Pregnancy and Anxiety

[drbugge]

I have had anxiety since I was 12 and I am now 30 and 18 weeks pregnant.  I have been having severe panic attacks daily and am not back on my wellbutrin daily, I made it to 16 weeks and then I just couldnt handle it anymore.  I have a feeling of dread and I try to explain to people that its not that I am worried about anything about my fetus its the whole fact that it is "stuck" in me for another 22 weeks and I dont know if I can handle it.  I am even at the point where I feel that the only way to get out of these feelings is my losing the fetus and it makes me feel like a horrible person.  I was just wondering how you are doing and if there is hope.  Thank you for your time,
Dawn

[tellytatum]

Thanks..i completely understand what you mean..i am just scared!! but what mother wouldnt..i did get my prescription filled..but just holding off on them until i really really REALLY need it..hopefully i wont..i just hope this counseling keeps working..i am pretty sure it will tho..i dont wanna be stuck on meds..i really hate side affects too.. =/

[spade22]

I have suffered from anxiety/PAs since I was about 8 years old and gave birth to my daughter lst June. I felt everything that you have described, during my pregnancy and was scared of getting pregnant for those very reasons.  What you describe sounds like classic agoraphobia.

There are several antidepressants that are considered relatively safe that you can take during pregnancy ESPECIALLY now that you are into the 2nd trimester.  Definitely ask your doctor about these options because in this case, it sounds like the benefits will outweigh the risks (as martikadragoon mentioned).

For PA's ask your doctor about vistaril.  It is the pregnancy safe version of Xanax (not as potent but has a similar effect).  I took this on an as needed basis toward the end of my pregnancy.  In my case, it was incredibly helpful just knowing that I had something I could take "if" I needed it.

Good luck to you and please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[martikadragoon]

Tellytatum~ Let me tell you... Breathing problems/withdrawal is a worry for most dr's/ppl, however. IT CAN BE MANAGED. If your on a low doseage, you should be fine. When my dr. had me on Vicoden my last pregnancy he said those were possibilities but he wasn't worried about side effect SINCE THE BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS.

my son was born fine... I'd also had 2 other HIGH RISK Obgyn's tell me it was safe. I'll need to be on something like that for back pain this pregnancy due to an L5 injury. I'm only 4 or 5w along and already Tylenol isn't cutting it... but I'm waiting til I see my OB before doing anything other than Tylenol or Icyhot....

[tellytatum]

I have really bad anxiety too..i used to be on zanax before i found out i was prego but then as soon as i found out my dr told me not to take it anymore because it could cause cliflip or however you spell it..she gave me a prescription for prozac..and told me that it was the safest for the baby..but i was still scared about taking it..so i tried to cope without it..a few weeks ago it started getting worse..i am about 35 weeks..and just thinking about having my 3rd child is becoming overwellming..so i asked her again about taking the prozac but she said she would give me another prescription but recommended that i didnt really take it unless i really really feel that i needed it because after the baby is born the baby could have withdrawls from it/ breathing problems...so i was scared and asked if she could recommend me to a counselor..she did and i've been seeing her for about two weeks..it's been very helpful for me to..it feels good to have someone to talk to that you can tell everything to that understands what you are going through and she taught me some really good breathing sessions to do at home everyday...she will be teaching me more things next week....i really look forward to it..and i haven't had any anxiety problems for about a week.....

[nickieb85]

I dont think wellbutrin is safe during pregnancy. I am trying to conceive also and I was on koldopins and was told by my doc that it isn't safe during pregnancy or TTC. They switched me to Prozac, which for me, works better for me overall. It is safe during pregnancy and too suffered from daily panic attacks. It doesn't make you a bad person to feel that way, inadequate feelings come along with panic attacks and anxiety. I would definitely call your doc and have them prescribe you something that will be safe and work for you. You will see that there is hope. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

[Darkestlight]

I have bipolar and anxiety problems. I understand. You need to talk to your doctors. There are meds out there that are safe for anxiety while you are pregnant. I don't know if wellbutrin is one.