postnatal anxiety

My anxiety through this pregnancy has been pretty good, until I finished work and went on maternity leave three weeks before giving birth. At that point it really flared up and I became fixated on my almost four year-old son and have convinced myself that he is showing signs of autism. This is a fear I have had before. He has a number of behaviours that are red flags for autism such as some repetitive talking and movements of his hands. His language and social skills are on track, he does well at pre school, has plenty of friends and a good imagination.

Since my daughter being born almost two weeks ago the anxiety has got worse. I feel like I don't want to do anything and all I do is fixate about my son 24/7. I have been googling non stop and I know of course that's feeding the worry. The thing is I really do think there is something not right with him. I have booked an appointment with my GP about him but I know he won't be able to give me answers right away, he may refer him for further assessment which is going to make my anxiety even worse. I just want to be able to enjoy my family without this constant feeling of dread and fear :(

This is not a death sentence. Your son most likely isn't autistic. I only say most likely, since I'm not a doctor, and I do not know your son. However, I'm pretty much positive that he doesn't from the symptoms you've described. Anyhow, back to my original point. If he were to be, then it's OK!! He's healthy and thriving!!!

Thanks, I know logically you're right, it just feels like I'm losing him :( I want him to be a normal happy boy and his behaviour can be so challenging, I find it overwhelming sometimes.

I sympathise with you, I like you thought the same and looked it up on Dr Google. But stopped as I'm not qualified to make that diagnosis. Instead I got in touch with my health visitor who pops by to see how my boys doing. But he's showing great development (he's 3) socialising really well, he is slow regarding his speak development but it's getting better day by day. If concerned get in touch with your HV or GP. Good luck

Oh my boy has haemophilia a blood clotting condition. And we love him even more if it's possible. There's no such thing as normal!

Thank you, I am seeing the health visitor tomorrow so will update with what she says.

My HA first appeared a couple of months after the birth of my last son. He is almost 14 now. I suffered with it for 6 months and then it just went away. I mean it went away completely. It returned 10 years later. My doctor believed that the first time I developed HA it was very much the result of hormonal changes because I had just had a baby. So the yhis might be what is happening with you. I'm sure that everything will be OK and your little boy sounds very healthy to me.:)

Thank you. I spoke to the health visitor today. She is going to bring round some questionnaires to screen my son and see if he is at risk and needs any follow up. I am praying that it comes out ok but at least I will know. I also told my HV how anxious I am so she will follow up with me in two weeks.

I have 2 adult children on the autistic spectrum. It's good that you are talking to your HV about your fears and autism is very much in the news these days but from what you've said your son appears to be doing well and progressing nicely at pre-school. I would have expected that someone from pre-school would have approached you by now if there were any obvious issues regarding his behaviours?

Congratulations on your new baby! It's an exhausting time and it's easy to get overwhelmed as you find your feet with a new addition to the family. I really hope that your little boy is fine but you are doing absolutely the right thing if you have any doubts at all.