Hello. I have not been on the forums in a while. The last time I wrote in, my husband and I were trying to decide to try for another baby or not.

I am now 3 weeks pregnant and am feeling very scared, as it seems my anxiety is coming back. Not sure how much of it is the pregnancy hormones or just my mind. I have not had a panic attack since January and had a small one last night and it really freaked me out. I am terrified of going through all of the severe anxiety and depression again - especially while pregnant. I am on 25 mg of Zoloft daily right now and it was really helping - not any more.

I really wanted this pregnancy and am feeling like such an idiot now, for having second thoughts about it. I'm so scared of how I am feeling and that I may continue to feel this way (and I also had pretty bad post partum depression and am scared of going through that again, too)that I've been having thoughts that maybe I am not cut out for being a mom to 2 afterall. I am scared that we made a mistake. Am having allot of trouble feeling positive about this right now. DO you think this is normal at all?

So far I have been feeling nauseated almost 24 hours a day (for about a week) with sleep being the only real relief. I am so exhausted and having trouble falling asleep at night. I also quit smoking abrubtly (right after finding out I was pg - had a very secret pack-a-day habit). I ALSO got food poisoning over Easter and ended up in the ER for several hours and have been feeling totally wiped out since then. I am wondering if all this stuff is just making me a basket case.

If you have time to write, please do. I'd love to hear your thoughts and if any of you also went through a rough time emotionally at the beginning of pregnancy. Scared and need some input. Thanks so much in advance.

-Cheyenne

Chygirl,
I think your over anylizing the situation sweetie. Thats whats causing your panic attacks. They always seem more severe when you have`nt had one in awhile. I had 2 wonderful pregnancys after being diagnosed with panic attacks. I don`t know if it was because your hormones are different or what but I had no anxiety. Relax and quit worrying.

My husband and I are currently trying to get pregnant with our first child. I have a lot of the same concerns you are having now but I just keep telling myself that I have the tapes, this forum, my workbook. I think you should go back and listen to your tapes, esp. the ones pertaining to panic attacks, negative thoughts, and worry. I know its hard but try to take a few minutes out of the day to listen to your relaxation tape or to just take some deep breathes and picture a beautiful place.

The main thing is - you can't go back so you need to deal with your present situation and see it as the positive that it is. You will be providing your first child with a sibling and adding to your beautiful family. You have the tools to deal with your anxiety and depression, you just need to use them.

I know this is easier said then done, esp. when I don't have children but keep at it, don't give up. Try to turn around your negatives into positives and journal if you aren't doing so already. If you don't like to write in a physical book, oprah.com has a great free online journaling system.

God Bless.

For me the beginning is always the hardest emotionally and if you have anxiety it just makes it 10 times harder.
I had 3 babies and only had postpartem with my second one so don't worry about that because you may not even have it again.
Try to take your pregnancy "ONE DAY AT A TIME".
Congratulations!!
Andrea