New here with GAD and panic attacks

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
New here with GAD and panic attacks
3
Fri, 02-16-2007 - 11:57am
Hi! Thought I would share my story. I started having panic attacks almost five years ago. I've taken medicine, but I'm currently off due to being seven months pregnant. I was fine until a couple of weeks ago when my anxiety returned and I've had some mild panic attacks. I also have high blood pressure which has been under control with meds for years, but I constantly worry and can't stop checking it as well as my heart rate. I know in pregnancy your heart rate increases, but I still get anxious about it which makes it worse.
I do yoga and take Bach's rescue remedy when needed, but I can't stop the worrying about mine and the baby's health lately. I feel overwhelmed by all of this worry!
Thanks for reading. Any advice would be helpful.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 02-16-2007 - 1:15pm

welcome30.gifHi! I am sorry to hear about the return of your anxious thoughts. Some women due to the stress of pregnancy/hormonal changes

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
Fri, 02-16-2007 - 5:15pm

Thank you!
It feels so much better to know that I'm not alone.
I'm trying not to check my BP and heart rate as much, but it's hard especially since 2 out of my other 3 pregnancies resulted in high BP at the end.
I do what I can to keep busy too, but I am a SAHM of an 8,4 and 3 year old and often find myself thinking "what if" when I'm alone with them. It's a crummy feeling!
I did call my OB for meds a few days ago I just haven't gone to pick them up. I feel like I've made it this far and only have a couple of months to go. I shouldn't torture myself though.
I'd love to hear from other pregnant or previous pregnant women that have experienced this.

Thanks again!

Rhonda

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Sat, 02-17-2007 - 3:01pm

I noticed my anxiety during pregnancy but didn't think anything of it figuring I was just a normal, paranoid pregnant lady. ;) Then after I had my son it BALLOONED! Yikes. I was on zoloft for awhile. There are medicines that are safe during pregnancy if it is truly necessary. I researched drugs incessantly on webmd.com, but your doctor should be able to tell you.

Definitely don't suffer in silence if you don't have to. I did for awhile and wound up with chronic headaches, several migraines, heart palpitations, and I was irritable as heck before I went to my doctor. I've learned how to relax with breathing exercises, chamomile tea and reading before bedtime. Be wary of these feelings after you have your child just in case. Sometimes we are just drowning in all of the work it takes to raise children that we forget to take care of ourselves. :) Good luck with everything.