Anxiety and Panic Attacks

[ellebelle]

Hi ladies, I really need some advice, and even some discussion to help me feel better.
This whole pregnancy I've been having a lot of anxiety and stress. I told my doctor and he prescribed Ativan.
I read about it online and it said DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT because it has been known to cause birth defects within the first trimester. I'm in my second, but reading that of course, doesn't make it feel worth it to take it at all.
Last night I woke up in the middle of the night in a full fledged panic attack (haven't had one this serious yet this pregnancy) and my heart has been pounding since.
The thought of the babies feeling my stress and panic is making me feel even worse.
I need relief so badly.

Those of you who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks: what do you do about them?
Would any of you take Ativan? Is it worth it when you're having a bad attack?
Thanks!

 

[Leopard]

I have refused to take any anti-anxiety or antidepressants since being pregnant. I suffer from severe anxiety which causes panic attacks; I have them over the silliest things sometimes! The best thing I find (and this sounds so cliche) is to learn and practice breathing techniques. The one I do is I breathe in for 6 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 6 and then hold for 4 again. It sends the right amount of oxygen to the brain and really does help; though often it takes a bit of erratic breathing before I'm even calm enough to do that!

Anxiety is a difficult thing to deal with, and all us ladies are here to support you. Hormonal changes in pregnancy do nothing to help with panic attacks; I think my monthly quota of panic attacks has doubled since being pregnant! As I said, personally I would not touch any medication for it during pregnancy.

Cannot help but laugh; my kittens are trying to eat my USB internet stick; poor things are teething! Just thought I'd tell you that; don't know why but hey

If you want to ask me anything about my anxiety disorder or my panic attacks go for it; I'm here to help as much as get help!


((ugh now they are chewing the side of my laptop :/ ))

 

[Liesje]

I don't take anything and mine get pretty bad. If you have an iPhone/iTouch/iPad, there are some "hypnotizing" apps that seem to help me a bit... I just lay there and try to relax.
I've also given up any caffeine which seemed to give my body more resources to panic longer.
Have you had your iron and B12 levels tested? Sometimes when they're lower you tend to have more attacks.

 

[ellebelle]

Thanks Leopard.
Yeah I have a history of panic attacks and I am usually a master of the breathing to slow my heart, but this attack was so bad. My heart is still beating fast, hours later!

I don't want to take medication either.
I keep reading how detrimental stress can be to the baby and it just makes me feel like I'm exposing them to a lot and it will affect them in a negative way, in turn making me panic MORE much of the time.

Keep those kittens in line, miss. Send them my way even -- kitten snuggling is good for the heart right?

 

[Leopard]

Yeah some panic attacks can leave you flustered and breathless for hours, its not fun when that happens! The kittens are good for the heart and bub doesn't seem to mind them sitting on my belly, which is quite funny since she hates anything touching her!

I also understand the stress stressing bub making you stress more (try saying that ten times fast), but at times like that you have to remember bub is just being sympathetic, and as much stress as you think you are causing him/her you are causing yourself more.