Pregnancy and anxiety

I was wondering if anyone else had or has these qualms about getting pregnant.
I already have a 4 1/2 years old boy but at the time that I had him I was in a much calmer state. I hadn't had any panic attack for about 5 years. So I was able to make the decision easier.
Now, I would like to have another and I'm nervous. I am just getting over a 2 year period of major anxiety and panic. I feel alot stronger at the moment of course but I am still hesitant with my decision.
I also have pressure from my husband who definitely wants another child. I also believe that it is good for a child to have siblings.

I worry basically about having a panic attack while being pregnant. I will not be able to use any medication. And I worry about what affect my anxiety will have on the embryo.

I just want to make the right decision. I want to make sure I'm really ready.:confused:

Hi Greekgirl,

I've thought about this to. I never suffered with anxiety before i had my son, then along it came one day.

I to would like another baby in a year or two but, as with you, I worry if the anxiety worsened how would i cope with a baby and a toddler. Stress is not good for a baby in the womb so surely anxiety isn't?

Would i be selfish if i risked it do you think?

Bella xx

Hi Bella,

That's what I think about all the time. I feel guilty because I believe that I am just thinking of myself. Of course when I think about it I say, I want to be the best mother possible for my kid (and future kids). Can I be if I am a nervous wreck?
I suppose I'm exaggerating when I say nervous wreck but...you know what I mean.

I feel guilty even now with my son. He is at an age where I can start sending him to football or swimming or whatever and I worry about where the activity takes place. Is it too far? (As I am slightly agoraphobic) I can only go certain distances.:(

Too many things to think about sometimes.

Sometimes i think you just have to go with the flow though you know? Obviously you have done a good job so far regardless of the anxiety, otherwise your child would'nt be here and you would'nt care enough to worry about it! Some people take drugs and drink heavily while they are pregnant and have perfect babies, i'm sure anxiety is not going to affect them as much as these can. What do you think?

If you want another child, make it your goal that anxiety won't stop you. Suppose thats a little hard in practice though, kids are hard enough work without anxiety aint they?

Its a very hard decision to make, not to be taken lightly. Who knows, with all the hormones etc a pregnancy brings, the anxiety could go. Its the risk we may take one day, until then, we worry about it!

Bella

Talking about hormones...do you find you are more anxious when you are PMSing?

I tend to feel more nervous. Never mind the mood swings.
The one symptom that worries me a little is the heart flutter that I get in my chest usually more before menstruating.
I have been to a cardiologist to check it out though. So I don't worry too much.

Yes. I'm 10 x worse around the time of the month. Its definetly the hormones. For a week before, during and a week after i always feel more nervous and the anxiety symptoms increase and get harder to control.

I think us women get it pretty hard! We can't even get anxiety without "complications!"

The heart flutter is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety, i don't get this much, when i have its been while lying in bed. Its unpleasant so i'm glad its not my primary anxiety symptom.

bella xx