Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:12 am
There are a few things going on here, and none of them are dangerous.
Having a child can be scary. Raising another human being can be scary. It's a big responsibility but many have gone before you with this one so you know you can learn to relax with this. You were born with phobic tendencies. Hormonal changes in the body can trigger scary thoughts and anxiety - especially if you are prone to this - and certainly even if you aren't.
You are completely safe and so is your little one. I highly recommend that you set aside daily a time for you to listen to the relaxation tape and actively participate with it. (No falling asleep to it.) Then practice your breathing several minutes a day and really pay close attention to your breath. When thoughts wander in (and they will) gently bring your attention back to your breath work. Try breathing in and holding for four counts and then release slowly. Do these two things daily to give you a break from your obsessive thinking. It will help a lot in the long run.
Remind yourself that this is just your OCD. It is harmless. Do your best to not fight the thoughts. I know it's scary but if you can practice letting them come and go you will see that you have these thoughts less and less.
During your pregancy is a good time to work the program.
Having a child can be scary. Raising another human being can be scary. It's a big responsibility but many have gone before you with this one so you know you can learn to relax with this. You were born with phobic tendencies. Hormonal changes in the body can trigger scary thoughts and anxiety - especially if you are prone to this - and certainly even if you aren't.
You are completely safe and so is your little one. I highly recommend that you set aside daily a time for you to listen to the relaxation tape and actively participate with it. (No falling asleep to it.) Then practice your breathing several minutes a day and really pay close attention to your breath. When thoughts wander in (and they will) gently bring your attention back to your breath work. Try breathing in and holding for four counts and then release slowly. Do these two things daily to give you a break from your obsessive thinking. It will help a lot in the long run.
Remind yourself that this is just your OCD. It is harmless. Do your best to not fight the thoughts. I know it's scary but if you can practice letting them come and go you will see that you have these thoughts less and less.
During your pregancy is a good time to work the program.