Pregnancy hormones or Antinatal anxiety??

[Gem64]

Hi all

Sorry this is gonna be a long one.

I have been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder since 2016, it’s been very well managed for the last 2 years with next to no issues. I take anti anxiety meds daily (approved by my GP and midwife to keep taking during pregnancy).

I’m now 21/40 and for the last 2 months I’ve struggled with headaches and migraines so my GP signed me off last week for rest up. This has helped reduced the headaches (finally) but fully resolve them and has resulted in a lot of time to reflect.

I have now accepted that I am finding this pregnancy harder than expected, but then comparing myself to other pregnant friends (I know I should not do this) that are physically having a worst time than me and beating myself up over my minor struggles (again I know I should not do that)

My husbands answer to this is ‘your not struggling, it’s your first pregnancy you didn’t know what to expect’ a response that I have not found helpful.

I’m due to see my GP again tomorrow for a review but, I guess my concern is; is this normal pregnancy hormones making me more anxious and giving me the headaches, or is this a step into Antinatal anxiety?

Any one been where I am?

[Florencenightingale]

Hi, sorry you're having such a rough time. I really struggled with migraines and headaches from around 6-15weeks, it was caused by medication I was taking following IVF treatment (progesterone) which naturally occurs in pregnancy too so I had a whacking dose. I got signed off too and it really helped.

It could well be stress causing your headaches, but could just be pregnancy itself, or both together(isnt pregnancy great).

Like you say, you know it's not a good idea to compare yourself to others, but its human nature. Your 'minor problems' are no such thing....they are your problems and they matter. Physical or mental, they're are both real and both take effect on the body.

Im not saying your husband is totally right, because you're obviously struggling, but he is right in the fact that all of this is new to you and your body and mind need to find a way to cope. Speaking to your GP is definitely the way to go, I hope you get some clarity and can find some coping mechanisms to get you thru to your beautiful baby coming xx

[Gem64]

Thank you this message has helped me feel more human and of course brought on a little cry but in a good way xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to Gem64]

Having a cry is sometimes the best therapy! Are you on any groups on FB for support? I'm on a few November groups and an IVF group. Theres a number of women on there who suffer with anxiety and depression and it gets talked about quite often, give me PM if you feel it might help and I'll give you some of the group names xx

[Gem64 in reply to Florencenightingale]

I haven’t looked at any of them yet have just been on here. I’m planning to book a class that’s run by my midwifes that will put me in a group with local parents that are due at the same time so was waiting for that. Maybe I’ll have a look into them for the extra support xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to Gem64]

Good luck lovely. Give me a message if you decide to have a look xx

[Peanut5]

I think you’re very brave to admit you are struggling. Also, more is mentioned and known about post natal depression but very little is mentioned about antenatal anxiety and depression although medical experts are becoming more aware of it. Plus all the the hormones are difficult to deal with as well. Not to mention covid which I think is making alot of people anxious but more so in pregnancy. It’s a lot to take on and I’m sure you won’t be alone. May I ask which medication you are on? It might help to speak to both your midwife and GP as they might be able to refer you for counselling or CBT which might help. Please let us know how you get on xxx

[Gem64]

Hi

Thank you both for your kind words.

A little update - I have spoken with my GP and Midwife today and have been referred to a team within my Hospitals Maternity department called the Jasmin team. They specialise in supporting new mums and mums to be with mental health challenges, fingers crossed I should be receiving some counselling in the very near future.

Everyone I have spoken with about this has said that I’m not alone and everyone has these challenges, I would really encourage everyone to speak up and be honest about how your feeling. Especially if you have previous mental health challenges.

As a friend pointed out to me recently sharing the story of your own challenge will help someone else to manage theirs.

Us mums need to stick together xx

[Peanut5 in reply to Gem64]

You are so right. I probably should have said earlier that I’ve been struggling terribly with anxiety (1st baby) since I got pregnant. I thought it was hormones but they should’ve settled down by now. But it’s so hard to admit I just feel so judged as pregnancy is supposed to be this amazing time. although my midwife does know, my GP is useless. I was crying down the phone to him (they don’t do face to face with covid) about how anxious I was feeling and he just said he’d give me a sick note and couldn’t get off the phone fast enough 🙄 I wondered if medication would help as I’ve tried everything else but at the same time I’m petrified about hurting the baby. Is this ure first baby too? Yes, we definitely need to stick together xx

[Gem64]

That’s awful. I’m a nurse and work in the community rather than the hospital, the GPs attitudes towards face to face appointments has been driving me nuts for months. There is absolutely no reason why they can’t see you and definitely need to be giving you more support.

I know the options for starting medications when already pregnant are very limited I was able to remain on mine because I have been on them for 5 years. Have you looked into talking therapies? I have found them helpful at different points in my life and am sourcing more now to help me through this.

Please feel free to PM me I’m more than happy to be a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to that you don’t really know on a personal level. We can support each other. Xx