i'm pregnant and having panic attacks. what can i do?

Question

If one is pregnant, what affect does anxiety and panic attacks have on the unborn baby?

Answer 1

Call a psychologist: Who specializes in panic attacks. They can teach you some techniques to relax and calm down to stop the panic attacks. You may also want to consult with a psychiatrist to see if there are any medications that are safe while pregnant. If not, work closely with your psychologist, learn relaxation techniques ; you will be fine.

Answer 2

See your Provider: You need to have your hemoglobin and thyroid checked. See your provider for more help and guidance!

Answer 3

Panic Attacks: Panic attacks, which often cause shortness of breath and erratic heartbeat, can cause restriction of oxygen and blood flow to the placenta, which can affect the baby. It is important to work with your therapist to find drug-free methods to deal with your panic attacks (the drugs used to treat panic attacks are also not safe for pregnant women).

Answer 4

One simple thing: If you can find a quiet place - do so. Breath in slowly ; deeply through your nostrils. Fill your lungs with air (but not to the point of discomfort). Hold for a count of five then slowly begin to exhale through an open mouth. Repeat at least 12 times, longer if you need to. If you haven't been assessed for your panic/ anxiety - that would be prudent. Anxiety is no fun but it is treatable.

Answer 5

Get some help.: Panic attacks can be absolutely terrifying. People report that they feel like they are going to die - and they often have symptoms like breathlessness, pounding heart, and a general sense of doom. But as awful as they feel, panic attacks are quite common - and treatable. Medication and therapy - or better yet, a combination of both, may help a great deal. You're not alone, but get help now.

Answer 6

See Psychiatrist: You may benefit from a consultation with a psychiatrist to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Since you are so early on in your pregnancy, we would generally try to avoid medications if possible. Perhaps some behavioral therapy would be helpful. There are some antidepressants that most ob's consider safe in pregnancy that could also help with anxiety. Having an anxiety disorder can be harmful.

Answer 7

CBT: Panic attacks are frightening, it is important to learn how to stop the cycle, which can be accomplished with a good cognitive behavioral therapist even without medications. You will learn relaxation techniques, practice them and eventually learn to abort an attack. Buy "the complete cbt guide for anxiety".

Answer 8

Don't give up.: Don't give up on therapy. Focus on your concerns about the pregnancy. There also are relaxation techniques, guided imagery and even self hypnosis which can be helpful. Perhaps your therapist can help you with these approaches or refer you to someone who can. There are some situations where you OB doctor and your psychiatrist may agree on safely using some meds later in pregnancy.

Answer 9

See a therapist: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety disorders (in pregnancy or not). Are these new panic attacks? If yes, is there stress or conflict related to your pregnancy. Either way, therapy can be very helpful. Good luck!

i'm pregnant and having panic attacks. what can i do?

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I'm so scared about having a panic attack. I feel like i'm just waiting for the next one to hit! i'm pregnant can't take meds and therapy doesn't help? :(

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