Fear, anxiety, doom and gloom....

How is that for an uplifting thread title?

In all seriousness, I am wondering if any others have gone through the same.

Before my babies heart defect diagnosis, I was having a "textbook" pregnancy. No morning sickness, a nice amount of energy, I was glowing, feeling real great.

Quite understandably, things have taken a turn. While I have the upmost faith we are going to get through this as a family, I am scared as hell.

Every little twitch, cramp, whatever... I am always in fear something is going wrong. The doctors have made it very clear that there is no reason that I should have any other problems with this pregnancy, but due to what has happenend, I am not so sure anymore. I am a complete nervous wreck, and I almost feel as if my body is going to fail me at any time.
I haven't had any huge issues or discomfort that should be considered abnormal but I still worry. I do not want to come across as a "big baby" to doctors but I am also afraid that if something else goes wrong I am going to have to live with the guilt of: What could I have done to prevent this? Is it my fault?

Anybody else have a ton of fear? Sometimes I feel I can't even function properly. How do I know when something is really wrong, I have never done this before.

Anything I can do to alleviate the fear? I have been telling my husband that he should have gone to medical school so at least he can help me diagnosis all my symptoms.

Re: Fear, anxiety, doom and gloom....

Aww sweetie, it is totally understandable that you are nervous about the rest of your pregnancy going all right. I am constantly in a state of fear about my LO being ok... and I don't even have a concrete reason like you do!! I keep thinking that the family hx of Downs/mental retardation that runs in my family will most surely show up in my child. Of course, my bloodwork does not support this psychosis!!

I guess all we can do is take a deep breath, ask the fabulous girls on this board if they've had any of the symptoms that we are going thru [at that time] and ask a lot of questions at each doctor's appt. The doctors' job is to listen to nervous pregnant ladies so I am sure they are used to it!!

Re: Fear, anxiety, doom and gloom....

I understand how you feel. Just try to relax as much as possible and enjoy the pregnancy as much as you can and in good faith and spirits! The stress cant help.

Re: Fear, anxiety, doom and gloom....

First, so many to you and your family.

I can honestly say, that you will never stop worrying. I am sorry to say that, but it is the honest to goodness truth. I too had a text book pregnancy my first time around, but didn't get to keep my baby. You are so very lucky that your baby's heart can be repaired.

While you might feel helpless right now, you are still going to have a baby, and that is wonderful. You are going to be a mommy, and you will never stop worrying about your little one.

Please just remember that THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!!. You can always go to your doctors-do not worry about sounding like a 'big baby'. I've never cried so much as I have in front of my doctors. They are there to help you get through the pain.