This is my second pregnancy and I am terrified of needles. I mean seriously terrified… not just a bit nervous. During my previous pregnancy, I had panic attacks over all three sets of blood tests. I was upset as I was forced to have identical blood tests twice (one at the early pregnancy unit, then at the midwife booking in visit as they “don’t share information”).

I’m 15 weeks and have my booking in appointment this afternoon. I was wondering what blood tests do I genuinely need to have for the health of my baby?

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You are about to discover more information about ovarian cysts during pregnancy and how to treat the cysts that are safe for you and your baby.

It is actually common for women to suffer from ovarian cysts during pregnancy and usually these cysts are not dangerous and do dissolve. However, it does not change the fact that these cysts can cause much discomfort and pain to the mother.

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I appreciate any advice you have. I have been on Paxil for 4.5 years now. I began getting horrible panic attacks after the birth of my daughter, plus I was stressed as my now ex-husband lost his job and I learned he was doing drugs. I was on Paxil before my daughter was born(not during pregnancy) because I was having severe panic attacks. I had switched from Buspar, which made me feel like a complete zombie.
So when my daughter reached 3 months(she is now 4.5 years old), I began having those panic attacks again. My dr. put me on Paxil again, and I have been on it for over 4 years now. Good news, no panic attacks, but I feel like its not helping my depression. I am also on Welbutrin, 300 mg a day for depression and I was trying to quit smoking on it, which sadly, I did for awhile, then I am back on them. I still suffer from depression, and probably always will. Can a medication stop being effective after so long? Is there another depression med that I should try?

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person has unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead him to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). A person affected with OCD may realize that his obsessions are not reasonable and may try to ignore or stop them, but he is driven to perform compulsive acts in an effort to ease his distress. OCD usually centers on themes which lead to ritualistic behaviour that ultimately affects the person’s life. Genetics, environmental factors and reduced levels of brain neuro-transmitters are believed to cause OCD. A family history, stressful life events and pregnancy are believed to be risk factors for OCD.

Here are a few examples of OCD rituals:

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floaters in my eyes (dots of light)
pressure in my head
anxiety
trouble sleeping
i lose my breath a little lately.
and sometimes i spasm my legs in bed while going to sleep
i don’t exercise any more… :/
i sit on my butt almost all day….
i’ve been eating chocolate alot lately. i’ve had a almost perfect pregnancy until now. i’ve never even thrown up.

The normal baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally disappear within a few days to a week. As a new mother, you can routinely have mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems or feel irritable, restless, anxious and lonely.

Usually, these symptoms are not severe and treatment is not needed. However, there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.

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Hi Everyone,
I am currently 31 weeks pregnant. The past month has been really crazy for me. I have gestational diabetes, which I can deal with. Last week I had blood in my urine so I went through some tests, I have a large kidney stone in my right kidney. I had a cystocsopy done to look at my bladder, as well. The doctor said my bladder is so compressed from the weight of the baby and was very irritated. I have anxiety disorder and I am not doing so well with my anxiousness. I know that pregnancy causes a lot of extra emotion, but I cry a lot. I freak out over EVERY little thing. I was just at the ER last night b/c I am scared I got an infection from the cystocopy I had done on Thursday. I have to wait for a urine culture to come back which will take a few days. I am already on pins & needles waiting for those results. I am scared I have an infection and there are so few antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy. I am alone a lot as my husband works nights and my family lives about 45 minutes away. All I do is sit & think about everything. I don’t sleep well at night b/c of my anxiety. If anyone out there can share some inspiring stories it would mean a lot. Sorry if this was all over the place….

Every mom-to-be is anxious about her pregnancy due date. To reduce your anxiety, here are some signs that indicate your baby is in a hurry to come out and see the world!

Signs of Pregnancy Due Date

Your body gives you signs when your pregnancy due date is near. Here they are:

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