So I’ve just discovered I’m pregnant (due early November) and I’m trying so hard to be positive about it!
I don’t mean that I’m not happy, because I am, but my last pregnancy was not fun for me, mental health wise and I feel myself slipping into the anxiety stupor I was in last time. But this time I have an almost 5 year old to care for and it’s so hard.
We wanted to have another baby but I’m just so anxious over feeling anxious if that makes sense 
I’m hoping this pregnancy is also a lot better physically than the first.
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I am so hopeful for you and your health this time around.
If you are in the US or [name_f]Canada[/name_f], I really recommend using the PSI website to find support groups and search for providers trained in perinatal mental health. I’m happy to also PM about finding resources or supports.
Pregnancy can be very anxiety-provoking. Knowing that it was hard before probably adds to it for you. At the same time, you know more about your own strengths and your own needs this time around. I can’t say anything to take away the anxiety, but my heart is with you.
I get that. I have pretty severe anxiety and my #1 ‘trigger’ or obsession is my childrens health and well being, and being pregnant mentally is really hard for me. And you just want to be happy and excited about it because you are but your brain wont allow you to feel it.
I hope this pregnancy is a little easier for you. And dont hesitate to talk to your dr. about it. They do have anxiety medication that is safe to take during pregnancy if you decide you want it and they often have other resources for dealing with anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
[name_f]My[/name_f] pregnancies were a huge anxiety trigger for me each time. At the time I didn’t understand why, which made it even worse.
If you can, talk to a (mental) health professional. They can help you figure out ways to make this journey easier for you and your family. I hope you have the support you need from your partner if you have one, and from other people in your life. You got this 
I have so much empathy for you. I feel rotten when I’m pregnant and I also always have constant health related anxiety. Fortunately for me it has evaporated almost instantly as soon as the placenta has been delivered!
I would really recommend the GentleBirth app. Its tracks are so soothing and really help to focus the mind. I would also avoid actually following too many different birth/pregnancy accounts on social media. I found that actually increased my anxiety as well. I’d pick a couple that focus on your autonomy and wellbeing such as mamastaefit, midewifemarley, spinningbabies and gentlebirthoffical (all on Instagram).
Take a magnesium supplement. Obviously check which ones are safe for pregnancy but magnesium does more to help my anxiety than anything else and there is also research that suggests it helps prevent pre-eclampsia so you can stop worrying about that possibility as well!
The pregnancy groups was actually a huge trigger for me last time and this time it will be the balance of trying to find the community support vs. too much that will send me over the edge! It’s so hard!
Thank you everyone 
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Hey lovely. I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Pregnancy is very overwhelming at times and your feelings are totally valid. It’s very hard to go a 40 week journey where you have basically no control on what your body does. It doesn’t help that it’s impossible to know what a pregnancy will be like because there are so many varying factors. I hope your pregnancy is easy on you and you are able to enjoy at least some of it. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you have some kind of womens mental health support available nearby? [name_m]Or[/name_m] even talk to your midwife? Here, if you let your midwife know you have mental struggles, they will put you in touch with support. Good luck with your pregnancy! Xx