pregnancy and depression

daw84 · January 2015

This is my first time posting in this birth group but im feeling like i really cant talk to anyone i know about it. This is my second pregnancy, my first was a perfect and easy pregnancy and delivery. This time everything was going great until a couple weeks ago. All i do now is cry or rage, i have no joy with things that used to make me happy. Im really struggling w this bc ive never dealt w anything like this before. I try so hard to mask my sadness each day that it takes all the energy i have. I really have no reason to feel this way. Is anyone else coping w depression at this point in pregnancy?

daw84 · January 2015

Thank you for responding. Just out of curiosity, is this your first pregnancy? Im so afraid to take prescription meds while pregnant or nursing down the road

CMSullivan326 · January 2015

daw84 said:
Thank you for responding. Just out of curiosity, is this your first pregnancy? Im so afraid to take prescription meds while pregnant or nursing down the road

I was scared too but I'm now taking Zoloft & it's made a world of difference. Please talk to you OB. Depression is nothing to take lightly.

gingerbabe · January 2015

I have to echo what the others said. Talk to your OB. Especially because you are taking care of your first child. I had prenatal depression my first pregnancy and didn't realize it. It was a miserable time for me and my husband. Worst 9 months of my life. But at least I didn't have a child it was affecting too. Also, you may need to stay on the meds for a while after baby is born. Or maybe you won't. You'll just need to talk to your OB and she can help you figure out what you need. But you are not alone and don't hesitate to seek help or advice.

lisaR3680 · January 2015

I'm having the exact same problem, this is also my first pregnancy. I'm sorry to hear you're going through this too. I spoke to my ob and she referred me to a therapist. This way I have someone to help manage my symptoms now and more importantly I'll have quick access to help if this become pp depression.

I felt a bit better after talking to my doc and being told I wasn't "crazy" and that there were solutions.

moret07 · January 2015

I have no experienced this so I am not much help on info. I can offer my support and say I hope you figure out your situation and make it a better one for you and your family. Good luck!

babybean9 · January 2015

This is my first pregnancy, but I've been dealing with dysthymia as well as anxiety since childhood. It's mild but long term depression. You are definitely not alone!

I don't take any prescriptions, but have mentioned it to my midwife and family doctor and advise you do the same. There's no shame in taking medication if it's needed, and I'm sure you can still breastfeed depending on which one is prescribed. (If any is at all.)

Therapy is definitely something to look into. I've always put it off because I've been dealing with this for so long it's sadly just kind of become part who I am. I wanted to actually post about it here but was feeling embarrassed. So I want to thank you for sharing, it might've been the push I need to get myself help too. Thinking of you and hoping things take a positive turn for you soon.

ksimo6 · January 2015

daw84 said:
Thank you for responding. Just out of curiosity, is this your first pregnancy? Im so afraid to take prescription meds while pregnant or nursing down the road

I took Zoloft while nursing my daughter and have been in it this entire pregnancy. My doctor assures me that it is totally safe.

mommacandi · January 2015

I'd like to echo what PP's have said. Depression is nothing to be ashamed or embarassed of, but also nothing to take lightly. Especially when a baby is on the way and you already have a child that depends on you. This combined with feeling crappy is overwhelming and can result in an exacerbation of the depression. There are meds that are safe during pregnancy, don't be afraid to ask about and take them. Therapy is also a good option, just to help you feel like you're not alone and to learn ways to manage the stress, sadness, pressure, etc. that can occur in everyday life both pre and post-partum.

girlymama79 · January 2015

I agree talk to your dr. I had pregnancy depression with dd1 and I didn't realize till afterwards. DH and I fought like crazy during the whole pregnancy because of it. Then I had ppd and finally got treated and it made a world of difference.

thelittlestbee · January 2015

I'm sorry that you are dealing with this. I went through a lot of ups and downs at the beginning of my pregnancy, but things have gotten better since then. As the other PP's have suggested, you might want to talk to your health care provider to discuss your options for medication. I would also suggest that you keep a journal. It can help you get a lot of the negative/sad thoughts and feelings out of your system. Not saying this is a cure for depression, but in my personal experience journaling has really helped me get a grip on my emotions.

lilitaliangirl · January 2015

I have suffered with depression and anxiety for several years and took medication until shortly before getting pregnant. My 1st trimester I had some serious depression issues. I actually thought at one point I could totally understand how a woman can just up and leave her family. It was horrible, but I really opened up with my husband and even though he didn't completely understand, he was patient. I highly suggest talking with your doctor and even someone you trust. Also, are u taking any meds aside from prenatal vitamins? I was taking progesterone and Diclegis 1st trimester and I believe they made things worse for me emotionally/mentally.

ElRuby · January 2015

In addition to speaking with your MD about medication as one option, please consider consulting a licensed counselor or psychologist who has experience with these issues. Therapy can be extremely helpful whether or not you choose to take medication and can provide you with both support and skills to manage depression.

shahoi · January 2015

I have not experienced this, but I did want to offer my support. I hope after speaking with your OB, the 2 of you can come up with a treatment plan that you are comfortable with. It sounds like some other ladies here know exactly what you are going through, so you're not alone, momma! Take care of yourself

MrsDee1982 · January 2015

I am so sorry you're going through this. I think that this is something that is more common than you might think. People just tend not to be open about these things, which is why it doesn't seem like it's so common. Please talk to your OB like PPs suggested. There are things that can help. There is no need for you to suffer through this.

leenziepops · January 2015

I'm sorry you are going through this but really glad you reached out. The women here have given you some great advice. Dont suffer in silence. Please really take the advice on board and think it over. Check in again and do let us know how you're going.

tahitiandreamin · January 2015

OP, thank you for having the courage to post this. It was only today that I have been able to admit to myself that I might have depression. Just like you my first pregnancy was relatively easy. This was has been anything but. My diagnosis with placenta previa has pushed me to the edge of constantly miserable. I hope that you can find something that works for you!

antilasher1 · January 2015

I was going to post something like this before I saw yours, OP. I have dealt with depression most of my life, but I was blindsided with it as soon as I hit the second trimester. It took a few weeks and a very concerned DH to finally bring it up to my OB, but I'm glad I did. I am still working with her to find a treatment plan that works for me, but Zoloft has definitely helped. My OB said that it is the only medication that has been tested for long term affects on the child, testing up to kindergarten age, so it's safe.

You've got a lot of support here and your OB will be a good asset, so don't hesitate to reach out.

staciecoffey · January 2015

Echoing all the PP's, trust your doctor. And talk it out, whether it be in here, a friend a therapist, you have to talk it out. I have been able to keep my depression to a minimum but there are days where it gets the best of me.

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