Anxiety and Labor & Deliver

[ladybugbob1029]

Question for the ladies - I have had Generalized Anxiety and Health Anxiety (bc of a heart rate issue) since about 18.  I am now 26 and about to have my first baby in about 4 or 5 weeks.  I was wondering how your anxiety was during labor and delivery and afterwards?  I normally take Zoloft, but weaned off of it for my pregnancy and really haven't been having any problems, but worried what will happen once I face something so stressful as labor and delivery.  Any stories, personal experiences, advice, etc. would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[jmeaj]

I have 30 years old and was diagnosed with depression at 16 and axiety at 20. I have 3 kids and 2 were born after my diagnosis. I was extremely anxious during all of there births. After the delivery you forget about it all for awhile while you get to meet your new baby. With my first 2 my depression and anxiety got worse after bringing them home. With my 9 month old it seemed to go the other way. I have never been happier. I finally feel complete. I sill have anxiety but my depression is much better. My Ocd however is continuing  to get worse. My point is that it may go either way. Just focus on the thought that you will soon be holding your beautiful new baby.

[LauraAsh21]

i think that people that have never had anxiety, will experience some during labor and delivery, its natural... just make sure to take deep breaths in and out and this will help you relax, try to remember to not be tense, although this will probably be really hard, but just keep telling yourself over and over, there are many doctors around me, i am safe, millions of people have babies everyday, i am not the first person with an anxiety disorder to have a baby, and i wont be the last.... maybe write a list of positive things on a note card to take with you while you are in the delivery room and just keep reading them and focusing on them... it is a fact that your mind cannot think about two separate things at very same time, so think about the positive things you wrote down and your mind will be unable to focus on the negative thoughts....

for example, you could write down things like:

I am bringing a beautiful baby into this world
I am going to be a wonderful mom
I finally get to meet that little one inside of me
This pain is going to be over shortly
I can't wait to meet him/her
I am safe, I am calm, I am relaxed

write stuff down like this, but of your own kind and take it with you, when you are feeling anxious, just remember to take deep breaths and focus on the positive things that you wrote down and this will help you through it i promise....

i have an anxiety disorder because i have an arrhythmia problem (PSVT) and this really works... it sounds a little cheesy, but you can do it whenever you are facing something you are anxious about, not just delivery, but anything in life...

i hope this helps...

[lisa990]

Hi!

I saw your post and wanted to comment.  I have been dealing with anxiety for the past 2 years.  It never started until about a year after I had my 2nd daughter, so I didn't go through my pregnancies while dealing with GAD.  With my first pregnancy, I was so worried about labor and delivery, but when it came down to the day that I was induced, I was calm and relaxed.  I was an hour shy of going into my 5th day of labor when I finally had a c-section (I begged the doctor to let me labor that long....please don't think that he was being cruel - I really didn't want a c-section)!  I was so afraid of the surgery, but the excitement that came along with it was amazing.  I wanted to see my little baby so badly, that I didn't care how they got her out!  Turns out the umbilical cord was wrapped underneath her arm, so her head wouldn't come down.  My c-section was a breeze and I recovered very quickly.  My second c-section was the same.  I think once you realize that you're going to see your little baby, excitement takes over.  What you're going through is completely normal, whether you already have anxiety or not.  I have yet to meet a pregnant woman that isn't anxious about labor!  But the good news is that when you are in labor, you really don't have time to be anxious because you're busy having a baby!  I think you'll be fine and I don't think that you'll feel any anxiety during labor.  Just keep your eye on the prize!!  Good luck!

[ladybugbob1029]

Thank you - all of you!  Reading your experiences really makes me feel better!  I really haven't had any trouble with my anxiety through my pregnancy (guess its those hormones), so I hope that will continue at least through L&D.  Thanks again!

[JAmom]

I have had anxiety and panic attacks with agoraphobia for 6 yrs.  When I gave birth to my son who is now three I had no attacks and actually felt really good (emotionally not physically) my doc. told me that with all the extra hormones in the body a lot of women have a little relief from their anxiety.  I was on lexapro before pregnancy and weened myself off by the 6th month of pregnancy, once again I felt great, however this great feeling went away once I stopped breastfeeding and the hormones changed again so be careful once your little one is here, I went back on my meds, so just be aware, and watch for signs of anxiety to return. Good luck

[mamaof6]

Hi. I have been having GAD for 16-17 yrs now. I am now preggo woith my 7th child. I never had an anxiousness in any of my labors (or been on any meds) with th efirst 6. This time however, I did get extrememly anxious and they put me on zoloft. (50 mg to start) I did good for a few months, and then they had to up it to 100mg. Im more anxious anticipating this L&D than the others. You would think I wouldnt be, beings Im on meds this time, but not so. My doc did tell me if I went into an anxiety attack, they could give me meds. Id rather not, as Im scared it'll make him groggy. So we'll see. Im due anyday, so Ill keep you updated. Good luck and I know how ya feel!

[beanp]

You should be fine during labor,if you get really stressed they will give you some thing for that during labor.  The only thing I suggest is after you have the baby, watch for the baby blues which can cause depression and anxiety worse than you had it before. I know because i went through that 24 years ago, Get back on your meds right away if you feel depressed or have anxiety.  24 years ago doctors didnt tell you about that and I went through hell.  I had thoughts of hurting my baby and terrible anxiety. Really be aware of that.  Good Luck.