Pregnant and suffering

jessjo04

Anyone else still pregnant and suffering from depression?

Just a warning, this might get long and I might delete later. I have been on the sites for a long time and even though I don't know anyone, I feel like I "know" a lot of people and this is pretty personal.

I had depression in my early teens and was treated successfully for many years, but went off my medication when I got pregnant (wellbutrin). I was ok for several weeks, but the last couple weeks have gotten bad.

It started with lack of motivation and general moodiness, and it has gotten worse. I'm going to see my OB Tuesday and discuss my options, but I'm worried it will be brushed off. My psychiatrist wants me to stay off meds as long as possible, and I think I hit that point. She gave me a prescription for prozac, but she doesnt want me to breastfeed if I take meds. To me, breastfeeding on low dose meds is better than missing out on the bond of breastfeeding altogether.

I dont know what to do. When I bring it up to DH he asks if its that bad and mentions that he would like me to avoid meds if possible. I can't blame him, he doesnt see me much, because hes busy working on renovating the basement before the baby comes When does see me, I'm in a better mood because we're watching tv, and that keeps my mind off of things. I can't do housework, no motivation, my two page homework due Tuesday might as well be a dissertation for how much it is stressing me out and how much I'm dreading doing it.

Any suggestions or support would be greatly appreciated. At what point did you say 'enough' with depression and take medication? Thanks for any input.

katkat74

Just wanted to chime in and let you know I too got very blue around weeks 15 through 18 and even my dr suggested meds but I withheld and it got better for me. Whatever your choice, be gentle with yourself--we are in major hormone upheaval! Good luck with your choice and keep us posted.

jaime5121

I'm sorry that you are having to go through this!  I did not have depression while I was pregnant.  I did get PPD though.  Mine hit after I weaned from BFing, so a lot of your concerns, I did not have to deal with.  This is what I can offer you.  DON'T let your OB brush off your depression.  Most OB's won't.  There are also meds that are safe to take while pregnant - my SIL was on Zoloft while pregnant and BFing.  She said it helped her a lot.  My boss was also on Zoloft while pregnant and BFing.  It can be done, and done safely - if you so chose.  I'm glad you are talking to your OB tomorrow.  Please, let us know how it goes, we are all here to support you!

LittleBabyC

At what point did you say 'enough' with depression and take medication? Thanks for any input.

7 months postpartum. Today I finally gave myself the ok to start Zoloft. I too, was treated successfully since teens. I went off before getting pregnant. It's been a long journey and I am ready to be treated and to get some relief. I am going to continue to BF.

I highly recommend Dr. Thomas Hale (InfantRisk). Reading his material has helped educate me and empowered me to make these decisions for myself.

Good luck at the Dr. If the OB were to brush this off I would seriously consider finding a new Dr.

julybaby23

I was off my meds throughout my pregnancy but I did have a tough first trimester and also winter time is hard for me. My DH has never really understood depression either. I saw a therapist and had talk therapy once a month through my pregnancy. I also tried vitamin D and exercising every day. Second trimester I started to feel a lot better mentally. I went back on meds the moment the baby was born and I'm glad I did. I had pretty bad PPA. Good luck- it could get better during 2nd tri when the pregnancy feels a lot more 'real'.. if not you should maybe consider a safe antidepressant.

jessjo04

Thanks for the support. Luckily, I got one of the good doctors at my practice, he is very patient and even asked me how my depression was going since there was a note in my file of history of depression. I told him it wasnt going well and I really needed to go back on meds. He didnt hesitate to tell me that medication is a good choice and reassure me that the risks to the baby are low. He said the only thing is that the baby might be cranky for a few days after birth due to withdrawal, which makes me feel horrible, but if I dont take better care of myself now, it will be worse than a few uncomfortable days for the baby.

DH found the drug facts in the prescription and was worried because it warned the baby could have a seizure after birth. I'm sure the risk is very low, but of course they need to put anything that could happen on the rx insert, no matter how low the odds. I told DH that I didnt want to talk about everything that was going through my head, but I wouldnt be taking medication if I didnt feel it was absolutely necessary. He is supportive and understands that since hes never had depression, he cant completely understand.

Ugh, this got long! What I meant to say is that I'm going on medication and everyone is good with that decision. Hopefully things will start to turn around for me. Thanks for the support!

MelbaToast37

So I just stumbled across this post, and I wanted to let you know how much I relate (I posted about this in more detail over at BGP under Mental Health).

I have a history of Bipolar II - successfully treated with several medications - but my psych wanted me off of everything when I found out I was pregnant.  I've managed fairly well up to now, but I'm starting to really struggle again.  I've found that my OB is actually very encouraging regarding going back on meds, it's my psychiatrist who's more hesitiant.  I actually had a high-risk OB warn me about my elevated risk for post-partum psychosis, so I know my OB practice is very med-friendly.  I really relate to the fear of what it will do to LO, though.  One of my meds had a miserable withdrawal, and I can't imagine what kind of stress that would be on a newborn.

Anyway, I don't have too much insight, I guess, other than to say that I relate and am going through something very similar.  Congrats to you for deciding to get back on meds, and I wish you all the best.