Wasn't sure whether to post in the 'medical' forum or here! Anyway -
I'm 34, got my formal diagnosis of ASD earlier this year. I'm very skilled at masking/social mimicry, to the extent most people I know wouldn't ever believe I was autistic. My life looks very 'normal' on the surface - I'm married and have a full-time job. My husband and I would like to have a child but I am absolutely terrified of my diagnosis not being taken seriously by medical professionals when I'm pregnant and when discussing birth choices, as I seem to be coping so well with life and I don't fit the autism 'stereotype' that most people are familiar with.
I have a really low pain threshold, and I am terrified of having my concerns dismissed and being made to give birth in a way which I know will send me into meltdown and traumatise me for life - not to mention being hugely dangerous to the baby as I will be in such a state and unable to respond to the midwives' instructions.
I'm wondering if there's anyone on here who already had a formal ASD diagnosis before you got pregnant, and whether midwives/consultants actually took it into account, especially with regards to birth choices? If you expressed anxiety about labour/birth, did they take your concerns seriously?
Thanks so much to anyone who feels able to share their experiences.
