I'm new here, so I hope i'm doing this right? I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has had a severe problem with anxiety and then became pregnant? That's my situation. I've read that if this happens, your anxiety can become better during the course of pregnancy and be non existent during delivery. Apparently it has something to do with carbon dioxide!? Although, i've also read that anxiety can worsen after delivery. That's my fear. I may be setting my self up for failure or armegeddon afterwards by worrying about it now, but I would like to enjoy that time with my family and new baby. I'm looking for someone who has had this experience and lived through it, or someone who has any input. Thanks.

Its hard to say what will happen everyones experience is different. What you need to make sure is that everyone around you knows how you feel. That way they can help you in any way possible. I suffer from gad and ocd. I have 2 children and now pregnant with #3! So dont worry you can do it :d family was and still is very importatant and the best support group available. When my first was born it took about 3 mos for me to realize I could do it. It will be ok!

It is not abnormal.Soon after you conceive, your body begins a series of major changes that enable it to sustain your baby through 37 weeks of growth and development. The glands of your endocrine system and placenta step up hormone production. Your blood volume increases and your uterus expands.

By the fourth month of pregnancy, you'll begin to feel much more like your old self, presumably because your body has adjusted somewhat to these dramatic changes. Until then, you can rest assured that first-trimester symptoms are almost always associated with normal pregnancies that have good outcomes. Morning sickness,anxiety and the other ailments that occur around this time are almost always mild enough to manage on your own.You may experience emotional fluctuations ranging from exhilaration and joy to irritation and depression.Its could be due to

• Rapid hormonal changes
• Physical and emotional stress of birthing
• Physical discomforts
• Emotional letdown after pregnancy and birth
• Awareness and anxiety about increased responsibility
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Disappointments including the birth, spousal support, nursing, and the baby

About half of women who suffer from depression during pregnancy go on to develop postpartum depression, but getting treated during pregnancy can reduce your chances dramatically. Here are a few other things you can do:

• Take it easy. Resist the urge to pack in as many chores as you can before the baby comes. You may think you need to set up the nursery, clean the house, or work as much as you can before you go on maternity leave, but you don't. Pencil yourself in at the top of your to-do list. You won't have as much time for yourself once the baby's around. Read a book, have breakfast in bed, or go for a nice long walk around the neighborhood. Choose something that makes you feel good. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby.

• Get in the habit of taking care of yourself now so it becomes part of your routine. Plan ways to take breaks and get time off to rest once the baby comes.

• Talk with your partner about how you're going to divide the household responsibilities and care for each other as well as for your baby.

• Build a support network now (made up of friends, family members, your partner, healthcare practitioner, or therapist) so that your helpers will already be in place when the baby arrives.

• Start lining up help with cooking, cleaning, or baby care so you'll be able to grab some much-needed time to shower, nap, or take a walk after the baby arrives.

• Manage your stress. Don't let frustration build up in your life. Find ways to take care of yourself emotionally. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, get some exercise, and eat well. If you find anxiety creeping in, try taking a pregnancy yoga class or practicing meditation.