Pregnancy Panic Attacks

Pregnancy is usually a time when women are full of anticipation and joy as they carry their loved child with happy eagerness.  However, there are occasions when pregnant women may experience something completely different: unexplained fear, depression, and even panic attacks.

Panic attacks are not all that rare.  In the United States, one person has a panic attack every 8 seconds, but the majority of these episodes are not pregnancy panic attacks.  In the moment all the feelings and terror are very real, though the reasons behind them are often quite groundless and over-exaggerated.  What good is it to put yourself through all this suffering when you don’t have to?

Stop Pregnancy Panic Attacks Fast

Logically enough, being pregnant, you may have many concerns.  Will labor and childbirth be as painful as you’ve heard from friends or seen on television?  Will you be able to be the loving and responsible parent that your child needs?  Will the child be healthy and strong, or if not, how will you deal with it?  These worries are normal, but when these thoughts trouble you to the point of lightheaded-ness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or even feelings that you may be having a heart attack, this is not normal and you are experiencing pregnancy panic attacks.

One way to deal with pregnancy panic attacks is to arrange your life so that you have fewer things to fret about.  Choose an obstetrician that you feel comfortable with and with whom you feel confident that you can trust.  Follow his or her instructions on exercise and diet.  Exercise is not only good for you physical fitness, it is good for your emotional well-being as well.  Get an ultrasound as soon as possible to ensure that your child is healthy and to put to rest any fears.  If the pregnancy panic attacks persist, consider finding a doula (a woman who is hired to be there for you during your pregnancy and help you with health, diet, and emotional support).

Seek out and join a pregnancy forum on the internet.  Here you can connect with other women how have gone through, or are going through all the same issues that you are dealing with.  They can tell you what you can expect and give you emotional support when you need it.

In addition, try some breathing exercises to help you stay calm and relaxed.  Consider yoga or meditation to further help keep yourself grounded.  These can also be great ways to stay active and meet great people who will help you feel good and make you laugh.  All of these are great options for increasing your spirits without the need of prescription drugs.

You don’t have to live with pregnancy panic attacks.  You and your child will be fine, so have fun and enjoy this special time in your life.  And congratulations on the newest addition to your family!

Stop Pregnancy Panic Attacks Fast