How to stop the anxiety?

[iamgrace]

I have no advice, but just wanted to say that I had two very healthy pregnancies at 35 and 37.

[sunshineluv]

Have you talked to your doctor about changing the medication? Or perhaps some therapy sessions for advice on how to handle the anxiety? My answer for this was drugs, and they helped me a ton.

[lolobeth802]

I'm so sorry, that really stinks. Unfortunately everyone worries during pregnancy, but you also should be able to enjoy the experience of your pregnancy. I would talk to a therapist if you're not already. (Hugs)

[DotAndBuzz]

Stop reading. No really. Put the books down, step away from google.

I was making myself completely insane reading everything I could get my hands on when I was pg w/ N. I had myself convinced that since I hadn't changed my diet and started farming my own chickens a full year before I TTC, I had screwed over my baby, and that there was no way I could *possibly* grow a healthy baby. The best thing I did was just step away from all the info.

You've talked with your doctor about this. You know not to do anything crazy/intense like participating in the running of the bulls, or start training for an Iron Man. You've done what you can, and are (I presume) eating well/normally and taking a vitamin. Would writing things out help "get it out?" Maybe talking with someone about it?

(((hugs)))

Come to my house and my kids will keep you busy enough to take your mind off things for a while.

[keyslover]

I am sorry  

For me, the anxiety didn't stop after pregnancy.  I felt nervous that something would happen to them while they were sleeping.  It has gotten better now (5 1/2 and 2 1/2) but, becoming a parent has definitely changed my anxiety levels  I worry less now.

I did/do yoga and mediate when I can.   It helps.  Also, realizing some things are out of your control helps too.  That last one is still hard for me.

Good luck during your pregnancy.

[hokiegirl82]

I can relate - from the second I got my BFP at 3w2d until a few weeks ago I was a nervous anxious mess but managed to keep it contained pretty well. I'm not on anxiety meds right now, but in the past have been on several and have been in counseling for different anxiety issues in the past. this is my first and every day I would worry about finding spotting when I went to the bathroom. I asked for advice on GotP and a lot of what I received was "enjoy being pregnant today and do my best to take my mind off it as much as possible because it is out of my control if something goes wrong" this is harder said than done but I tried to keep busy and focus on other things which did help. I also requested an U/S and got one at 7w4d and that helped. I am less anxious now but still have some anxiety but I'm managing it for now.

I talked with my doctor about it - she said to let her know if the anxiety gets worse to review my options if need be - meds, counseling, etc.

Posting about my fears here also helped greatly to talk it out with ladies who have been through it.

[sonrisa]

The biggest "advanced maternal age" issues are the genetic ones which are there from the start (and conception issues, but you are passed that part). Once you get through the first trimester without a miscarriage, many of those genetic issues are ruled out. If you get genetic testing of some sort (marterniT21 or CVS or whatever) then those genetic risks are basically eliminated. If you can take it day by day until then, taking care of yourself but also just trying to stay sane, things will probably be okay.

Around here, the average age of a new mom is 37. People have healthy, happy bright children who thrive. ((hugs))

[mrsukyankee]

I think it might be worth checking out CBT just because this sort of worry seems to not go away after a child is born - just redirected. CBT is fabulous in conjunction with medication. If you want self-help stuff, let me know and I can suggest a few books that I suggest to my clients who want to do some work over holidays or the like.

[mrsukyankee]

Mind Over Mood

Thoughts & Feelings

These are the top two that I'd suggest @rumpshaker.  Good for a lot of different issues.  Good luck!

[JayhawkGirl]

There isn't anything you can do to change your age. And like sonrisa said, much of the AMA risks involve genetic stuff that is out of our control.

I was a big stress case the first tri, especially. I had to force myself to repeat "today, I am pregnant." I'd try to focus on what I could do to enjoy or be grateful for the baby in that moment. I've also been very happy with acupuncture in helping me with anxious tendencies, sleep, and overall mood.