[Leafprincess]

I don't currently suffer from panic attacks, but used to.

Just like PP I think that CBT is fantastic. The most brilliant thing about CBT is that you are the one who is in control. And being out of control is what leads to most panic attacks.

I recommend buying a book called "change your thinking" by Dr Sarah Elderman

She is a Sydney based psychologist and has written this book as a user friendly, workbook to developing your own CBT skills. The books is available at most books tires and through the ABC shops.

I wish you well in your journey.

[Mum2TwoDSs]

I dont suffer from panic attacks, more like anxiety. Funnily with DS1 I had a really carefree pregnancy though during scan times I would worry if something is not right here or there...and he is going 7 and I still wonder if anything is wrong with him here or there. I think it is normal for parents to be like this, probably we just want to make sure we are doing everything right.

With my current pregnancy, it took us 4 rounds IVF and one natural miscarriage to get here so naturally I am very anxious. I broke down a few times since getting pregnant and was depressed most of my first trimester, fearing for the worst to come! Then came 2nd trimester our NT result frightened the hell out of us and I was on another rollercoaster. I had the amnio and thankfully bub is ok no trisomy issues. THroughout this pregnancy I suffered a lot of heart palpitations and had to see a cardiologist to assess my heart condition. Many times I wanted to reach for beta blocker or valium for help but my mind and heart told me not to. The anxiety seriously affected my sleep as well and I am so tired. I also entertained negative thoughts all the time. I hate myself. I am so scared that my baby will be affected by me.

I did read another thread women sharing their babies are perfectly fine even though they have had stressful pregnancies and that assured me.

OP, you are very normal...it just goes to show your baby is very precious to you and you will be a very good mum. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[livvie7586]

My panic attacks were a symptom of my ante-natal depression. Speak to your midwife/GP about some support, practical advice or therapy. You don't want to spend your pg frightened and miserable.

Mine too, which then lead to PND.

Please don't let anyone tell you it's normal. go see your GP and if it ends up being nothing, then that's great. but if it is AND it isn't going anywhere, and the quicker it's diagnosed the better.

(sorry, but i constantly had people tell me it was normal to be afraid of the unknown. looking back waking up bawling my eyes out in the middle of the night and constantly wishing i wasn't pregnant wasn't normal. i wish someone had told me to get help then, because i ended up missing out on the first 12 months of DS's life, and i'll never get them back, plus having thoughts towards my child that no mother should ever think.)

[suziej]

Hi there. I'm a long term panic and anxiety sufferer.
I take medication now and that has helped heaps. But there is cognitive behavioral therapy.
Have you ever tried CBT?
It really helps to break the cycle of negative thoughts by helping you recognize the faulty thinking.
I was sceptical, as honestly, I thought I was aware that thinking was faulty. But it turns out I'm not as clever as I thought I was

I still have the thinking to some degree. But I can nip it in the bud before I get completely carried away.
I'm 36.2 weeks pg now and I'm having all the same thoughts as you.
Lots of those thoughts are completely normal things to cross your mind. It's what you do with the thoughts that is the key.

If you have a GP with an interest in panic and anxiety disorders then you may be able to do the CBT thru them as I did. But they would be able to guide you to the best person.

Don't wait to do something. You'll feel better as soon as you've spoken to the doc and then you'll be able to enjoy your baby sooooo much more.

Good luck mate. It will be ok. But don't do it on your own.

I agree with this and the above poster - talk about this with your health care practitioner and work out what a good strategy is.

I am obviously not pregnant any more - but I have suffered depression on and off for many years, and the disaster scenarios and panic attacks are a big part of my make up. I am a huge flag-waver for CBT as I truly think it helped me greatly going through my worst period and all subsequent times.