Diagnosed depression and pregnancy

[zephani]

Hi all,

I have had diagnosed depression for the last 6 years and have been taking anti-depressants for most of that time. I am nearly 8 weeks pregnant with my first baby. My doctor knows about my anti-depressants and says that these tablets won't harm my baby.

Since Friday my depression seems to be getting worse. I seem to be constantly sad and blergh, and having been crying more than usual, over particularly stupid things.

I hate the way my body is looking, even though I have only put on 2 kilos (I don't even know if that is bad or not). I am tired all the time and irritable.

What I am wondering is whether this is my diagnosed depression getting worse or whether it is normal with all the pregnancy hormones flying around? I haven't really had any morning sickness except for extreme tiredness, slightly tender boobs and a feeling of pressure down below.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to be mentioning this but I just needed to ask and vent.

Thanks,

Zeph

P.S Thank you to the people who gave me advice on the antenatal clinic vs obgyn question. I booked my 12 week ultra sound last week, for the end of July, and I think I've decided to go with the antenatal clinic.

[calden]

I'm sorry to hear that your having a hard time at the moment - i to have diagnosed depression and was told that taking my medication whilst pregnant was fine and i do believe that your depression is not getting worse that it is just hormones. I would really try and think positivley, that things aren't getting worse for you i know thats easier said than done when your hormonal - your body is going through a big change not just physically but mentally and since you have depression its like your hormones are a bit more amplified. It will get better just think strong that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and you have something coming into the world that is going to make you so happy something to look forward to. Good luck with your pregnancy and stay strong you can do it!!!

[tiggermamma]

I found the first trimester quite hormonal. And I was EXHAUSTED. What you are describing is normal for lots of women - try to get as much sleep as you possibly could need and don't feel guilty about it!

I have been on anti-depressants in the past and was concerned as I was familiar with the feeling of being depressed. After some of my experiences I would go to a couple of doctors - get second and third opinions, find someone you really like and respect to see you through the pregnancy and keep an eye on you.

I went off medication that wasn't strictly for depression, but affected my emotional state as it wasn't great for the forming foetus. It was scary, but I am glad I did it now. But if your doctor has advised you otherwise I would listen.

It was the right option for me and I found two doctors who helped with that decision. I was so glad I found them, the original doc turned out to have quite a weak reputation with other doctors (I found out this through friends) who had worked with them.

Good luck with everything and just remember everything changes all the time... Pregnancy is temporary, the hormones are temporary, moods are temporary. You will do a fantastic job I am sure, as you sound very sensible. Just be gentle with yourself. Try to find a way to tell your body how much you appreciate her hard work. She will do everything to protect baby, fill you with water retention - anything to cushion this little one growing inside you! Just relax as much as you can and accept your body isn't quite just yours anymore! I know I found it hard too, probably most of us do feel sensitive. Right now I look fantastic - for a beached whale - is how I feel!!! But with baby due any moment I am aware it of quite how temporary this look is!

Best wishes!

[OneCheekyMonkey]

I relate to this, I have been taking antid's steadily now for about 12 years, I am (almost) 30 and expecting our first child.

I have been off ADs now for approx 4 weeks on the advice of a very senior psychiatrist who specialises in obstetric psychiatric medication. I feel exceptionally tired and teary (am hoping that it is more hormonal).

As for safety, I believe that most are deemed safe, but there appears to be a gaping lack of long term studies. Most SSRIs, or derivative of an SSRI (SNRI etc) have been available to the public for less than 15-20 years and the majority of drug studies are sponsored by the drug companies themselves. [Bolding to ensure that this is viewed as an opinion, not fact].

As I had to cease other medication also (what a nightmare) I figured I would ditch all but the basics.

I am going to see how long I can manage off them, if I can't, then I figure that sacrificing my emotional health will not be beneficial to anyone.

I really wish you luck.

[Hokey Pokey]

I'd pop along and express all these concerns with your dr