Antepartum Depression...

dejavu22

So I am 19 weeks preg & have been feeling extra anxious, lacking concentration, can't sleep & EXTRA moody lately.  I have been researching and came across Antepardum Depression which happens during pregnancy as opposed to Postpartum.  Has anyone else experienced this, & f so, what should I do?

Gina418

I haven't experienced this, but I would encourage you to mention this to your doc at your next appt. Or, if you don't want to wait, call the nurse's line at your docs office and see what they suggest. GL.

ScarletD4509

I was diagnosed with this. It is terrible. let me say that what you may be experiencing is a rush of horomones and not necessarily APD. 

APD is rare. But I am by no means silencing you. Speak with your doctor if you believe you have it.

 Those at rish have a history of depression, high risk pregnancy, trouble conceiving, severe morning sickness.

I knew I needed help when I found myself resenting and not wanting the pregnancy (which I went through a year of IF treatments to acheive). I was so depressed and anxious I could not stay by myself or function normally. My husband had to accompany me to the bathroom and help me shower because I was petrified of being alone with myself. I had suicidal and unhealthy thoughts. I was so sick with morning sickness that I honestly wished I would miscarry and that is so so so not me or what I wanted in reality at all. I had so much anxiety and nerves that I caused contractions and had to be medicated. As soon as I spoke to the doctor and was medicated I felt much better and was able to enjoy the pregnancy like I should have and so badly wanted to. I wanted the pregnancy to be over because I honestly was petrified that I would die during childbirth. I look back on this time and cannot believe what I felt and went through. Its like a period of my life when I was not myself. APD is even more closeted than PPD and I wish I knew about it and didn't suffer in silence for 22 weeks before I got help. i lost a few friends during this disease from horrible things I said/did and I often wonder how things would have been different had I not suffered from APD. 

I was at MAJOR risk for PPD after the birth because of the APD, but we monitored me closely and upped my meds after the birth and I never developed PPD.  

 If you feel that you are experiencing this or anything similar, talk to your doctor. You and your baby should not suffer through this and sometimes medicating or intervention is more helpful than harmful to the fetus as a depressed mom is of no use to anyone.

PM me if you need more help or info.  

Meliss227

I have it and it sucks! I started Zoloft at 19 weeks and I am now up to 200 mg. Zoloft is considered one of the safer antidepressants to take while pregnant. I have discussed this with my OB, psychiatrist, therapist and primary dr. I have also called and talked to a counselor at OTIS and they said it was ok. I started by calling my OB and she gave me the number of my psychiatrist who deals with pregnant patients. The medicine and therapy have really helped. It hasn't gone away but I am able to deal with life now.And it actually isn't rare, its just that a lot of people think its normal pregnancy hormones. The percentage of women who get PPD is 20% and can go as high as 40% for innercity  women. Below is some info about APD. If you want to know anything else feel free to PM me.   Approximately 10 ? 20% of pregnant women suffer from Antepartum Depression (depression during pregnancy). Symptoms of antepartum depression involve a collection of symptoms that last for 2 weeks or longer. The symptoms include: depressed mood, irritability, lack of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of suicide.Although pregnant women in general are at risk of developing depression during pregnancy, some women are at higher risk than others.  Risk factors for antepartum depression include: history of mood disorders, history of antepartum or postpartum depression, marital dissatisfaction, inadequate social support, stressful life events, and family/relationship stress.If left untreated, depression during pregnancy can have some serious consequences.  For example, untreated antepartum depression can lead to poor birth outcomes for the infant, such as low birth weight and premature delivery.  Women with untreated antepartum depression are at greater risk for postpartum depression.  Untreated antepartum depression can also lead to a higher likelihood of impairment in mother- child attachment bonding which in turn places the infant at greater risk for emotional and behavioral disorders later on in life.