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1st Trimester
jade7kb
member
Depression and Weight Gain
jade7kb
member
So this is my second child, and I found that the pregnancy is VERY different from my first one. I am having trouble with my emotions and even some depression. I don't usually have depression at all. I lost 70 pounds (I had been overweight for most my life) and was actually going thru a divorce. Then my husband and I decided to get back together, work things out and now I'm pregnant. I am 12 weeks. I am not used to the crazy clingy emotions and the depression coming with this one. I worked really hard and I have only gained about 5 pounds but it's been kinda hard to swallow getting big again. I don't want to take any meds or anything like that because I don't want anything to affect the baby. I know they say there are some that are ok but I just don't trust that. Has anyone else gone through this with the crazy depressed emotions rather than the crazy happy?
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Re: Depression and Weight Gain
Two things it sounds like you need...a therapist (seriously go talk to someone especially considering your tenuous relationship with your DH) and yoga/exercise. Both of those will help, but I think you would be best suited to try therapy - even if it costs you (it's more important the baby gear or new baby clothes). There is no shame in having someone help you sort out your feelings and deal with them - plus your OB/CNM might be able to help you find someone and maybe it will be covered by insurance.
Also yoga does wonders for my attitude. I sometimes dreaded going to prenatal yoga, but always felt so good after. Plus, it will help you accept your body as it changes for the pregnancy and help keep your core toned for labor/delivery and post-pregnancy.
Good luck - you sound like you've had it tough recently.
...baby #3 is here...
I was also feeling depressed and I was scared to death of gaining too much weight. I'm only supposed to gain 20-25lbs because I'm overweight. I have gained 8 lbs and was FREAKING OUT until about a week ago when I started to feel better. Now I am eating healthy and getting some exercise (before the only things that settled my stomach were heavy carb foods). For some reason the depression has started to dissolve. I'm not sure whether it's the end of winter, the exercise, the feeling that I have a chance of managing my weight better, or what, but something has me feeling better. I'm sure the responsibilities of having another child add pressure that I certainly don't have, in addition to any issues you may still have with your marriage.
I would definitely recommend some exercise if you're not already, and like the above poster, maybe at least a few sessions with a professional. I would get a recommendation from your OB after you tell him/her that the main issue is depression. Sometimes just talking to an unbiased third person can be therapeutic enough. Best of luck to you
i have never done yoga but i have heard great things specially while ur preggo!! but when i was preggo with DD i did see someone becuse it was a stressful situation! and it worked! you dont want to be depressed its not good for the baby! i agree about seeing a therapist! it worked for me and a co worker of mine!
I am in the same boat... I have had horrid emotions this time, at only 4 wks. I am a total psycho, and scare myself (3rd pregnancy for me). I hear everything gets worse with each pregnancy
Yuck.
I do think a therapist and hot yoga would help a ton. I actually just stopped Zoloft when we started TTC, after taking it for 4 mos (I started after I had a miscarriage back in Oct, and severe anxiety attacks as a result). I used to be one who was totally against anti depressants/anti anxiety meds... But I will tell you, Zoloft changed my life for those 4 mos. I was a totally different, calmer, happier person, and my marriage thrived b/c of it. I didn't realize how uptight and anxious I am until I started Zoloft, and it was the lowest starter dose, 50mg. My OB was very adament that Zoloft is extremely safe in pregnancy, and the only concern is weaning off your last month of pregnancy so the baby doesn't have withdrawls. I am seriously considering getting back on it once I'm in my 2nd tri if my insanity continues. If all else fails for you, I would really consider it. Esp since you are at 12 wks. But try everything else first.
Not to scare you, but they say if the benefits outweigh the risks (in this case, you are risking issues b/c you are so depressed, anxious, sad, etc, risking danger to your baby which is proven in studies), versus taking medication that is approved for preg which could be a better option. I would recommend a psychiatrist who specializes in PPD and pregnancy, who can evaluate you and offer the best option if you do take the med route. I hope you feel better!
(Also, FWIW, I lost weight on Zoloft. People say you can gain, and that is why many people are scared to take it. However, I lost weight b/c I wasn't emotionally eating anymore, and was happier, more active, etc)