10 answers

Depression and Weight Gain for 2Nd Pregnancy

First of all, I have been feeling really depressed with this second pregnancy. I can't help agonizing about how much MORE my life is going to change. My husband keeps telling me I need to "be more positive" and to try and "be happy," but this advice just makes me mad. I was the one who wanted another baby and now I am feeling sad and depressed about all the potential changes in my life. I don't recall feeling this way with #1. Is this normal?
Additionally, I am stressing A LOT about gaining weight. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was put on pelvic rest and told not to exercise because I had placenta previa. This was really hard for me because I run and lift weights 4-5 days a week. This time around, everything is good so far, but I am only 8 weeks along and ALREADY my belly is sticking out and I have to wear bigger shirts. THis might not be a problem except that we have only told close friends and immediate family that we are having another baby, so I feel like I have to conceal my belly.
I have really been trying to eat well, but when the only things that sound good to eat are bagels with butter, chips, and cheese, it's hard to be good about eating fruits and veggies. And running has become difficult and unappealing for me due to the recent heat and that breathlessness that comes with pregnancy (gotta support that little one with oxygen!) I feel like I am obsessing about my weight gain and yet I don't know how to stop.
Do you think this is normal pregnancy hormones at work? Has anyone gone through this?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Thank you all SOOOOO much for all your advice and support! It makes me feel better just knowing that this experience is not uncommon in subsequent pregnancies. I will be speaking to my doctor about these feelings at my next appointment on the 27th and hopefully getting some help, be it a consult with a nutritionist or a visit to a therapist! Thank you all again for taking the time to help me with this problem!

More Answers

So I just had my second a month ago and I just wanted to tell you that I fely the same way that you did. I also wanted another child and then throughout my whole pregnancy I had mjor anxiety about how this was going to change everything and did we make the right decision. Plus I too was a little depressed in my first trimester luckily that went away. So 2 things one the more I sopke to my friends about this the more they said they had the same feelings and worries about a second, and the other is now that she is here I can't imagine her not being in our life. I too told my husband when I had these feelings and he sounded alot like yours. I just don't think they get it, but like I said all the women i spoke to have felt the same way. So as hard as it is just know these feelings eventually will go away. Just try and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and the rest of the time with your first.
good luck
M. b

Hi E.~
It sounds like you are telling my story! I think it could go both ways. It could be COMPLETELY normal, you'll have to judge based on your mood history. Addressing the 'showing' situation first, is there a reason you aren't telling yet? I understand why some women wait, but if you are showing it may cause you more stress to hide it than to just celebrate it. I had a terrible time with weight gain and it bothered me my whole pregnancy. After delivery I found out that I had an abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid and there was nothing I could do about it...so I stressed for nothing! On to the depression...with your first baby you have visions of bliss and a perfect life w/baby! With the second, you remember very vividly how hard it is to have a newborn and now you are picturing all that with a toddler in tow! Who wouldn't be worried? I am still reeling from the chaos of having 2 young children. But I promise you, it gets better every day! You will start to feel better physically and that will do wonders for your mood. The first pregnancy is all about you...the second is just life, only harder! That said, mention to your doctor that you feel blue. PPD knocked me for a loop after my last baby, I never saw it coming. At least you and your doc will be able to address your mood throughout your pregnancy and keep it in check. If it does progress, it will already be out in the open and you won't have to go through the agony of being afraid to tell anybody. Feel free to message me b/c I remember feeling exactly the same way! You'll get through this, normal or not, just keep your doc in the loop and give yourself a break...you're building a human in there!! :)
~L.

E.--
First, if you feel like your depression is something you cannot control, you need to speak with a doctor immediately! Depression is a chemical imbalance and nothing to play with especially during and after pregnancy. As for weight gain, you need to be focusing on having a healthy baby and realize that with some pregnancies, you may have to gain more than the ideal weight. Realize that all of the sadness and worry you are feeling is being passed on to your baby who has no choice in this. So, I don't know how spiritual you are, but you should pray and ask God for guidance and pray that you have a happy and healthy baby. By the way, I know it is hard but try not to focus on the husband being busy as long as you know that he would spend more time if he had it. This is time to focus on you and doing whatever it takes to make YOU happy. Try joining a class or club of other pregnant moms or a support group. Remember, go to a doctor about the depression and focus on YOU! Read Joel Osteen's book, "Your Best Life Now."

Hey girl,
It is completely normal in the first trimester to have some depression. I also know that is is hard with a 2 year old and a very busy hubby to be pregnant 2nd time around as I have both as well. You only have a few more weeks before it would probably be safe to tell your family and that would relieve some of the stress of hiding it and allow you to enjoy it more.
Be sure to talk to your Dr. about your depression when you go in so he can keep an eye on you or prescribe something to get you through it if necessary.
C.

Hi E.,
Sweetie, this isn't normal and sounds like the beginning stages of Post Partum Depression - Yes...it can occur during pregnancy; despite what many think. I have two children and had a terrible bout of Post Partum Depression with my second child..my daughter. I didn't have a bit of this during my first pregnancy. I denied my "emotions" and told my self to be strong, fight harder, move on etc...it did not help my situation. For me I went into full blown psychosis after I delivered. Please know I'm not trying to scare you...only trying to make you aware of possibilities and lend support. I'm short on time now, but will gladly share more information with you later today if you'd like. I know a fabulous Doctor that specializes in this stuff..his first practice was OB/Gyn and now he's an active Psychiatrist specializing in PPD. He knows his stuff better than anyone. If anything..it may do you well to consult with him. Perhaps he can put your mind at ease OR lend his expertise if deemed necessary. Hang in there E.. Send me a private message if you'd like further info.

Thanks!
M. M.

Hello
I had my second baby about 15 mths ago.
I felt like what you are explaining.
I really had to shake myself out of it. Eat the right foods and rest.
I would tell myself the following, whenever I was feeling depressed.
You are blessed with another child.
Be grateful for the child.
I would be happier.
In my case, bed rest restriction was the hardest.
Weight gaining and losing is not important
as the health of yourself and baby.
Congrats the your family and be safe/

I was kind of depressed at the end of my 2nd pregnancy because I couldnt imagine loving another child as I do my first one. But it just happens. and its wonderful, Yes life changes I think more so with the second than the first but after a little bit of time things will seem like they have always been that way. As for the weight gain don't go over board but enjoy the food that you love (in moderation) and eat your veggies and fruit too.

Dear E.

Be positive and just avoid those food. Think my baby doesn't like it. Eat the fruits first so you are full.I am sure you will overcome it. All the best dear.

Love C.

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