Pregnant mum in lockdown is convinced she’s going to die in labour

‘I can’t shake this feeling’: Pregnant mum in lockdown is convinced she’s going to die in labour – and she’s one of many experiencing the same feeling

• A mum in Sydney says she feels like she will die giving birth during lockdown
• The mum, who has two other children, said she can’t shake the feeling of doom
• She said she never felt the same in her last pregnancies and is fearing the worst

By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 04:56 BST, 31 August 2021 | Updated: 05:02 BST, 31 August 2021

An expectant mum-of-two says she can’t shake the feeling she is ‘going to die’ during her upcoming labour after months of stress in Sydney’s lockdown. 

The mum posted on Facebook to share her increasing anxiety over the arrival of her son, who is due in five weeks – and she’s not the only one experiencing debilitating prenatal anxiety of this kind. 

‘I’m having daily meltdowns thinking that instead of counting down the weeks till labour, I’m counting down the weeks until I die,’ she wrote.  

An expectant mum-of-two says she can’t shake the feeling she is ‘going to die’ during her upcoming labour after months of stress in Sydney’s lockdown (stock) 

The mum, who has two daughters, said she never experienced the same terror during her other pregnancies, which has been an enormous challenge for her.

‘This feeling kicked in around 12 weeks. Nothing notable has happened it was just this weird feeling that came and went often but is now lingering,’ she said.

Other mums admitted they have been struggling with similar feelings and are also desperate to find ways to calm their anxiety.

One mum, who struggled with similar feelings before the birth of her last child said speaking with her doctor helped.

‘I think it plays with your head more now knowing that you have other children and the thought of leaving them behind is so scary,’ she wrote on the post.

What are the symptoms of antenatal/prenatal depression and anxiety? 

Emotional changes:

Be in a low mood a lot of the time

Often feel teary or sad

Lose confidence

Often feel worried about your baby or yourself

Feel scared and panicky

Feel angry or cranky

Feel overwhelmed

Fear being alone or going out

Behavioural changes: 

Lose interest in activities you normally enjoy

Find it hard to get moving

Struggle with everyday tasks like cooking or shopping

Withdraw from close family and friends

Not look after yourself properly   

 Thinking changes:  

Think that everything that goes wrong is your fault, or that you’re worthless or a failure

Think your baby would be better off with someone else

Think ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I can’t cope’

Have trouble thinking clearly, concentrating or making decisions

 Physical changes: 

Sleep problems – for example, you can’t sleep or you’re sleeping a lot more than usual

Changes in your appetite – for example, you’re not eating or you’re overeating

Low energy levels

 

 

Source: Raising Children 

She added that the pandemic ‘isn’t helping’ pregnant women because it is much easier to think the worst after so many months of change and fear.

‘Speak to your doctor, there’s comfort in knowing you will be in safe hands,’ she said. 

Another mum said she needs to ‘take it one day at a time’.

‘Could be just the hormones also fluctuating and playing tricks on you. If you’re still feeling off please reach out to those that look after your appointments. I’m sure it will all be fine,’ she said – admitting she had similar anxieties.

Others urged the mum to see a psychologist and mentioned she could have antenatal depression or anxiety. 

But the mum said she had resisted trying to get a psychologist appointment because she is one of Sydney’s areas of concern, which are currently experiencing the city’s harshest restrictions.

‘And there are only six weeks left, I doubt a good psychologist will be able to see me before that,’ she said.

One mum, who is currently facing the same demons with her third baby and is due to give birth on Saturday, said she feels better when she sits in the sun.

‘I just keep thinking of the absolute worst and keep thinking of my kids. It’s definitely anxiety. If I don’t go and sit outside in the sun for at least one or two hours a day I feel even more anxious all day.

‘I feel like breathing that fresh air and thinking positive thoughts helps sometimes,’ she said before adding she hopes everything goes well for them both.  

Antenatal depression stops you from doing things you need or want to do in your daily life, the Raising Children’s network explains.

What can people do if they are feeling anxious or depressed while pregnant? 

Mental health conditions can be treated effectively, and just like physical conditions, they can be managed. It’s important to seek support as early as you can, as perinatal mental health conditions generally don’t go away on their own.

While there may be a strong instinct to put the needs of your baby or others before your own, at this time it’s important you look after yourself.

Most people with anxiety or depression benefit from one or a combination of the following:

Lifestyle changes and social support

Psychological or ‘talking’ therapies

Medical treatments

Source: Beyond Blue 

The parenting experts said any serious emotional changes which last more than two weeks should be flagged with your doctor.

‘Baby blues’ can come before or after the birth of your child but typically only last a few days, which is why the two week guideline is important to consider. 

Some of the antenatal depression symptoms include feeling panicky and fearing for yourself and your child.

Raising Children recommend getting emotional support from your partner, family and friends is an important way to cope with antenatal and postnatal depression.

Talking to someone who can understand how you’re feeling can help you to manage some of the symptoms. 

They also recommend getting regular exercise, eating and sleeping well to limit the symptoms. 

If you are experiencing anxiety or depression you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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