Alternative to valium, i'm pregnant?

Question

I had been taking valium recently for anxiety and have now descovered i'm pregnant. Obviously im not taking the valium any more but would like to know of any SAFE alternatives to this????

Answer 1

talk to your OB about any meds you are taking or need to take.

besides that, my suggestion is for some light exercise,  perhaps even light yoga and some breathing exercises.  They will both aid with stress and anixety relief

Answer 2

Check in with your doctor on this.  She or he might have some useful alternatives.  Have you tried xanax?  It is the same kind of class of medicines as valium, but it is a much smaller dose, and my doctor just told me that I can keep taking it if I get pregnant.  It is very helpful!

Now that you are pregnant, it would be helpful if you take a multi pronged approach to your anxiety.  Pills are one way to go, and they do help, but I find I control my anxiety better when I also exercise (even a nice walk in a nice setting calms my nerves) when I do yoga (there are pregnancy yoga videos out there, and pregnancy yoga classes where you can meet other expecting moms!) and when I manage my anxiety by making lists of what I am anxious about.  

I list whatever is causing me stress, from the serious (bills!) to the not so serious (what will my cat think about the baby) and spend a good amount of time putting everything on paper.  Then I assign each stressor a level of importance.  What is a real problem, what is something minor I am anxious about anyway, and what is ultimately a little silly.  Then I work on solutions to the big problems, including asking for help from families and friends.  If your family knows that you are pregnant and they are supportive, then they might be glad to help with some of your problems.  You could even show them your list and see if they can easily knock off some of the things you are anxious about.  Next, research the minor stresses, and try to come up with solutions if they ever arise.  

Also, get out there and get social.  It is hard to feel anxious when you are busy having fun!  Join a pre-pregnancy exercise class, like yoga or swimming, join a mothers-to-be support group, or join something not pregnancy oriented, but still, fun, like a book club, a cooking club, or take a class through adult education.  You can learn just about anything there, from sewing to gourmet cooking to how to rebuild an engine!

Most of all, slow yourself down a little.  Remember you have the greater part of nine months to get everything done for the baby, and a lot of the things we think about being necessary for having a baby really isn't.  A newborn doesn't care if his or her room is freshly painted with a cute motif, or that all of his bedding, his stroller and his bouncy seat all match.  The baby needs a safe place to sleep, a clean environment, food, shelter and essentials.  You can get all of that done in one week if you hire cleaners and make a babiesrus run with a credit card and a list!  

Most of all the baby needs a happy Mommy!  Your baby will develop so much better if you can increase your happiness and your relaxation.  Take baby steps to be increasingly kinder to yourself, and it will pay off!

Answer 3

if you want to actually work on getting rid of the anxiety, rather than using something to help mask the irritation/pain of it, then maybe give EFT a go? It's Emotional Freedom Technique. Works great! Good luck!

Answer 4

That is something you need to discuss with your OB....not all alternatives supplements are safe during pregnancy either.....you may want to consult a natural/alternative medicine professional and be sure and let them know you are pregnant.....many midwives have knowledge of natural alternatives for pregnant women.

Answer 5

Do not take any anti anxiety drugs as you are pregnant.

I will tell you a drug which actually is not an anti-anxiety drug like Valium. it is a drug which is harmless on the fetus and can relieve your anxiety too.

Phenergan 25 mg  one tablet before going to sleep.

Can be obtained over the counter.

Answer 6

smoking

Answer 7

herbal tea

Answer 8

Hi! The best thing to do is ask your OB about this. As far as I know, pregnant women is not allowed to take any medication... even just a paracetamol.

Answer 9

this is incredibly low-tech, but it really can help.  Sit down and breathe as slowly and deeply as you can for a couple of minutes.

One of my professors for my paralegal training program makes us do this before she hands out our exams.  

If you are at work or someplace, you might need to sneak off to the restroom to get a few minutes peace to do this.

The other thing I'd recommend is to see a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist (not just a general practitioner) to help you get a handle on the anxiety. (I've been there & done that myself...and my doc has given me my life back.)

Best of luck to you!

Answer 10

No, there isn't.  Maybe the anxiety was related to the early pregnancy and now that you know for sure, you will start to feel better.  You can try to substitute exercise to ease anxiety.  I hope you feel better, soon.  Congrats on the pregnancy.