what to do about panic attacks during pregnancy?
5 July 2010
5 Comments
Steph asked:
To put a long story short… I’m 20 weeks pregnant, keep having panic attacks and just want relief!
To put a long story short… I’m 20 weeks pregnant, keep having panic attacks and just want relief!
I’d like to know how to prevent them, but the problem with that is that I’m not sure what triggers them! They pretty much come out of no where. I don’t think I’ve met anyone else that has random panic attacks, is this common?
I’ve had anxiety/panic disorder for about five years, so it’s nothing new.
Anyone else have this problem? How did you deal?
i used to use my Lamaze breathing to calm me down out of them. with pregnancy you cant really take much as far as meds go, so either look in to meditation or Lamaze.
I get panic attacks too.
The number one thing that helped me was cutting out caffeine and chocolate (well… mostly cutting out chocolate lol). Caffeine can trigger panic attacks in many people.
It also helps to learn to meditate. Have a set time where you sit and relax and try not to think about anything except breathing deep and calming down.
I am actually anxious to see your answers because i am 11 weeks pregnant and I also have random panic attacks. I could be just sitting and talking to my husband and i will have one. After looking up a lot of things, it states that it is something many women only have during their pregnancy and it is a very stressful time. I am going to the doctor on Tuesday and I will let you know what my doctor says about them but you should go to the doctor to see if there is anything you can do. I try keeping my water intake up and relaxing when i need to but that doesnt always help with them since I get them now. I think it has to do with hormones and the worries that come with being pregnant, then being a parent, labor and delivery, even if you arent close to that point its still worrisome. Good luck and I will let you know what my doctor says.
I’ve also just begun learning how to deal with my random panic attacks!
I’ve been having them for about 8 years or so, and I always thought it was a social anxiety disorder, but I just started getting them randomly for no reason about 2 years ago. Just recently started using breathing techniques, and convincing myself that there isn’t anything wrong, talking to someone/getting your mind off it. First thing I do is close my eyes, and take deep, relaxing breaths and then I get up an walk around, or take a nice walk outside, or talk to someone if there is anybody around. The best thing is to just not think about it, and it will generally go away.
Also, the chocolate and caffeine thing is also a smart idea. Excess sugar and caffeine in your diet can trigger them. I’ve had them a lot less episodes since I stopped eating chocolate and drinking pop/consuming simple sugars.
Also, I know if your blood sugar has spiked, or fallen quickly in a short period of time, sometime that can cause your body to go into fight or flight mode.
Good luck with your situation, you just gotta figure out what works for you!
I’ve had panic attacks since I was 20 (I’m 27 now). My husband and I are trying for our first baby and I’m on Zoloft. This is the only thing that gives me relief. My doctor says that panic attacks can cause miscarriages, so the risks of taking zoloft don not outweigh the benefits. I would only suggest meds as a last resort. Definetely sign up for yoga, this will help to keep your mind busy. Also, get a journal and write in it every night, it will help clear your mind. Keep yourself busy, I know they come out of no where and once they come they are hard to get rid of but be strong, God Bless you and your baby. Goodluck!
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