Hi here,
My first two births were very different but both with a lot of drama...and took me months to sort of get over. First was a c section, second was a VBAC. I am in my 34th week now and am experiencing a lot of insomnia, and a lot of negative thoughts about what this next birth will be like. The beginning of this pregnancy totally threw me for a loop as I was experiencing mild panic attacks....they waxed and waned and then disappeared and I chalked it up to hormonal changes. The are back again, and although I am generally able to talk myself through them, they are unpleasant...it does not help hat I am absolutely huge and am often short of breath...
In any case, I suppose I could go running to a therapist and talk through the feelings, or there is a local doula here who does imagery work with women before birth. Last night I was up for hours just trying to breathe through my thoughts and calm myself down. We are living overseas at the moment and that has come with its own set of stressors ...I have had to ask myself if my panic attacks are related to something other than the impending delivery and I think not...I really think it is more about worrying how I will manage labor, etc, and the catastrophic thoughts that come alongside that, particularly living in a new country. Any tips or ideas others have found to be helpful in easing the anxiety would be very appreciated. At the moment, I find a hot cup of peppermint tea and a few drops of Bach flower rescue remedy under my tongue are helpful in producing a calming effect....any other tips?
Thanks!
It is normal and common to experience the anxiety you are feeling at 34 weeks. I had it with all three of my pregnancies. I believe it to be hormonal.
Now is a great time to practice guided mediation for labor.
This can be the beginning of a bit of post partum depression. Mention this to your doctor. Hormones can wreak havoc on your body.
Your brain is overloaded running your body, making a baby and then you are a mom of 2 young children.
I am not surprised, but your doctor needs to monitor this.
Updated
This can be the beginning of a bit of post partum depression. Mention this to your doctor. Hormones can wreak havoc on your body.
Your brain is overloaded running your body, making a baby and then you are a mom of 2 young children.
I am not surprised, but your doctor needs to monitor this.
Personally, if it were me having panic attacks, I would likely go talk to someone about this. The therapist or doula both seem like excellent suggestions.
I would go talk to someone because I would not want all those stress hormones moving through my body and to my baby.
I would also go talk to someone because the reality of it is-- we can plan our births as much as we want, but this is an event we are not really in control of. All we can control is our own mindset, how we are going to choose to respond/participate. If you end up having panic attacks during the birth, the doctors might choose to give you some sort of narcotic so that YOU are manageable, which means that there may be other interventions necessary. So, all that to say, it would be good for you to feel that you are in control of your anxieties and emotions and maybe a professional can help you with this.
Good luck and many wishes for a safe and healthy labor and delivery!
1little1...you're going to have to change your screen name soon!!! LOL!!
Where are you overseas? If you are on a military installation - there are groups through the MWR that can help you. Any of the chaplains on base can help you as well. Talk to your OB/GYN and let him/her know of your issues.
You've done BOTH already - so you know what to expect...when the anxiety starts to rear it's ugly head, take a deep breath and FOCUS - YOU CAN DO THIS...You have been through both and know what to expect. BREATHE....
{{{{{HUGS}}}} to you!! You are NOT alone!!! I'm sorry I can't give a better suggestion...when I feel anxiety coming on - I usually take a deep breath and write it down...then work it out...
I will be 34 weeks on Monday with my second baby.
My first L&D was easy compared to other L&D stories that I have heard/read, but I still find myself getting a little panicky when I realize that I will be going through it again soon.
I have found that watching videos of births on youtube and reading lots of positive birth stories online helps me. Just reminding myself that hundreds of women go through this every single day and that I CAN do it again, helps me.
That being said, watching videos and reading stories has the opposite effect on my friend who is 36 weeks. It is her first, and the videos/stories just worsen her anxiety. So it's definitely not for everyone.
Tell your Doctor.
Then, was it already decided, if you are having a VBAC or c-section?
Since you are at 34 weeks... then I assume it is not going to be a c-section?
Are you going to your, prenatal doctor appointments each and every time?
have you told your Husband how you are feeling?
I agree with talking to your OB about this. I had a lot of anxiety before my 2nd was born, because I couldn't bear the thought of a repeat of my 1st childbirth experience.
My OB talked me through my options - what I wanted, what I didn't want. Etc.
For me, I was so traumatized that I ended up scheduling a second C-section (1st was an emergency C) so that I would not have to even think about reliving what happened during my first labor. It was the best decision for me, and got rid of so much of my anxiety.
I know a scheduled C may not be the right choice for anyone but me and I'm not suggesting it's right for you. But my point is the same - talk to your OB about all your options, including what specific scenarios you are worried about, and how the hospital will handle them.
Sometimes focusing on something else pleasant will help relieve the anxiety. Listen to soothing music and visualize being in a good place. Do they still do pre-natal type breathing exercises? I have used those in very stressful times because i have to concentrate on doing them and then the anxiety wanes. Find a really funny book you like and read that so you become involved with the characters. A relaxing massage might help too! Perhaps the doula can help you find relaxing positions too. Good luck!
I had a rough time with my first. He was stuck..I ripped badly. Lots of stitches. Things that made my stomach turn at the thought of any of it before I had him. Once I had him, I would have totally done it all over again.
It sounds like you had a rough time with both of yours so far. Try to remember that the end was all worth it. Maybe writing down your fears in a journal to "talk through it" that way will help? I agree with talking to your doctor, too, if you have any specific anxieties as well as about the panic attacks. You have a lot going on and having 2 little ones at home already will make you a vary busy mama!
It takes a strong person to ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask.
Try focusing on what Christmas 2014 will be like.
Just sort of blip over your worry over the short term (the next few months) and think ahead to when your baby will be taking first steps, think how big his/her eyes will look when he/she sees the Christmas lights (and how will you keep the tree from being knocked over).
The short term will take care of itself - let it.
You've got a lot to look forward to and much joy will be coming your way!
Find things that will help you laugh.
Laughing is good 'medicine'.
(George Calrlin's 'Ice Box Man' makes me laugh till I'm in tears every single time I hear it - I know it by heart but just the expression in the words just cracks me up and I can't help laughing.)
I hear you, mama! It's hard being away from home and giving birth!
Things that have helped me manage anxiety include: lavender oil (in anything, or just smelling solidified oil and breathing it -- made by a company called Aromabar), listening to music, watching escapist TV/movie, going for a walk, yoga, acupuncture, massage, a heated "stress wrap," taking a bath with Epsom salt. Make sure you're getting enough calcium, too, because it can have a calming effect. Worst case, you can always take a Benadryl...
Hang in there!
Sounds crazy and I'm thinking outside the box but can u be a strep carrier? Strep b or have your other two kids hs strep? If yes Google PANDAS sound like you have strep or a virus can bring this on too. Bet so done in your house has something. I will pray for a happy healthy uneventful delivery! You will be great I know it!
J.
