Stress

[Melka76]

We all have it... but lately I feel like I am overwhelmed with stress - not physical but emotional.  My job is very stressful and throughout the day - I have a hard time breathing, contract a bit and work myself up so much that I feel like my blood is boiling.  I am okay in the morning - calm and can eat - but by the time noon comes around I am usually so worked up - eating is not an option as my heartburn/reflux is on fire.  When I do eat - I throw up an hour or so later.. My dr is not concerned all that much with my weight - I am now at 5lbs total for almost 22 weeks.  Lost a pound in the last week.  I am having issues sleeping as well - I started drinking sleepytime tea - they said that was fine - But then again - I saw the NP not the Dr.. so maybe I should bring this all up again to him in 2 weeks... Question - how do you deal with your stress - and do you think that my stress could be causing the eating issues and not the pregnancy?  Thanks! Mel

[Melka76]

I asked the Nurse Practioner about Prolosec and any other reflux meds stronger than tums.. which for me at this point are the equivlent to eating a piece of candy - it does nothing...  I am also considering talking about some meds for my mental mood.. I have not been pregnant in 6 years and then I was in a relationship that I never spoke up, voiced any opinions or dealt openly with emotions.. now I am in a relationship that I am allowed to cry... I am just wondering if maybe I am okay and it is just all the hormones... I also had a much less stressful job then and by this time with the previous two I was already on bed rest and out of work... hmmm... my wheels are starting to spin... I think that is probably it.. I did not have to deal with muchof the outside world then.  

[rebekah385]

If you acid reflux/ heartburn are bad enough that you don't want to eat you should talk with your Dr about going on a prescription medication! I have been having really bad acid reflux and indegestion and my Dr actually thinks that it is damaging my esphogus! they put me on prescription prilosec and it has helped so much, i am not in pain as much I am able to eat ok and it will actually heal the damage that has already been done. if it's effecting you that much, maybe you should try something. also I don't know if it is something you are comfortable with, but i have anxiety and depression too and they can be worsened by pregnancy, i take prescription wellbutrin which treats both and is supposed to be safe for all stages of pregnancy, i know that it is not usually good to be on medication at all during pregnancy, but depression and anxiety can have a bad effect on the baby too, so just something to think about. i have kept up with your story and I would be completely stressed out too and think you are probably handling ti pretty well, but I know it can all be a little or a lot overwhelming. Good luck and i hope things start to get better for you and less stressful!  

[Melka76]

Thanks - I really think I just need to "BREATHE" - I get so worked up - I do not make an effort to enjoy anything anymore... I had depression and anxiety for years and it has been pretty dormant for the last 2... We have also had a horrible winter - lots of snow and no sunshine... and the issues with the testing and such - This weekend is forcasted to be wonderful - I think I will try a picnic in the park!!!!  Thanks

[Limonada]

I think you should speak to your doctor about this again.  Weight gain shouldn't be his/her only concern - your overall emotional well being is just as - maybe even more - important.

I would say that stress could cause the eating issues you describe - I'm the same...when I'm stressed (and I've suffered from depression and anxiety, so I know what that is) I simply can't eat.

I try to deal with stress by engaging in activities that make me happy.  For me, that's scrapbooking, or doing a crossword.  A walk out in the sunshine also does wonders for me, or listening to upbeat music.