How did you cope with anxiety during pregnancy?

Question

Hello! I am not pregnant yet, but I am trying. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life. I am curious if anyone has any tips that helped them with anxiety (especially when they were pregnant)? I’m afraid that it will be worse or that I will panic more. Thank you!

Answer

I have anxiety from losing my baby last year from placenta abruption (DO LET THIS SCARE YOU). 
Im 34wks & have Factor V Leiden, taking shots daily & I’m losing it because I’m afraid that the same thing will happen. 
Luckily I’m seeing a specialist weekly, doing ultrasounds, breathing test on him & placenta until they induce me which is at 37wks. 
To cope with this, me & my hubby have been using peppermint oil- for anxiety, headache, nausea, etc. Lavender oil- stress, relaxation, etc. & most of all is sage. We burn the sage at least 2/3 times a day for our energy field around us, to get away from peoples negative energies.

Answer

I default to a little gentle yoga stretching and guided meditations found on YouTube (my fav are from Michael Sealey) or from apps like (headspace, insight timer or calm). You can find one for just about anything and they tend to help me for falling a sleep and when I wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. Lavender eye mask or essential oil also brings the chill vibe to fruition.

Answer

I (24 weeks pregnant) have struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life. When I got pregnant I got so much anxiety all at once, I was afraid I was going to miscarry even though I had no signs (there aren’t always signs). But my mom and aunt both miscarried their first babies and I went off that. No one could convince me it was going to be ok. I had to realize my anxiety and go through why I was feeling that way, what was making me feel that way, how I can make myself feel better. The How is not always easy. Some days it was just me saying whatever happens happens. And although I would be devastated to lose my baby, it wasn’t in my control. A good thing is too, is that you can talk to your doctor and any good doctor will help calm your fears. My doctor has been super helpful in calming my anxieties and giving me information to calm myself. I still worry but not as bad. Also I’ve had boughs of depression, not about the pregnancy but with life. It was hard to realize that I was ok. There was no real impending doom that’s just how I felt. Talking about how I was feeling to my support system REALLY helped. Especially the mothers in my life. My mom, aunt, grandma, step mom, etc all dealt with depression during pregnancy and were able to help. It’s common and some days are better than others but I can honestly say I have found a balance. Also talking to my husband helps me a lot too. He’s very logical and I see things more emotional. So what to get from that is even if you have heightened anxiety or depression there are ALWAYS ways to help. Talk to your doctor, family, friends, support system. Help yourself by letting others help.

Answer

I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder and honestly both times I was pregnant I felt so much better and less anxious. My doctor told me it’s really common and due to the hormones. The hardest part was coming off my meds. The first time I quit cold turkey after my positive test and the second time I weaned off which is definitely the better choice.

Answer

I did at first, before I had genetic testing done, I had pretty bad anxiety but I just pray and pray and hope for the best. I’ve felt much better but still get anxious before ultrasounds. It isn’t worse or anything, for me. I just take it one day at a time.

How did you cope with anxiety during pregnancy?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey