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Posted 6/30/2015 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new here but I've been searching for anyone who has anxiety and is pregnant.. most of what I found is people posting from a decade ago...

I am also pregnant,10 weeks.. it has been extremely difficult. This is my third pregnancy, but the first two were before I ever knew what a panic attack was.. (I have two girls,9 and 10yrs.).

I was managing my anxiety with effexor, 150mg daily. I was actively involved in many volunteer groups, my kids schools, and of course working. But Dr's said that effexor is not safe during pregnancy, so I had to ween off over the last three weeks. And I've just started (day three) of 7.5mg twice daily of buspar.

I have been unable to function for several weeks now; first I was throwing up constantly, I had all the withdraw symptoms from weening (brain spasms, electric shocks, etc.), and now with the buspar I've got crazy mood swings.. One minute I'm okay, the next crying, then irritable and angry, I've also got intense stomach cramps and diarrhea several hours after each buspar dose.

I am not feeling safe in my own skin, like my moods are not my own.. I refuse to drive, or do anything outside of my home. I used to have a beautiful garden and it has all died, I've only left my house to attend Dr appointments and even then I'm completely closed off.. I'm not enjoying anything at the moment, and I'm becoming consumed with guilt. (Such as: my kiddos shouldn't have to live like this, they shouldn't have to see this... I should enjoy this pregnancy, I should be happy, etc.)

I'm honestly feeling like a complete nut job... No one understands, my hubby is tired of putting up with it, my extended family doesn't seem to think it's such a big deal.. but I don't feel right, I feel like I'm stuck inside this brain that is irrational and I cannot get it to shut off.

I'm wondering if I should call my doctor and ask for a different medication, or if I'm just not giving the buspar enough time.. why am I feeling like a crazy person?? (Even typing this is aggravating me??)
Posted 6/30/2015 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling this way! While Buspar is a very safe drug, I've found it to be very mild.

Maybe you need something a little stronger. You could try asking your doctor for Zoloft. It's VERY often prescribed during pregnancy and most OB's will even say that you can breastfeed on it.

Good luck and keep posting!
Posted 6/30/2015 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Jan2016. I'm happy you found us but so sorry you are going through a difficult time. You've found a wonderful support system, this is a caring community that understands so stick around and we will help you walk this journey.

Being pregnant and having anxiety/depression is no fun, so many meds are harmful to the baby as they are finding out now. I do echo Park's advice on asking about Zoloft as it has been found unharmful.

I do take buspar but take it 4x a day, it is very very mild and I can't honestly say it doesn't do much for my anxiety, it is not an anti-depressant and will not work on most of the emotional roller coaster you are on atm.

I would call your dr ASAP to see what they can do for you, you shouldn't have to live like this just because you are pregnant, like you said you should be enjoying this time.

Congratulations on the new upcoming baby!

Please post with us anytime, feel free to start your own thread too, by clicking on the button on the top left side Post New Topic. :)
Posted 7/3/2015 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Well 2 months later here I am still suffering from anxiety. I have an appointment with a psychiatric nurse in less than a week to talk about meds. I refused for a long while to call a psychiatrist and when I finally told myself it was time for some help (besides counseling) it was harder than I expected to be seen. Nobody was accepting patients and the wait lists were months long. I'm still not sure if I'll even want to get on anything, but at least we will talk about it and the options are there. It's still really hard but I've made it this far. I have about 8/9 weeks left of pregnancy.
Posted 7/3/2015 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Even if you don't want to take anything right now, it's good that you're getting in now so that you can have an action plan for after the baby comes, just in case! Never bad to be proactive! :)
Posted 7/3/2015 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PC,

I agree! Just being able to talk possibilities is going to feel good and bring you some relief in getting a plan in action going!

Wishing you the best...keep us posted okay?

With encouragement!

S.C.
Posted 7/6/2015 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PC,

I'm so glad you made the call and are exploring your options, I really wish doctors could establish a relationship with patients that was ongoing, during good and not so good times, so many times I've wished the Dr could see the changes in my attitude or behaviors instead of me trying to convince them that I'm feeling "off".
I also found it difficult to find a doctor, no one seems to accept new patients. I'm seeing a new doctor this Friday, his background says he is interested in helping people with mental health issues, hopefully he will see me as a person...not a prescription.
I just wanted to let you know that I understand how unbelievably long every day is when you're having panic attacks. It's all that much more confusing and frustrating when those around you do not understand your struggle, or worse yet act like it's all in your head. I hope you will like your Dr and be able to work together to find a solution so you will have some sort of relief. I honestly feel that there are several safe medications, and even more than that I feel like it's safer for our bodies/babies if our anxiety is controlled to a manageable level (not a level where you fake it day in and day out).
Please keep us updated, I'm here still at 11 weeks, worried that I'll have a panic attack during the delivery... currently med free, but unable to leave my house without being forced. I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing or making the right decisions, but I'm slowly getting through each day.
Posted 7/13/2015 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately things didn't go as planned at my last appointment. The nurse I saw was not authorized to prescribe any medication unless under a doctors care, which wasn't the case. I felt really hopeless when I left- I felt like I would never get help. So I decided to call some more people, I mean what could I lose right? Well I was able to set up an appt with a psychiatrist (a real one) this week. I'm still feeling hesitant about it, I feel like I just should set myself up for disappointment since nothing has been going right. But hey, it's a step. So now we will see what happens with this appt..

Jan2016, I'm sorry I didn't reply to your post earlier. I just saw your last two posts. How did your appointment go with your new doctor? This pregnancy has been very hard.. I hope you can get the right resources and cope better than I did/am. I see a counselor still but It honestly doesn't help a whole lot. I feel like maybe seeing a therapist who has experience with CBT would help more but that will have to wait since I don't have many options at the moment. I am still iffy about medications, heck I don't even know if I will take them but I just want to know its there. It has taken a lot for me to even call, I have been trying to remain "strong" through it all but enough was enough. I'm still just taking everything a day at a time. I wish there was a message option so I could talk to you more about it. Hope you are doing okay.
Posted 7/13/2015 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Good job on calling and getting an appt with a psychiatrist this week, that is a good step. Like you said even if you don't take anything it is nice to know you have the option.

Please update us on how your appt goes, wishing you well!
Posted 7/13/2015 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Pc

Have you spoke to your husband about the meds?? It's important to stay calm while prego and if your Dr. Have you the ok. I would consider taking it. Stress on your body is not good for your baby or you. My therapist was even on meds when she was pregnant there is nothing wrong and your not going to be the only person who takes or took meds while pregnant. I have two healthy boys and I was on meds for anxiety and panic. I had to do what was best for me and my children. Don't put yourself down you are not a failure if you take meds you are a strong women who knows what's right to do. You can do this. I did it and so have millions of women. Also clonasapam is safe for pregnancy. I was on it for both.
Posted 7/14/2015 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the support, I appreciate it. I havent really spoken to him about it. When I went to my appointment last week he asked if they were going to give me any medication, I simply said I don't know, and he didn't really say anything after that. He has been taking me back and forth to different appointments so it shouldn't be a huge surprise. how did they feel when the prescribed the clonazepam? They weren't concerned that you were pregnant? I wouldn't mind taking it as needed but many doctors have concerns with it. I know that is the only med that helped though. I'm not sure if I should tell them that at my appointment tomorrow. I'm really nervous about what they will say. I'm worried they will just perceive me as a pregnant woman with crazy hormones and not an actual anxiety disorder. At least that's how I feel it as been ..

Post Edited (purple_cat9) : 7/14/2015 1:41:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/14/2015 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
It is very important that you tell them you are pregnant as there are so many AD's that have been proven to not be good to a unborn child, paxil is one on the top of my head. So please tell them. You are not the first pregnant woman they have seen with an anxiety disorder I'm sure. :)

Let us know how it goes.
Posted 7/15/2015 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
I just came back from my appointment and left crying. They didn't want to help. I saw a psychiatrist via Skype (yeah I didn't expect that either) I let him know how bad my anxiety has been along with panic attacks and he simply didn't want to prescribe anything. He said to go through my ob. I told him I see a midwife and they don't prescribe any meds like that he basically just shrugged since there was nothing he could do. I'm just feeling so hopeless. I just want to cry in bed all day.. I'm done with this. Counselor after counselor, waiting to get seen just to be turned down twice.. I guess I'm just not meant to get help.
Posted 7/15/2015 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Purple Cat, I'm sorry the appt didn't go good and he didn't do anything to help you. Do you have a regular GP that you go too, since you are using a midwife during your pregnancy you might go to your regular doctor and see if they can help you. Unless you've already tried this, sorry I can't remember.

I wish there was more I can do, I understand feeling hopeless, but nothing is hopeless there is always a way, you just aren't thinking of it yet.

I know we always talk about coping skills, but it is really important right now for you and your baby that you use yours. You can and you will get thru this, I promise!
Posted 7/16/2015 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
I have not tried it because I don't have a regular GP. I have gone to one from time to time but the last time I went was when I was breastfeeding my son and again, I had bad anxiety, he didn't want to prescribe me any medication so I'm more than sure they won't help me while I'm pregnant. I've thought about just going somewhere else but I'm just so tired of disappointment and hearing they can't help me. My Dh has been missing work from taking me to so many appts and counseling visits he has had it as well. I feel like such a burden. Maybe I'm just meant to suffer, idk.
Posted 7/16/2015 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
PC,

Have you discussed this with your midwife? She may be able.to help. No, she can't prescribe...but she must consult with a doctor, as well as a hospital if she is part of the NACPM.

Her associated doctor may be more willing to help?

Fingers crossed!

S.C.
Posted 7/16/2015 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
It's a group of midwives so I see a different one at almost every visit. It's a little complicated. It's hard to connect with just one. Some know about the anxiety and ask me how it's going , but during those times I'm usually waiting for an appointment to be seen. Like the nurse and psychiatrist which both didn't work out. I will tell them at my next visit though.. I really don't have much of an option at this point..
Posted 8/15/2015 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. It's been a month since I've updated and I wish I could say things have gotten better. Nothing really has changed and I'm still on survival mode hanging by a short, thin thread. I will be 38 weeks next week and as much as I want this pregnancy to be over with I'm now finding myself anxious about giving birth now that it can technically happen any day now. This morning I woke up with some labor signs and started freaking out , started telling myself how I wasn't ready, what if this and that". It wasn't like that with my first. I guess because I really didn't know what to expect. I had been expecting to go into labor with him 40+ weeks so when I started cramping at 38 weeks I didn't think much of it. I was also a bit in denial. It pretty much just happened and went with the flow because soon the pain just took over for me to even think about anything else. I'm a lot more cautious this time around and start to question any little cramp or contraction I get thinking its labor. I don't know if it was the long labor I had, the pain, or everything just in general that has me freaking out. I will be going natural like my last.. The pain was terrible but I knew I wanted to do it again since the beginning. I also made the decision based on the fact I won't be giving birth at a hospital ,it will be at a birth center and I can labor at home as much as I like. So this isn't really new to me I don't understand why I'm having so much anxiety about it. I've been anxious all day. I absolutely hate the anticipation of waiting because I feel like it just gathers my thoughts and let's anxiety take over. Ugh, if it isn't one thing it's another..
Posted 8/15/2015 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
P.C.,

Hugs from one momma to another...everything is going to be fine!

I had the same concerns the second time. I thought I would feel better prepared having gone through it before...

...and in some ways I was, but I certainly didn't have the confidence I had hoped for...

However, the instincts did kick in, and the focus did come!

My second labor was completely different, yet I handled it great! :)...

...and you will too!

Keep working on your coping skills, everyday...they will get you through. Keep your focus on the exciting and ultimate outcome...your little one is almost here!

Keep us posted, and congratulations in advance.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/16/2015 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! So sorry you have been dealing with anxiety for so long with no help. I relate to many things you have mentioned.

I was on Zoloft before my 3rd pregnancy and decided to stay on it while pregnant. I went off of it for the last trimester so the baby's lungs can develop. It was definitely not fun to get through as well as the first few weeks after baby was born. I had a very painful 1st delivery with hyper contractions and forcep delivery and epidural not taking. 2nd baby I decided to deliver naturally and my 1st delivery was still more painful than 2nd. Each delivery usually gets easier and is shorter than the last. With my 3rd pregnancy I was very anxious about delivery and going through pain again. This was going to be my 3rd child in 4 years and I was so worn out. Just did not want to go through all that pain again. This labor and delivery took just 4 hours. Tried epidural but it just numbed my knee, for 16 hours! Natural labor once again! This was the only baby that I was on antidepressants with (6 months of pregnancy). This baby came out super healthy, amazing immune system, super happy, just laughs all the time, extremely social with no fear and very bright. She's now 7, does great in school and has a ton of friends. I wouldn't worry about taking a safe antidepressant if you will be nursing. I nursed my 3rd child on Zoloft until she was 2.5.

There are also some natural products that might be helpful and might be ok to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 5htp which is broken down from amino acid Tryptophan has been helpful to me. Since this is naturally made in your body and precursor to serotonin, I would think would be ok to take. I take 400mg. It's good to start with 50mg and see if that helps and go up in 50mg increments. It takes me 3-5 days to notice a difference. For anxiety I take True Calm by NOW brand. It has GABA, also naturally made in your body with amino acids. Might be able to take that as well. I take 1 pill for slight anxiety and 2 for more severe. Helps when feeling stressed out too. I hear great things about the herb Rhodiola also.

Hang in there...you'll have your baby in your arms soon.
Posted 8/19/2015 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Scaredy Cat. I really hope my "mom instincts" kick in when it really is time..

It feels like these last weeks/days have seriously been dragging. I really hate waiting because it allows me to build my thoughts and for anxiety to feed off. Trying to stay busy but since I pretty much have everything ready i'm just getting antsy. I really hate the anticipation and the not knowing feeling. SO ready to be done but also nervous at the same time. Ugh, I just can't win. Constantly getting asked if "i'm ready?" hasn't been helping either.

Inspiredby3, i'm so glad to read your story. I really wish I would have started medication months ago but I tried to stay strong..once I knew I needed the help it was like I was talking to a brick wall and nobody would listen. I'm pleased to also know you nursed for so long while on Zoloft. All I would hear from MD's is how I couldn't take anything while nursing so I had to just tough it out - I nursed for 2 years. It seems like I haven't gotten a break for years now because pregnancy, nursing, and pregnant once again. I'm just ready to get the proper help. I will definitely try to get on something while nursing this time around though.. I have read up on it a lot and have heard many success stories.
Posted 8/30/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
This waiting is torture.. I've been having tons of anxiety lately wondering everyday if today is the day. I would have had my first by now but this one seems to be giving me a hard time! 3 days until dday.. I don't know how much longer I can take it. The anticipation just makes it worse. It was much better with my first.. My nerves weren't so bad. I've been an awful mess this time around
Posted 8/30/2015 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in there purple! Try to think of the anxious feeligs in your body as good anxiety and not bad! Your super anxious to meet your newest little one. I tend to have to remind myself that sometimes a little anxiety is just a sign of excitement!

You're in my thoughts over the next few days! Wishing you an easy, breezy delivery and a happy and healthy recovery!
Posted 8/30/2015 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
PC,

It could be really soon! Maybe these anxious antsy feelings are the precursor...part of the nesting tendencies that happen just before labor begins! :)

I am hoping it is soon...and that we will be hearing good news very shortly!

Hang in there momma. It is going to be just fine!

S.C.
Posted 8/31/2015 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
PC,

Another momma here who was on meds through all three pregnancies and nursing as well....no problems, no concerns from drs. Talk to the lactation consultants and they will help you if you decide to take medication. Of course I'm hoping everything smooths out completely, but nothing's a guarantee with the darn hormones postpartum! ;)

Here's wishing for a wonderful birth story! MJ
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