So anyone that knows me knows I have a horrible case of anxiety before the pregnancy. I try to know everything before I venture into something which makes me a great buyer cause I look for the best prices and great quality for the price. Its really a god given talent that can be annoying for some people.. Honestly I have no idea why the dearest is still around besides that I love him so so, so much and hope he stays around forever.
I have multiple anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, specific phobia/simple phobia, faint agoraphobia and faint separation anxiety. I got the whole package besides social anxiety and to make it worse I’m a typical introvert. When going to a event or gathering please let me be in my phone to recharge or don’t try to schedule with me for 24-48 hours after gatherings unless your one of the few whom do not exhaust me which most of my inner circle do not.
What Are the Risks of General Anxiety Disorder(GAD) During Pregnancy?
A 2015 longitudinal study of women with major depressive disorder and GAD showed that those with had GAD in addition to depression had a poorer quality of life and experienced more persistent worry.
Untreated GAD may lead to pregnancy complications such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, high blood pressure, problems with neurodevelopment of the baby, and failure to progress during labor.
Once your baby arrives, you may also have trouble managing the demands of a newborn and developing a bond with your baby.
I wanted to share this journey because I know there is a soon to be mom out there that is like me whom just can’t win. So, here are the things I learned.
- Sometimes you just do not have the energy or the will power to move. Which is completely ok! Just cacoon yourself in a blanket or take a nap. Always feel better after a nap.
- Any slight discomfort, pain or anything leads my thoughts into a panic over thought where I obsess over it for at least 5 minutes.
- Many fears about being able to handle the increased anxiety and panic that may occur during pregnancy which did not help myself.
- Make sure you take the medication when prompted to help alleviate symptoms and a healthy baby. Doctor says medication risk is out weighted by the good it can cause.
- I was having an increase of panic and anxiety since I was off the medication for all of the 1st trimester and some of the 2nd, and it was tough. I have heard that you feel more relaxed in the second trimester, so I am hoping for that which would come as a relief but i have yet to experience this.
- Depression rears it head randomly sometimes and I just feel “done” for a couple days. I need to recharge and rest which helps.
- The good days are a god sent. Those days are the ones I strive for and long for. I know this disorder is there but I forget about it it always comes knocking.
How to Cope
If you’re dealing with anxiety during pregnancy, there are some things you can do to alleviate the worry.
- Get childbirth education. When you’re prepared for all of the speed bumps, milestones, and processes of being pregnant, you may feel like you’re in better control.
- Talk with your doctor. If you have high blood pressure or reoccurring headaches, what are you likely to do? Call your doctor. So, why wouldn’t you take your concerns about anxiety or depression to your doctor?
- Stay away from Google. I know it’s hard. And I fall victim to this all the time. But when you start researching a symptom you’re experiencing or a fear you have, you’re going to find all the horror stories and none of the thousands of normal cases just like yours.
- Relax, and treat yourself right. Try deep-breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. And make sure to get regular exercise like swimming or walking, as long as your doctor okays it. Turn on some music, fill the bathroom with the calming scent of lavender, and take a bath. Do what you can to relax your body and ease your tension.
- Find a support group. This may be women in your community or on the internet. There are a number of online forums and groups dedicated to pregnant women. If you’re like me, joining one of those groups can offer the advice you need without going out of your comfort zone.
And remember, you’re not alone. Being anxious doesn’t mean you’re going to be a bad mother. Being worried shouldn’t make you feel guilty.
You’re doing the best you can, and momma, that’s good enough.
Pine Enshrined Reviews 