Feel so down.. Been having panic attacks

[PinkPunch]

I've had an awful few weeks I started to get panic / anxiety attacks which at the beginning where absolutely horrible. They have got less and less and now I only get the occasional anxious feeling in some situations.

But the other night I was getting strong period pains and I thought it could be labour which made me panic. I don't know how I'm going to cope with it if I panic at the thought of labour at the moment.

Does anyone have any advice?? The doc was useless and said she can't give me anything while I'm pregnant (apart from things that might harm the baby which I don't want). She just gave me a print out of how to breathe through them which I know already. All my bloods etc are fine too.

I just don't want to panic when I start labour because I need to be mentally strong to get through it. Had a great natural birth with my first so I should be able to do this but I just feel so scared and unprepared. I want this to be over with

 

[lealea85]

Most women here have anxiety about something in pregnancy, weather it's bcos we want to be good mums, fretting about things or scared of labour as we don't know what to expect. As this is baby number 2, u know what to expect but maybe ur body hasn't settled into mummy mode yet.
It's very normal hunny. It just shows in different ways for people.
Firstly, talk to someone, a friend or another mother and explain all ur fears/things that make u anxious or write it all down.
The best thing I can suggest is to try and relax (easier said than done) but try.

*hugs*

 

[Citygirl1]

Hi

As Lea says we all feel anxious and panicky about something relating to either our pregnancies, labour or parenting. You are not alone in that. Having a child is going to be the biggest thing i have ever done, it's probably the biggest life changing event that can happen to a woman.

I am worried about labour too, this being my first. You have the great experience of already going through it. The midwives will be their to support you. I think with having time to think about labour it makes you worse, and when your actually going through it you just have to find a way to cope. Our bodies are built for it. The thing that is keeping me focused is this wee person at the end of it all.

 

[JJ Mum]

Hi PP, I've been missing you on here Hun!

Don't worry , I'm on baby 4 and I panic lots about things coming up too so it's not just you.

You would have to check is safe to use in chemist , but I used to be more panicy /nervous in a prev job with lots of Biz meetings etc , so used to take those herbal tablets "Calms" from boots, They contain valentian I think -they were great and really also help you relax to get great sleep which could also help in pregnancy. Haven't needed them in a few years, but got me right out of a cycle/hole at the time, till I was more back on my game!

As your 34 weeks, are you ready for baby? I only ask as I felt far more in control , when I got bag packed, cot sorted , washed clothes and blankets etc and then in my head I was far more prepared and less panicy about being caught out - worth a try hun?

 

[PinkPunch]

Thanks JJ. I've managed to wash some clothes and sheets an set up Moses basket but haven't done my bags yet, just some of babies. So I don't feel ready yet physically or emotionally.

It's more than a nervous feeling though, I'm not actually able to look after my toddler on my own cos it's too much for me. I can't eat right and I can't live "normally" at the moment. But maybe your right, once I'm better prepared ill be fine.

With my daughter I couldn't wait for labour to start! I need to get packed.. I just don't have any energy right now

 

[storm4mozza]

i suffer from depression and low anxiety which often causes panic attacks, no one could really help i found what worked for me, when i am confronted with a situation that makes me panic, i normally go into a corner or somewhere alone or quiet and close my eyes and taking deep breaths, a glass of something cold usually works also.

But i would advise if you go somewhere quiet whilst your pregnant you take someone with you just incase or let someone know where your going.

Im worried i will be panicking during labour so ive done the best i can which is to stedily prepare my bags and other things so i have some pressure taken off me when the time comes =) goodluck x

 

[JJ Mum]

Thanks JJ. I've managed to wash some clothes and sheets an set up Moses basket but haven't done my bags yet, just some of babies. So I don't feel ready yet physically or emotionally.

It's more than a nervous feeling though, I'm not actually able to look after my toddler on my own cos it's too much for me. I can't eat right and I can't live "normally" at the moment. But maybe your right, once I'm better prepared ill be fine.

With my daughter I couldn't wait for labour to start! I need to get packed.. I just don't have any energy right now

Ahh PP, sending you a hug X
Sounds like you need to work out what things that would happen in a normal day when not pregnant, are not happending now or at wrong times. (ie same things each day, like same breakie at same time, or routene tasks things you do, and build those back into your day. sounds boring, but I go mad without a routene. when I started maternity leave , first week was fun, then I struggled as I was so busy but really missed my old routene, eg get to work, two cups of tea at 0930am as desk, same old identical every day - "safe" lunch at 12 noon. I know it's a control thing but it's very empowering and reasuring at the same time, which could help calm or allievieate some of the aniexty ?

 

[PinkPunch]

I know what you mean. I think up until now I've just been doing too much and all if a sudden my body can't take it anymore. I'm expecting this feeling to go away when the baby is born, just hope I don't get postnatal depression :s but I shouldn't worry about that now. Ive come a long way the past few weeks and if I keep improving, I'll be fine when I'm due.

Thank you so much for the replies it really helps you feel less like a maniac! Xxx