Anxiety during pregnancy

[PlanBFertility]

Hi all,
Normally on the infertility board but thought I’d pop over here 👋

Currently 7+5 with my first ever pregnancy (age 37) after one hell or an IVF ride.

I suffer from anxiety anyway (health) but my goodness it’s ramped up - will baby be ok? Will it have issues? Will I die during childbirth? Etc etc.

Im so anxious it’s ruining the pregnancy. I thought I’d be so excited but I’m just full of dread.

Help!

I was similar in the anxieties. I saw a therapist and it helped a lot. I also spoke to my midwife about it in general terms and she put in a referral for me to meet my postpartum team antenatal.

You will know your own mind best, but I’d say get support now.

I was also really anxious and struggled with mental health. But I knew that about myself already - as do you - so you can get the support you need. I found joining mum groups on Mumsnet or FB, WhatsApp, etc. with women having their baby the same month as me really helped. Turns out we are all having the same anxieties. Other things like NCT groups, a doula to help with birth or post partum, and reading books to learn about how birth works can alleviate anxiety. The scans are always nerve-wracking by the way! I started just telling midwives/sonographers/etc "I'm nervous" at the start, and saying it out loud helped.

I had horrendous anxiety in pregnancy (had it a bit before but it got ridiculous with hormones). I went to GP who offered medication (which I'd been on before and didn't want to repeat - my experience, everyone is different etc.) and referral to CBT.

CBT was in a group and very very very helpful. It was for generalised anxiety but helped me with health anxiety and slightly with fear of childbirth. I thought it would be hippy bollocks (sorry, psychologists!) but it changed how I saw things.

Try having a chat with your GP and nip it in the bud. 😊 Congrats and good luck!!