https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 10:33:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42987 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:34:24 +0000 eeh 42987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would ask if you fall into one of the two categories: ignorance is bliss or knowledge is power. </p> <p>If it's the ignorance is bliss category I would suggest not watching things like A Baby Story or One Born Every Minute or any of those shows that tend to sensationalize the whole birth experience and sometimes focus more on the bad than good. Don't read "scary" birth things and just focus on developing habits that help you relax.</p> <p>If you fall into the knowledge is power category then I would suggest you turn to credible sources of information to learn about all of your options during pregnancy. I would still avoid things (blogs, articles, websites, etc) that sensationalize things or dwell on the negative. Learn the facts and arm yourself with knowledge going into the whole thing. </p> <p>Either way, I would start expressing your concerns to your significant other (if you haven't already) so the two of you can work through it together. Then, as the time gets closer to when you'd like to have children start subtly mentioning to your friends and family that you aren't interested in hearing their horror stories regarding pregnancy or delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42968 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:11:51 +0000 heffalump 42968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would talk to your doctor about it. I don't have anxiety, but I do get migraines so I had to take meds. I didn't have a choice, and the doctor always said it's better to take them because the stress on my body with all that pain isn't good for the baby. Just like the anxiety wouldn't be good either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42840 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:29:36 +0000 cyneswith 42840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know that for me, researching the options helps. I don't have an anxiety disorder, but I am kind of terrified of the thought of giving birth in a hospital (long story.) I've been researching every possible way to keep my pregnancy low-risk and manageable by a midwife, in addition to ways to ease labor (I'm going to try bellydancing until baby is visible, and may do a water birth. If I'm still in this town, then it'll be in the hands who has given birth 8 times and delivered roughly a hundred other babies.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42825 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:08:37 +0000 anonysquire 42825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, thank you for that link! I have just tried psychotherapists, social workers, family therapists, and addiction therapists. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42812 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:50:41 +0000 MegWag 42812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: It depends what you've already tried... I mean is there a "type" of therapist that you've sought out in the past? Personally, I'd look for someone that practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you go to <a href="http://www.abct.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.abct.org</a> you can search in your area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42809 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:47:55 +0000 anonysquire 42809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@megwag, thank you. Where would I find a different specialty? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42807 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:47:06 +0000 MegWag 42807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: I know it can be frustrating to feel like therapists aren't helping. The biggest advice I would give is to try a completely different kind of therapists. If the kind you tried before didn't work, find someone with a different speciality. It may be that the tactics that will work for you are ones you haven't explored yet. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42777 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:12:04 +0000 anonysquire 42777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ya, I have been to too many therapists. I feel that they haven't helped me, maybe I need to try again? Thank you ladies for letting me vent and answering my questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42776 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:11:18 +0000 T.H.O.U. 42776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: Getting pregnant and giving birth is a huge deal, but its one of those things that the more you think about the more it can stress you out. You have to find a happy place and balance not over thinking it all! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42775 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:10:22 +0000 banana 42775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a friend who had pretty severe anxiety (more like anti-social anxiety) and wouldn't go anywhere with crowds. So she stayed home most of the time. Her OB prescribed her some anxiety medication and it helped her out a lot. She also went to a therapist and that REALLY helped her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42773 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:09:44 +0000 anonysquire 42773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ya, I am on like 4 meds. I am not pregnant though, just anxious about everything. ANd of course thinking about it more makes me more anxious and sick to my stomach and think about just adopting. Yay life! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42771 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:08:03 +0000 Mrs. Bee 42771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>are you currently taking any medications? ssri's like prozac are pretty safe to take throughout pregnancy if you're already on them. I just learned in mrs. hide and seek's post that no doctor will prescribe you antidepressants while you're pregnant though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42767 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:05:50 +0000 T.H.O.U. 42767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you suffer from anxiety. I would talk to your OB about types of meds you can take now. They should have some suggestions for you. My labor was very quiet with just my husband in the room with one nurse for most of the pushing. By the time the baby arrived, others had entered the room but I didn't notice them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-about-birth#post-42765 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:04:10 +0000 anonysquire 42765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, I have really bad anxiety. Like bad enough I rarely leave the house or have anyone over or drive or fly or lots of things. Anyways I have always wanted a big family. Will they let me take any kind of anxiety medication? Especially during birth? And this sounds terrible but when I am sick or in pain, I need to be alone. Is anyone else like this? And was it too much for your SO to be in the room while you gave birth?</p> <p>Hopefully this post doesn't get pushed by the ever present posting contests. </p>