Anxiety During Pregnancy

Updated on December 21, 2017
M.S. asks from Fishers, IN
8 answers

Are any pregnant moms out there getting very anxious and nervous about their pregnancy in the last couple months? I have been having all kinds of fears about everything affecting my baby for the last month or so, and I don't know how to deal with the anxiety. What do you do for anxiety in pregnancy?

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E.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hii,
It's really happy to know about your pregnancy .At this moment it is normal to feel anxiety.But if you will be worried it can affect your baby's health.If you have any stress or tension try to share it with your family or friends.It will help to reduce anxiety. Spend most of your time with family because when we stay alone we think about the same things repeatedly and those same thoughts increase your stress level.So don't be anxious and do those things that make you happy.
Good luck

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R.K.

answers from Dayton on

My suggestion is to talk to other moms who have been through it, and maybe more importantly, consider hiring a doula for the birth. A good doula can help talk through fears, and gently guide you toward a healthy birth... To find a list of doulas, go to http://www.dona.org/ but Amy Chavez of Bhakti House in Yellow Springs is wonderful--she was hugely helpful in helping me deal with my anxiety about birth and motherhood. Good luck!

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

It's sad that this is what our society has produced:( No one ever used to worry about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, they just knew it was what you did when you were old enough. But now, women want to have the goriest stories and tell how their pain was worse than anything else, and shows like "A Baby Story" only pick the drama-filled births to air so we think birth is scary and usually ends in a cascade of interventions and too often in c-section. But it doesn't have to be this way!
I suggest getting a copy of "Ina May's Guide to a Better Birth". The first half is just personal stories from women who trusted their bodies and nature to have a safe and happy birth. Read a story or two each night before bed. You'll come to see that birth is nothing to be afraid of:)
The second half is facts about birth and why planning an intervention-free birth is so important.

Rebecca's suggestion of a doula is great. Studies show that just by having a doula in the room, you are less likely to need pain relief, less likely to receive an episiotomy, and less likely to end up with a preventable c-section (2/3 are preventable and only the product of unnecessary interventions). I'm in Indy, please feel free to contact me if you want to talk, if you want to meet moms who have been through amazing births, if you need names of doulas, whatever you need:)
Good Luck!!

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C.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I was anxious during the last few months of my pregnancy. Not about how the birth would go, but about weird things like - "What if I get into a crash on my way to work and hurt my baby?" or "What if I fall going down the stairs?" I didn't even tell the doctor about these thoughts but she sensed my anxiety and actually prescribed me Celexa which helped a lot. I also got relief from praying, taking deep breaths with my eyes closed (not while I was driving of course!), and having my husband rub my feet or back. I also talked to my mom who assured me some anxiety was normal. But if your life is being affected and you find it hard to just make it through the day, certainly talk to your doctor.

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

I had severe anxiety with my first pregnancy, and during this pregnancy, I not only had anxiety but also panic attacks! It is very common with all of the hormonal changes going on in your body. I just remind myself that it is hormones and try not to watch or read anything too stressful. I have struggled with sleep, so I take a Benadryl, and if I have a panic attack, I wake my husband and he holds me and rubs my back. If it is beginning to interfere with your life, make sure you mention it to your OB, because there are stronger medications that they can give you, as well.

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Stop reading about what could go wrong, and pick up some books about typical childhood development, child care tips and new born care and take your mind off of your fears. If that does not work, talk to you doctor about your anxiety, they may be able to help you sort it out.

M.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

HI M.,

Anxiety usually does not exist if your body is nutritionally balanced. Being pregnant turns everything upside down :) Ask your doctor what type of delivery system your prenatal utilizes to absorb the nutrition. You may not be getting enough to satisfy you and the baby too. If you're not happy with his answer, let me know and I can recommend one that is guaranteed to absorb as well as a great Omega 3. Omega 3s are great for the baby's neurological system and eyes. Omegas do wonders for anxiety as well!

God bless and congratulations!

M.

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T.F.

answers from Columbus on

Hi M.,
Good for you for asking questions! It's not always easy if you're not quite feeling like yourself. Anxiety and worries are just as common during pregnancy as after baby arrives and it's certainly important to deal with them. Depending on how you're feeling day to day and with what you're comfortable, you have many options for dealing with anxiety. Talking with your care provider (OB, midwife...) about how your feeling and what your options are is important. I also recommend contacting your area Support Coordinator from Postpartum Support International. Even though the name is "postpartum," the organization provides support and resources for expecting moms as well. Their website is www.postpartum.net, then you can click on your state and find your local contact. There are a number of books available that discuss anxiety/mood issues during pregnancy. A couple are: "Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting: Emotions, Mental Health, and Happiness -- Before, During, and After Pregnancy" by Lucy Puryear; "Pregnancy Blues: What Every Woman Needs to Know about Depression During Pregnancy" by Shaila Misri (this book addresses anxiety too).
Pat yourself on the back for reaching out, asking questions and looking for answers :)

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