treating depression during pregnancy?
I am 24 weeks pregnant and I have been feeling pretty depressed. This is my 2nd pregnancy and I have been really stressed out. I was extremely happy during my first pregnancy but not this time. I have been feeling this way for a few weeks now but I thought I was just having pregnancy mood swings. I started having other symptoms like sleeping a lot, eating all the time, feeling low and irritable, and very fatigued. I don’t feel suicidal or anything but I don’t want it to go that far. I plan to talk to my midwife at my next prenatal appt but I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the treatment usually is for depression during pregnancy. I know there are some meds that are safe during pregnancy and I would like to know what they are and what are the side effects. I appreciate any advice so thanks in advance.
Tagged with: Depression • During • Pregnancy • treating
Filed under: Prenatal Depression Symptoms
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This may be temporary and you may not need any meds but if you do your best bet is to consult a pharmacist to find out what anti depressants are safe during pregnancy
You poor thing! My 2nd pregnancy was so similar. I personally am against prescriptions med and I would suggest walking the dog, or just walking and forcing yourself to get out of the house until your brain can start making more hormones to get you back balanced. I know it’s hard, I do… but you can do it naturally. Eat lots of fruit (or juice them) and cut out gluten. Research gluten, and cut it out… you will feel better within a week.
OK well I will say that I am on the same page as you. I have been going through depression big time. I had some post partum and now continuing with my second pregnancy. I thought it was pregnancy hormones but It is just soo intense. I talked to my Dr and he wanted to put me on something but of course I want to wait till my baby is out. I now there are safer anti depressants out there but I think I can wait 10 more weeks. The best way to find out what is safe is to talk to the DR. something safe for one person could be different for another. What you could try is getting out in the sun, walking doing fun things. I know it is hard especially when your in a depression cycle but that can reallllly help. Find a councilor to talk to or someone with experience. No matter what pill you take you still need to talk to a professional to help with what is making you feel the way you do. I am not saying to not go on anti depressants. Only you know how bad you feel. But remember, its not just going to make you happy. It;s not a happy pill lol Apparently if your partner notices your happy and you don’t then its working lol. Thats what my close friend who is on anti depressants for years told me . lol
Sorry I prolly wasn’t much help but I just know what you are going through
It’s good you’re going to talk to your midwife but I also recommend you talk to an OBGYN MD… they’re very in tune with the up & ups on helping women cope with certain situations and concerns that arise during pregnancy, such as depression and anxiety. It is healthier for you and bub that you remain a happy person and though I have been reluctant about medications myself I do understand that some people need them in order to get themselves back on track.
One of the safest medications prescribed to pregnant women who have issues with anxiety and depression is Zoloft (an SSRI). My co-worker is one such woman and her pregnancy and baby is perfectly healthy and fine. Your doctor will also talk to you more about these sorts of medications if that is the route you want to take. It is best to take the lowest possible dose, usually it’s enough to take the edge off feeling depressed or anxious. I know many people on here are afraid to mention meds or are against them but I just wanted to share what I know of the situation (though I personally prefer not to take meds, I do know there are times it is necessary and to me you sound like you need some help, please talk to your medical professionals, ask them tons of questions, and if your midwife can’t answer you well you should seek the advice of an OBGYN MD, and don’t forget to go with what your inner feelings tell you, too– whether the help comes in one form or another– sometimes it just takes a little communication and changing some things in your diet and lifestyle to get you feeling better– I do know more sunlight and foods rich in vitamin c are natural anti-depressants).