heartbeat now I’m having a breakdown. I’m a little overweight so could this be the reason? What are the signs symptoms of miscarriage im so worried as I haven’t felt movements yet either. I’m petrified something bad is going to happen 😔

Finding the heartbeat at this gestation often takes a midwife a little while, so definitely not to worry that you've been unable to pick it up yourself! They are not recommended by health professions for that very reason as they cause a lot of worry! Also its possible to pick up the placenta or your own pulse, so definitely best used by those trained to do so.
Also very very normal to not feel movements yet, lots of people don't feel them until later. Up to 24 weeks is normal. I would contact your midwife to discuss your anxiety as its not uncommon in pregnancy and they can support you with it so that you are able to enjoy the pregnancy more :)

@CheeryBiscuit Thanks for replying. I think I keep comparing myself to others who have bumps, felt baby, using Dopplers etc. I have my 20 week scan Wednesday im so on edge. I think after that all going well I’ll speak to midwife thank you

I had a GP fail to find the baby heartbeat using a Doppler at 20+5 weeks. In the end she had to use it really low down above my pubic area and put it horizontally pointing towards my head. She got it eventually, but not before picking up my heartbeat and then the blood flow to the placenta! Try not to let the Doppler worry you is my point. Even professionals struggle so you not finding it doesn't mean anything at all. It's exactly why I don't have one as I'd be the same as you (I'd never put it down if I'm being honest).

I was absolutely convinced something awful would have happened before my 20 week scan and it was all absolutely fine. Keep telling yourself that statistically everything is more likely to be fine than not. Don't Google anything, genuinely, it'll make it 100x harder to make it to your scan.

@IVFKinster Thank you! I’m almost certain Labour is 100 times easier than actually carrying a baby, its just constant worries and panic that all is ok. I definitely need to stop googling things!

I'm not looking forward to labour either 😂 but will be relieved when baby is here and then it'll likely transfer to a different worry. I'm 21 weeks tomorrow and honestly the reassurance from the 20 week scan lasted 3 days 🙄🤦
I think it's just a case of trying to avoid things that make it worse and engage in some positive thinking. That's what I tell myself anyway!

Oh god you need to send the Doppler back. You aren’t qualified to use it, it’s not going to help. You need to talk to your midwife about anxiety, you have a long way to go yet.

@IVFKinster Yep my 20 week scan is Wednesday and I just know by the weekend I’ll be worrying again lol. Then once they are here it’s another worry altogether

@Rubyrubyrubyruby123 Ive put it back in the box at the back of the cupboard. Thought it would help my anxiety as seen loads writing about them but it hasn’t wish I didn’t bother.