stage fright in pregnancy, is this safe?

[Kbo9]

Hi all,
I'm a teacher and lately I've been freezing when doing public speaking. Its like I'm over come with panic and feel like I need to leave. Its ok in class but tends to be when I'm addressing staff or larger groups. tomorrow I have assembly in front of four hundred and I'm dreading that panic over coming me. Assembly is always something I've had to work through and felt panicked even before I was pregnant. I have mentioned this to my line manager who said it's my job basically and to get on with it.my question is really, can feeling stage fright and panic to this extent hurt my baby? I'm 23 Weeks and don't want to put myself in positions where I could be endangering her. But on the other hands as people keep telling me I'm pregnant not ill! Any experiences of this or similar our any advice would be really gratefully received. Xxxxxxxxx

 

[icklemonster]

I know exactly what you mean about stage fright. Most people who meet me say i have a very confident personality in small group situations. However, when it comes to speaking in front of large groups of people the shutters come down and I can't remember anything, get lost midway in sentences etc, it's awful.
While I can completely understand your fears, I think you getting stressed about this isn't going to do any lasting harm to baby. Baby will feed off your emotions, but people get put in hugely stressful situations in pregnancy and baby comes out fine. One of my colleagues recommended I do a public speaking course as that really helped him, so maybe after pregnancy you could look into this as it is part of your job. At least if anything does go wrong tomorrow you can make a joke out of it being baby brain. If you can't get out of it I hope it goes well xxx

 

[Kbo9]

Thanks icklemonster! you are due the day before me almost v day for us

 

[icklemonster]

Yay roll on V day ! I'm going to Kiddicare on Saturday to celebrate and start getting some things for girlbean xxx

 

[LadyLupton]

Hi,

Panic and the physical symptoms of panic actually get worse for most of us in pregnancy, because of the hormones and also because later on the baby is reducing lung capacity, meaning you breathe differently, meaning you are more prone to feeling out of breath, which you may then interpret as anxiety or panic. As unpleasant as it is, it is normal in pregnancy.

I don't think you need to worry about it harming the baby, though I would let your GP know, especially if you're having panic attacks where you think you might die. If necessary the GP can refer you to someone, usually in your GP surgery, to help with some psychoeducation and coping strategies.

It sounds like you feels these feelings for short, intense bursts. Maybe look up some deep breathing techniques?

Good luck at assembly!

 

[Sweetz33]

I have stage fright period, but on top of it I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder. When I wasn't pregnant I was on medication, now that is a no go. Mine at one point was so bad i couldnt sit in a resturant. My doctors gave me good ideas that might work for you.

1. Deep breathing
2. If possible, excuse yourself and get cool fresh air
3. Think of a calming phrase and say it over in your head
4. (now this might seem odd) know your "escape route". Basically when someone is over anxious or feels fear, the natural instinct is to "escape". When you feel trapped the anxiety/fear gets worse. Just know that if things get real bad, you know exactly where to go. I always have to have view of an exit when ever I am in a place for too long. Sounds weird, but very helpful.

I hope this is a little bit helpful for you. I have all faith in you that you will do great in front of the big group with no issues. Now all you need to do is believe in yourself too and all will go smoothly. Best of luck!