Community› The Bump Message Boards› 3rd Trimester
3rd Trimester
New Discussion

Prepartum Depression & dismissive OB?

Shema N Shema N
in 3rd Trimester
For the past few weeks I?ve had these bouts where I feel extremely depressed, scared, overwhelmed, hopeless, etc. I cry b/c I feel overwhelmed. Then later in the day I?ll feel completely back to normal and wonder why I was so weepy earlier in the day. I've also lashed a few times at my mom and hubby and this is completely out of character for me. I hollered at my mom earlier this week and I think the last time I ever yelled at her was when I was a teen.

I did not experience these feelings during my first pregnancy although I was a complete wreck following the birth of my first child.

I explained what I was feeling to my OB today. He looked at me and very matter of factly   said ?you?re just stressed b/c you have more responsibility this time. So long as you are not harming your family you are fine?.

I don?t know. I feel...like the issue was kind of glossed over. Do you ladies agree or is what I?m feeling normal??
Report Reply to Post

Re: Prepartum Depression & dismissive OB?

  • NericoleNericole

    If you feel it isn't normal, then you should seek more help. What do you think should take place? Were you seeking some kind of medication to help regulate your emotional state, or a referral to therapy? If you want therapy, you could be blunt about it and ask for a referral. You know yourself better than anyone, and if something doesn't feel right then speak up, and don't let your OB dismiss it next time. :P I have definitely been having moments lately where I cry for no reason, and am completely happy a couple hours later, or the other way around and I just feel like I will never be happy again! I flipped my *** over a leaky burrito like a week ago and it was so completely not like me, it was kind of scary. 

    Most people will probably chalk it up to hormones, but like I said, you know you! 

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • Shema N Shema N
    I guess I don't know if it's normal which is why I asked my OB, to get his input and find out what to do about it. But maybe you're right, maybe I'm just hormonal. I just didn't feel this way last time around....
    Report Reply
  • sschwegesschwege member

    My MWs had me take a self-assessment recently to help with diagnosis of prepartum depression.  A lot of what you are describing was a part of that assessment.  They used the same survey they use after you have the baby.  Here is the link to the site if you just scroll down a few pages you will see it:

    https://mail.ny.acog.org/website/DepressionToolKit.pdf

    Either way, I think that's a really crummy way of addressing your concerns.  So if I'm not waving a knife around at my family I must be doing just fine?! 

    image




    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers My Ovulation Chart Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • mom2b22013mom2b22013 member
    That's frustrating how your OB responded!! I felt like that with my first, so far I have not really felt like that this time but its still early and I would not be surprised if I feel that way again. I hope you can find someone to talk to or get more help if you do need it! Good luck and you are for sure not the only one who has felt like that!!!!
    Pregnancy Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • court115court115 member

    While our hormones are crazy right now, I agree with the others that if you feel like you need to talk to someone, go talk to someone. Does your insurance require a referral to see a psychologist?

    Its not fair to you or your LO for you to just have to deal with feeling this way.

    Good luck! :) 

    Lilypie Maternity tickers

    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • Kingston54Kingston54 member
    I think what you're feeling is normal.  That's probably why your OB "dismissed" it - because he hears it often.  However, being that you've dealt with similar issues following the birth of your first child, only you will know what is normal hormones and what could be a real problem.  That being said, if you feel it is a real problem, do not hesitate to get help with it.  Call your family doctor, I've found many of them have more experience with depression/anxiety.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • choppinbroccoli22choppinbroccoli22 member

    If YOU are concerned, HE should at least take you seriously. It takes a lot to admit that you may have a problem. I agree with PP, call up your PCP and ask to see him as soon as he can.

    First of all, yes, it could be the natural withdrawl from progesterone that every woman experiences after the delivery of the placenta. It could be stress. Or it could be PPD. It could also be other things, like a post-partum thyroid imbalance which can be sudden and affect your mood, and is often missed or misdiagnosed. When was the last time anyone looked at your Vitamin D levels? Sometimes, there's more going on than stress. It may help to talk to someone even if that's all it is.

    Lilypie First Birthday tickers Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • sugargalsugargal
    I've felt a lot of the same things you mention OP and while I think for me personally it's just hormones.. I did bring it up with my OB. She said that I should keep an eye on it and be aware of the signs of Pre/post partum depression just in case. I also mentioned it to my DH just in case he picks up on behaviour I can't see. 

    Make sure you take care of yourself and don't let someone dismiss your feelings if you feel like there may be something more to it. It never hurts to talk to someone or educate you/your DH on the signs to watch for. 
    Report Reply
  • LoveActually4LoveActually4 member
    imagechoppinbroccoli22:

    If YOU are concerned, HE should at least take you seriously. It takes a lot to admit that you may have a problem. I agree with PP, call up your PCP and ask to see him as soon as he can.

    First of all, yes, it could be the natural withdrawl from progesterone that every woman experiences after the delivery of the placenta. It could be stress. Or it could be PPD. It could also be other things, like a post-partum thyroid imbalance which can be sudden and affect your mood, and is often missed or misdiagnosed. When was the last time anyone looked at your Vitamin D levels? Sometimes, there's more going on than stress. It may help to talk to someone even if that's all it is.



    This.  I had severe PPD and anxiety and I "hinted" to my Gp about it.  That was all I was prepared to admit and thankfully she picked up on my hints and referred me somewhere right away.

    OP, I understand how difficult it is to ask for help and it sucks that you are going to have to be more blunt with you OB but try again. If you feel it's worth mentioning, then it probably deserves a referral to a reproductive mental health specialist.

    Good luck!!


    image"


    image

    My 4 Angel Babies.....
    MC#1- 12/2008, MC#2- 05/2009, MC#3 07/2009, MC#4 11/2009

    Training to become an IBCLC. BF Questions? Just ask!

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"