Preggers and Feeling Anxious & Tense When 4Yo Seeks My Attention

This is normal - second pregnancies are always harder than first ones because you have a child to look after, will have less time to rest, and have a lot more demands placed on you. I often feel lightheaded myself when I have too much going on.

I found out that sometimes asking my child if he wants to help difusses the situation - I'll give him a paper towel and a spray bottle filled with water and let him go to town "cleaning" the kitchen cabinets. Or I'll ask him for help cooking, letting him do safe things on a small table I keep in the kitchen.

Other times I need to lie down so we go into the bedroom and do storytime or watch a show on PBS (Superwhy, Martha Speaks and Curious George are good) that keep him entertained and gives me a break.

Another thing I do is to have "quiet time" each afternoon - he gets to stay in his room for an hour or so, napping, playing or reading (I have a baby gate in the entrance & a monitor). He loves this time and often asks for it when he's tired or overwhelmed.

sounds like mild anxiety attacks. I get them sometimes. try taking a deep breath for 5 seconds hold for 5 seconds then exhale for 5 seconds.

Im sure it is just your precnancy hormones getting the best of you. I would bring it up to your doctor at your next appt and see if there is anything to help you. Could you be feeling like this also because your nervous about how your going to be able to handle it all when the baby is here and how your 4 yo will act? I would say just relax and enjoy the time with just her. If she is running around and not being to crazy then have fun with her and enjoy it, and enjoy watching her smile. If she is throwing a tantrum try to ignore it. Maybe go in another room while she is done or put her in her room untill she is done. It is very hard when the second baby comes till you get in a routine again, so try to just relax and let things go. Good luck and congrats on the baby!

You are super tense, and I would be willing to bet that you have hormones to thank!! I am just as far along as you...I definitely get it. Hang in there mama...try not to lose it...remember that its kinda difficult right now to get everything done, its not as easy as before you were pregnant..so take breaks if you have to. Don't feel guilty if the house isn't spotless...your baby won't be little forever, do what you can around the house, and spend time with your 4 year old. =)

You will totally not miscarry, it is a huge load to be prego and care for a preschooler! I think you are probably just really tired and worn out and know that you have so much on your plate. When your daughter is wanting your attention, how bout' sitting down with a book or some stickers and just chillin with her for a bit. My son will be three in July and I have a four month old and believe me I feel at the end of my sanity regularly!!! But everyone is alive and healthy and happy(most days!) Hang in there mama, and put your feet up as much as you can because you will be even more busy soon!! Congrats on your pregnancy:)

I can cCOMPLETELY relate!!! I am going thru the exact same thing right now! I am 7 months pregnant and my almost 3 yr old is behaving the same way. I think being pregnant, feeling horrible, extras "hormones" can help explain some of this. I was feeling short of breath too and I really don't think it should all be atributed to "anxiety attacks". Your blood volume has increased significantly and your uterus is growing upward pushing on your lungs. I think it's normal to feel somewhat short of breath at this time. You are probably very tired and dealing with a demanding little one can be overwhelming. I fuound I had to hire a babysitter to just play with her so i can make supper or straighten up. I too was feeling frustrated as I really like tohave a clean and tidy house and it is almost impossible with a little one!!! I'm learning to let go a bit with the neatness of my home and having someone help me with my daughter has helped me. I too was having that tightness in my belly and it turns out to be Braxton Hicks contractions!! Being pregnant with a second child is a lot harder than the first because it is harder to find time to rest or slow down. Make sure you're getting enough fluids and consider hiring a middle school student to just play with her while you're at home so you can have a break. Good luck and hang in there!!!!
B.

In addition to stress-control techniques, be sure to have your doctor check your thryoid hormone levels, as some women can become hyperthyroid (too much thyroid hormone) during pregnancy. This can definitely lead to symptoms of anxiety during times of stress. It's best to eliminate any physical cause.