Dealing with Depression While Pregnant

Did you taper off with the MD's help and advice? Does your OB have any idea? It's really time for them to know if they don;t all ready.
I had depression issues w/ my last PG. from wk 20 to 30 I just fought them alone...I broke down one day and old the OB, he was so helpful.
Sent me to a Pschy doc who specialized in treating PG's and did prescribe me something. i was not thrilled with taking meds and being PG..but the alternative was far less healthy for me, my children and the baby.
Talk to your Doc

1 mom found this helpful

A.,

I would urge you to talk with a psychiatrist who deals with depression and pregnancy--it is so important to be treated so that you can function well for yourself and both of your children. Women often continue their antidepressants during pregnancy. Mass. General has a group of psychiatrists who specialize in this area.

P.

Hi A.,
I also suffer from depression. I just had my third child and could not go with out medication this pregnacy. I went on Zoloft 3 months into my pregnancy and I am still on it while breast feeding. It has helped me so much. Check with your doctor about it. It makes a world of difference.
Take care and congratulations on your pregnancy!
M.

Hi A.,
I hope I can help, at least a little bit. I recently came off of Effexor XR for anxiety/depression after several years. I have found that some herbal remedies have helped me some. I try to drink tea with valerian root in it every day. Chamomile is also helpful. With pregnancy, I would be careful in taking too many herbs - but if you go into a health food store there is usually someone knowledgable to help you. I know that in Whole Foods stores, there is always someone in the supplement dept who is very knowledgable. I took a natural supplement called Bliss for several months coming off of my medication.
I have always had issues with anxiety - and depression has been an issue for the last few years. I found that eating a better diet (whole, natural foods - as few processed foods as possible) made a tremendous difference for me.
I have also recently downloaded some guided meditations off of itunes. It sounded corny at first but I can't believe how much it helps me relax and collect myself. There are so many choices with these - 2 minutes up to 1-2 hours each. Try it.....it might help.
I hope something here is of use to you - I know how tough it can be home with small children. We need all of the help we can get :-)
Take care of yourself....
K.

A., I would try flower essences. They will not harm your baby or interact with any medications you might be taking. They work on the psychological and emotional and are used widely in Britain and Europe as part of every day medical care. They are becoming more common in the US now. Ask at your local health food store if they know of any practitioners that you could visit with. If not, they likely do have the remedies. I would suggest that you take Bach's Rescue Remedy or Healing Herbs Five Flower Formula. Take them "as needed", at least 4 times a day. You can take as many doses as you wish. A dosage of 4 drops is adequate. If you do not feel relief in a day or two, add the remedy "Gorse". Gorse is good for post partum depression so perhaps it will help you now. Another possibility is the remedy "Mustard". Hope this helps. Be gentle with yourself!

Hi A.,
I really feel for you. I have suffered on and off with depression and anxiety for years. Medications did not make me feel better. When I became pregnant, I decided to go to a naturopath/homeopath to see if there might be some alternative remedies that could help. It was really helpful. If you do decide to try this route, I would strongly recommend seeing a specialist who knows and understands the effects of alternative meds/herbs during pregnancy. Cranio-sacral work and massage with an amazing, tuned in body worker was also extremely helpful.

For me, exercise is key in dealing with my depression (this was true when I was pregnant and is true in my non-pregnant state as well). Getting out of my mind and into my body is so healing and helps to regulate my energies.

More than anything, I think the most important thing is for you to feel good. Judging yourself will not make things better. If you need the meds to get regulated so you can take better care of yourself and your children, take them without guilt.

Taking care of ourselves is one of the best gifts we can give our families. Your happiness is important. I wish you all the best in the remaining months of your pregnancy and beyond.

-F.

For the sake of you & your daughter, you need to get back on your medication immediately. Give your doctor a call & discuss with him or her the feelings you are having. I can say with 99% certainly that they will agree that you are better off on your medication than without them. I'm a 37-year old who recently gave birth to my 1st child & stayed on a "cocktail" of meds throughout my pregnancy. As disappointed as I am that I'm unable to nurse my baby, I realize I made the best decision for everyone involved.

A.,
I took Celexa during my pregnancy and continue now while breastfeeding. The risks are very low for any problems--why don't you speak to your pediatrician about going back on the medication. I think it is as harmful to parent depressed as any of the very rare and minor side effects of the medication.

Good luck!

My understanding is that Prozac is "safe" to take during pregnancy. I, too, have suffered with depression for a very long time, especially since my sister died (now 7 years ago).
Other than meds, I find it most helpful to keep busy. This isn't busy at home, but busy outside of the home. Surrounding myself with others, making commitments to others and being held accountable outside of the home make depression easier for me. Its too easy for me to make excuses and procrastinate if I'm the only one to be accountable to.
Play groups with your daughter, perhaps group music lessons or something in the area -- anything to keep you on a routine.

Hope this helps -- good luck!

Hi A.,
I am a mother of two daughters, one of whom has suffered from depression since her teens as well. I have also had post-partum depression.

I don't have any answers but would suggest that you talk to your doctor and let her know that this is a real concern. I would think that there is something that you could take. If your doc can't help then find a psychiatrist who can. Your happiness and your child's are too important.

My heart goes out to you and let me know if you find an answer!
All the best,
S. H.

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Hi there, I sympathize with your predicament. HAve you ever tried acupuncture?
If you have questions or need to find someone in your area let me know.

M.

Hi,
Just wanted to write to let you know that there are a ton of options out there for dealing with depression naturally. I think a lot of people tend to get "down" at this time of year especially...I know I do. Look into increasing your vitamin intake, most people don't know that many of the recommended daily intakes are now considered too low. One that is very important for us in the North is Vitamin D because sun exposure is not adequate to fill our needs. There are also some great herbs that are safe for pregnancy such as Chamomile. Try to get outside for exercise and fresh air everyday. Focus on everything that is good in your life as much as possible. Hope this helps!
Kat