Anxiety

[vbilger]

This may be more of a mental health question than pregnancy, but I have extreme anxiety every time I go for a dr appointment. In March 2010 I almost had a heartattack from diet meds my dr prescribed for me (severe tachycardia an I had to be rushed to the ER with the paramedics having to take drastic measures to keep me from having a heartattack). Needless to say, it was traumatic. After that incident I began having severe panic attacks (mimicking heartattack symptoms) a d was back in the ER 2 more times, the last time Jan 2011. I was prescribed Valium, but only took it when I HAD to, maybe 4 pills since Jan. Well, I'm 7 weeks pregnant (thank God I didn't take one of those pills in my pregnancy before I knew), and I freak out every time I giro the dr and see the blood pressure cuff. I know it sounds silly, but I don't know what to do. Obviously, there are no safe meds to take for this during pregnancy. I'm trying yoga and meditation, but they haven't worked yet. Has anyone had a similar problem or have any suggestions for me?

[vbilger]

Thanks :) I'm glad I'm not the only one out there, I was beginning to wonder. What you said about hormones increasing really makes me hopeful!

[AnxiousinGA]

You may find that as your hormones increase, your panic attacks diminish.  I have sever panic attacks and didn't have a single attack during my pregnancy and was able to be med free.  I know a few people who have taken their anti-anxiety meds throughout their pregnancies and their babies were fine.  There are some meds that are considered safe, you'd just need to talk to your doctor about which ones.  If it only happens during doc appts, all you may need is to see a psychiatrist for therapy to teach you some coping skills to use at those times.  It really helps a lot.