"Prepartum depression"...anyone?

Bonadl

So this is number two for me. With my first I suffered from PPD for six months before getting help. I was put on Zoloft and felt so much better. I was on it for a while and went off before getting pregnant with this LO. Going off was hard but I realized that not only did the medications get rid of my lows but also my highs. Anyway, what I learned during that journey was how to recognize symptoms. I suspected that they started log before my daughter was born but it was hard to tell. Now come to present day...I realized right after Thanksgiving that the anxiety I'd been feeling wasn't just anxiety, but it was caused by depression. Then I got really upset because I have no good reason to be depressed. I am still seeing a therapist from when I was diagnosed after DD.

So...my question is -- is anyone else dealing with this? And how? Besides talking to someone weekly I just don't know how to make it better.

Thanks all. Hugs.

Bonadl

Thanks. I know that Zoloft is an option. My OB actually mentioned starting on meds at 8 months just to ward off PPD when we discussed trying for number two. I was just really hoping to avoid it. *sigh*. My therapist wants to try without it but I don't know if it's gonna happen...

Drhonor

This has my name written all over it! I was being treated with lexapro before TTC and then tapered off in june, when we got pregnant. I think around month 5-6 I was starting to feel the depression and anxiety again and then I totally crashed about 3 weeks ago and have been put back on lexapro, seeing my counselor again, but still suffer from almost daily panic attacks. I stayed home from work for almost 3 weeks trying to just maintain and now my regular ob has referred me to a high-risk ob that we see tomorrow am. I also tried to go without, but the benefits outweigh the risks at this point. We've gotta take care of us to take care of the babies we're growing. I'm looking forward to being stable again!! Hugs to both of you....this sucks!

nblondheim

I can relate! Shortly after getting married I realized I couldn't hide my anxiety and depression (I could when I lived alone!). I started going to a counselor which helped me drastically as a lot of my issues where things I shoved under the rug and never dealt with and most of them were pretty major. I also took meds but it took me 3 different kinds to find what worked and I found out I was allergic to one we tried which wasn't fun. I took Pristiq throughout the first part of my pregnancy. I was given options to go to others during my pregnancy that they know more about but I decided I would be okay and go without. Thus far I truly have been okay. Now being on hospital bed rest with way too much time to think, having some of my hopes and dreams thrown to the curb, and knowing I will have two preemies very soon has really gotten to me. I mentioned when I got here that I would probably need something and without hesitation my OBGYN said we could do Zoloft. I said we can wait for a bit. Zoloft isn't one I tried so I am a little nervous but I think I am going to be caving and asking for it very soon as my emotions are all over and I am overwhelmed. You are definitely not alone!!

theluckiest9

I have no advice, but wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this.

lb1117

You are not alone. It sucks. ((Hugs)) I have had anxiety (undiagnosed) doe years. When we got to the TTTC point In our journey, it hit a high. The RE recommended meds before more testing/treatment. I wasn't sure, but we got a surprise BFP. I thought getting pregnant would make it better. However, between major m/s and first tri vomiting and the weeks leading up to the a/s, it got worse than ever. My midwife became concerned. I saw my PCP who was also concerned and perscribed Zoloft. I started on 50mg and now am up to 100mg which should be a more permanent dose. It's a vicious cycle. I had anxiety about the anxiety meds. Finally, I just took it.

pepperedmoth

Being pregnant has stabilized my MD/GAD like crazy, but I SO empathize. ((Hugs))

Things that have worked for me while off meds: regular exercise, daily meditation, daily journaling, watching sugar intake.

Also, meds.

Good luck!

Lilly&Co

pepperedmoth said:

Being pregnant has stabilized my MD/GAD like crazy, but I SO empathize. ((Hugs)) Things that have worked for me while off meds: regular exercise, daily meditation, daily journaling, watching sugar intake. Also, meds. Good luck!

This is great advice.

I had PPD very severely  with my first and then with my 3rd.  I have been working out and going to Yoga as well as my husband and I are really talking and are seeing a counselor, not because we are having any problems but to maintain the closeness we have. I appreciate his " will do what it takes " approach. He has been pretty amazing. 

LolaBelle11

I had bad PPD and did not have it treated until 2 years later! Big mistake. I am on 25mg of Zoloft and feel great. When this baby is born, I will up it to 50mg. If you need a low dose of Zoloft while pregnant, there is no harm in that. Anxiety/depression is dangerous for baby too..

lb1117

@LolaBelle11 - I started on 50mg of zoloft. And they just upped it to 100mg because it's a "more permanent dosage". Now I am wondering if I am taking too much?

Bonadl

Thanks for all of the support. It's definitely good to know that I'm not the only one. I don't see my regular OB until 2/3 but I'm thinking about trying to switch my 1/20 appointment so ican see her. I haven't seen her since i was 6 weeks (making rounds and seeing other docs), so maybe she can help offer advice as someone who knows me well. I was doing prenatal yoga weekly but class was on hold for holidays. I need to start doing more of it though at home...once a week isn't enough. I'm just always so tired after DD goes to bed.

nblondheim

I caved today after having crying bouts the past 3 days. My OBGYN walked in today to check on me in the middle of one and I decided enough is enough!!! I started on 50 mg of Zoloft today. I'm hoping it works! Good luck and do what you need to do to get through life!!!

LolaBelle11

Well they told me to up it to 50mg after 1 week of the 25mg, but after the one week, I felt great so I stayed on 25mg. I told myself that if my symptoms started to break through, I would up it to 50mg. I personally wouldnt feel comfortable with 100mg while pregnant. It would give me anxiety because I worry so much. You do what it right for you though, and what your doctor feels is good for you.

MeggsM

Hi all. I was on cipralex for about 3 years during my masters and have been meds free for about a year and a half now- however some of my symptoms are coming back too:( I have found that regular exercise, eating and sleeping properly along with a routine and doing something you love and can get your mind out of a downward spiral helps a ton. If you knit or crochet those are excellent activities to get your mind out of wherever it's going. Also my doc said to come to him immediately if I felt I couldn't handle it on my own.

Remember if you need help ask- those little ones are counting on their mummies !

Excitedmum35

I am on 50 mg zoloft as I was on cymbalta (I think 150mg) and the dr changed me to zoloft cos I was ttc.
I'm thinking I'll ask the dr if I should reduce it to 25mg before birth as I've heard baby's can have withdrawals?
For the pp who is wondering if 100mg is too much- my opinion is that if u r are anxious and depressed that is far more damaging for your baby than taking the meds. Please don't stress yourself out.

Bonadl

I've had a horrible day. I think I really need to get in to see my dr and discuss meds. I was really hoping not to go there but with my mental state now, if I added a baby to it it would only be bad news. *sigh*

Drhonor

The anxiety and depression plus insomnia at this point in our pregnancy can make babies stressed out, too! I'm glad I got some help, but honestly can't wait to increase my dose after I give birth. I don't want to hurt LO while she's in there, but I have these daily panic attacks over seemingly nothing. Going to work seems to be a big trigger and just starting the morning routine makes me start throwing up and other gi issues, crying and trembling all over. It's been rough lately for sure. Just keep in mind if you are thinking about harming yourself or others or the pregnant, you need to go to the ER IMMEDIATELY!!! Hugs for all of us. I have 61 days to due date. And at least one more u/s to look at her silly little nose. I'm scared of the birth but hope for the best!

AKPuffin

I was on Cymbalta before we started TTC and have started to notice symptoms of depression again.  I feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious and frustrated because I can't do the things I used to like clean the house all the time and even more so since my GD diagnosis.  My husband has even noticed the change in my mood.  I have an appointment on 1/9 with a doctor I've never seen before and I'm hoping she's receptive when I bring it up.