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Prenatal depression or normal hormonal changes?

brewcitybridebrewcitybride
in Postpartum Depression

This is my second pregnancy. So different than my first. First one, I was SO excited, elated, nesting and buying and happy happy happy. Now...so different. I am happy, it was planned and I want a second child. But the reality is sinking in, at 18 weeks pregnant. Working full time in a high-stress job as a new manager with two new employees - raising a VERY willful two year old - trying to get the house ready to sell - trying to maintain a good relationship with my husband. I know these are all things that add stress to my life, and I thought I had been doing a good job of coping (I still exercise every day, I eat right, I am still sleeping fine). BUT, I've been snapping at my family over little things, I have not been patient with my daughter at all, I had a 30 minute cry-fest in the shower this weekend. And I've felt this way for about 3 weeks now.

I guess my question is - how do I know if this is just normal work and family life stress, or if there is something bigger going on? I just feel the stress piling on, and I don't want it to affect the baby. I just don't know how to handle everything anymore. Plus I keep thinking, how the heck am I going to handle all this when I do have the baby?!

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Re: Prenatal depression or normal hormonal changes?

  • FutureMrsWittigFutureMrsWittig member

    Do you feel like you're still functioning?  I think that's where we have to draw the line between hormones and depression.  Once you get to the point where you can no longer function, I think you could be declared depressed.

    That said, there's no reason to let it get that far.  If you feel like that may be where you are headed, you are probably not wrong.  Talk to your OB.  Mine gave me a script for an antihistamine that's totally safe for baby and actually helps me sleep better and be a little less anxious.

    Hoping you feel better soon and can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

    Mama of 2: one who grew in my womb, both who grow in my heart.
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  • blt178blt178

    I know this post was put up quite some time ago but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for posting - it was like you had posted my exact scenario so it was nice to see other people are feeling the same things... I'm 26wks with my second, parenting a two year old, just moved into a new house that is still in disarray, work is super stressful (had been job hunting until I discovered I was pregnant) PLUS husband is also super stressed from work and in his own little world, isn't aware or capable of helping me through mine right now.  (We're kind of in a bumpy place right now which isn't making things any better). 

    My daughter's birthday is later this week and I have nothing prepared.  The holidays are practically here and I have nothing started, no shopping done, decorating seems overwhelmingly daunting... I'm not looking forward to any of it. 

    I'm uncharacteristically snappy at work, with my daughter, don't call my family or friends anymore... and cry at the drop of a hat.

    Hoping you found some peace somewhere in this since you wrote? 

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