Worried. What was your expierence?

jdanczyk

I am 36 weeks pregnant (tomorrow), my baby girl is coming via c-section Oct 13th.

I have dealt with depression & anxiety for around 15 years now, the past...10 or so years have been much better just due to life changes, and medication (Lexapro is what works best for me).  However, when I became pregnant, with all the hormone changes, my depression got pretty bad again - I mean...can't get out of bed bad.  It's gotten a bit better as they adjusted the dosage, however we can't go any higher without risking harm to the baby.  - So I've just been dealing with it the best I can.
So here is my question, after the baby is born, and the hormones all change again, do you think I'm going to be at a higher risk for PPD?  I'm very worried about that, have any of you had a similar experience?

deanna1313

Yes, yes, yes!!!!
A history if depression before or during your pregnancy is a risk factor for sure.
Have you talked to your Dr about this? Can they try another type of medication?

flcl

I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling down during pregnancy.  As PP mentioned, you are definitely at a higher risk for PPD.  With my history, I was (and still am) screened frequently for PPD.  Hopefully your medical practice will do the same for you.  Luckily, Lexapro is one of the few medications that is safe to take if you were thinking about BF.  Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly and that you end up feeling well!

deanna1313

@jdanczyk‌ that's great! Hope things continue to look good for you. Congratulations on the baby!

jdanczyk

I have expressed my concern for it with my Dr.  -- There's not much we can do about it until it happens - Everyone is just helping keep a closer eye on me for signs of it.  As for switching meds... pre-pregnancy - before finding Lexapro i went through a series of different medications and none of them worked - many i actually had really bad reactions to.  So i am reluctant to try changing.

deanna1313

I guess there is nothing you can do then. It's just a waiting game.
Good luck to you and I hope you get lucky and don't have PPD.

jdanczyk

Just an update.. Had my baby girl Oct 10th, she was small due to the lexapro, but not dangerously small. Fortunately PPD hasn't been much of an issue!!