Hi, I first started having PA's in april when my son was 3 months old. I too have always been anxious I just didn't realize I had a real problem till the PA's started. My doctor and I both called Motherisk, like Tonee said they are a great resource. Zoloft was also what I was given as I am breastfeeding. However, I only lasted 9 days on it, I found I was more anxious about being on meds. I cope by seeing a psycologist every second week, cut back caffine, exercising and taking a nap when needed. I also listen to relaxation cd's my psycologist gave me. Try motherisk, you can also use skype to call them if you are not in Canada.
Hi Katie............how are you doing?
You have received some great advice from members so far...........hope to hear back from you to let us know how things are going with your pregnancy and the anxiety.
Faryal, Health Educator
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am the mother of two boys and I really struggled with anxiety through my prenancies and in the months soon after. I took medications (zoloft) through both pregnancies, my memory is fuzzy but I think I also took ativan when needed. I also visited my family doctor quite regularly so she could montior how I was coping. There is an excellent organization run through Sick Kids hospital in toronto called Motherisk which has tons of information on which drugs are safest to take during prenancy. They have a website and a phone information line. I'm not sure where you live but this may be a great resource for you and your doctor. As for non-medication coping strategies the only tthing that I found really helped me were warm baths and regular walks outside. Take care
Hi Katie...
First of all congrats on your pregnancy. 2nd of all.. the best advice comes from you doctor but I will share my experience.
My second child just turned 2..and I went through my entire pregnancy on Paxil.. I researched this tirelessly prior to my pregnancy..and spoke with both my doctor and obstetrician..
I went on Paxil after my first pregnancy as it seemed my pregnancy kicked my anxiety into high gear once the baby was born. For the next 5 years I tried on and off to get off..but no success. I eventually weaned to as low a dose as I could manage and made the decision to get pregnant. We now have an amazing son who is soon to be 2.
If you can avoid meds during the first trimester..that is the best for everyone. You may even find you balance out after the first 3 months naturally. If your anxiety though continues to get worse you should see your doctor. It isn't healthy for you or the baby to be in that state for the next 9 months.. and although nothing is 100% safe you're mental state is very important to both of you.
If you can tough it out though and make it through... Wonderful!! You can try prenatal yoga (that's amazing for relaxing), massage therapy..etc.
Sometimes though it's beyond our control.. and we need to be ok taking care of ourselves.
Best of luck Katie... and enjoy your pregnancy. They are precious moments with you and your baby... :) If want to chat more we can.. I've been where you are and it definately gets better!! :)
Hello Katie , first of all congratulations . I cannot help you with the advice on meds because i never had panic attacks till after i had all my children .
Just wondered how you are doing ?
Hi Katie: Congratulations on your pregnancy. Have you spoken to your doctor about managing the anxiety while pregnant? Also do you have a support network? I suffered from post partum anxiety a few years ago and there was a network of women who had also been through this-they were available by phone to offer support on the bad days. Sometimes after just a few minutes of talking, I would find that my anxiety would lessen and I could get through the day. Hope this helps. Take care of yourself
I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for years. Now that im pregnant it seems like there is no safe meds to take. Knowing that I have no emergency pills puts me in a huge panic! Please help if you know of anything. Thank you.
