anti deps and pregnancy??

**whichway1** · 05-07-2012, 05:19 PM

Has anyone, or anyone know anyone, who has been on anti depressants while pregnant.

Psychiatrist has said it is relatively safe - eeeeek - I do know that they can't tell you it's safe just in case it's not.

I am trying to do without, and it is hard. But lately I have been thinking. I am not getting dressed showered etc til late late afternoon. I feel like my daughter wants to do stuff and I am not doing enough stuff. I don't feel particularly sad at this stage, I actually feel a bit like I have no emotions, no interest, no motivation and no personality most of the time, . There are sometimes when I feel ok. At night mainly.

My dilema is this - if I take a tablet every day I will feel guilty that I may be harming the unborn baby and if he/she ends up with some damage as a result - but if I don't take a tablet I feel guilty that I am not good enough mother to my already born child.

This morning, I did get up and get showered before lunch time and I took her out for lunch. SO maybe it's just about effort, but the effort is so huge. I feel like being alive is just a massive effort. But maybe I could just make the big effort everyday. I suppose in a way that is what being a parent is about.

Anyway, I know it is a very selfish question but if anyone has any experience or tips I'd be really grateful.

**scottishstacey** · 05-07-2012, 05:30 PM

I dont know tbh but didnt want to just read and run. I know how much the tablets help, i have family members on them but i have no experience of pregnant people taking them. Do you know anybody who has or maybe theres a site you could do some research from. Completely understand about being wary about them but its also going to be really hard without them. Could you do without them a few days and see how you get on. I hope theres a member on here that knows, i havent been much help sorry

**GilraenH** · 05-07-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by whichway1

Has anyone, or anyone know anyone, who has been on anti depressants while pregnant.

Psychiatrist has said it is relatively safe - eeeeek - I do know that they can't tell you it's safe just in case it's not.

I am trying to do without, and it is hard. But lately I have been thinking. I am not getting dressed showered etc til late late afternoon. I feel like my daughter wants to do stuff and I am not doing enough stuff. I don't feel particularly sad at this stage, I actually feel a bit like I have no emotions, no interest, no motivation and no personality most of the time, . There are sometimes when I feel ok. At night mainly.

My dilema is this - if I take a tablet every day I will feel guilty that I may be harming the unborn baby and if he/she ends up with some damage as a result - but if I don't take a tablet I feel guilty that I am not good enough mother to my already born child.

This morning, I did get up and get showered before lunch time and I took her out for lunch. SO maybe it's just about effort, but the effort is so huge. I feel like being alive is just a massive effort. But maybe I could just make the big effort everyday. I suppose in a way that is what being a parent is about.

Anyway, I know it is a very selfish question but if anyone has any experience or tips I'd be really grateful.

There is NOTHING selfish about your question. I have some experience of working with mums on medication pre and post natally and some with those who are not.

Prescribing these during pregnancy is not usually undertaken lightly but by taking into account all the factors which present with you. Only a psychatrist can prescribe during pregnancy and there are NICE clinical guidelines for how this is done in the UK . I would suggest you talk it over with a trained professional where you are and discuss all your concerns.

Being well and feeling well is good for you and for your baby.

**Maruska** · 05-07-2012, 05:58 PM

Hi,
may I ask how long have you been on antidepressants? And are you taking them regularly? If you`ve been on them for more than 6-8 weeks you should be feeling better already, otherwise you should talk to your doctor about it.You might benefit from psychotherapy too, not just medications.I see that you have a child aside from the unborn baby, do you have any family support, does your daughter go to school? Do you have a plan for when your baby is born? You`ll need a lot of help.
Can`t comment on the safety of antidepressants in pregnancy, sorry. I really hope that you`ll feel better and start to enjoy life. Wish you all the best.

**Val Tibenham** · 05-07-2012, 06:18 PM

Although a nurse and someone who has ADs in the past, I can't comment on the question you've asked and give you a definitive answer.

I would say that you should speak to the person who is looking after your pregnancy - GP, midwife, obstetrician - and let them know exactly how you are feeling. Apart from any side effects from the ADs, being down won't help you, your growing baby or the little girl that you already have.

Get on the phone, make an appointment and talk to someone, as soon as you can - take care of yourself and thinking of you

**whichway1** · 05-07-2012, 08:42 PM

Thanks all so much. I was trying to phone my midwife today but couldn't get through, I suspect something wrong with the phone or many labouring women or something.

I have a worker from the community mental health team too. I spoke to her yesterday and she spoke to psychiatrist and script is there for me at surgery.

I had been on anti depressants with magnificent relief for over a year. When I was on them I always felt good and hence thought I was ready for another baby. I am sure all the health professionals on my case think I am a moron.

So that was about 10 weeks ago, I am 14 weeks pregnant and have been "clean" of anti-d's for 10 weeks. I am aware that depression often relapses in pregnancy, particularly as that is when my last depression started. I don't really like talking too much to health professionals as I think they think I am stupid and should have known better...and also because I am a nurse. I think some of the problem stems from being a nurse and knowing that there are risks and thinking people must be thinking bad things of me. However, I also know that were a patient telling me this I would tell them it is part of the illness....... so I am a bit torn. I also worry that they might take my daughter away from me if I become too unwell and this makes me cry a lot.

My daughter is only 20 months old and my parents are a great support. I feel like I would like my mum to move in, but she can't cos she has her own life!!!! My husband is more helpful than some but less so than he thinks he is. All up I really do have a lot of support here.

I will try and see midwife again.

**scottishstacey** · 05-07-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by whichway1

Thanks all so much. I was trying to phone my midwife today but couldn't get through, I suspect something wrong with the phone or many labouring women or something.

I have a worker from the community mental health team too. I spoke to her yesterday and she spoke to psychiatrist and script is there for me at surgery.

I had been on anti depressants with magnificent relief for over a year. When I was on them I always felt good and hence thought I was ready for another baby. I am sure all the health professionals on my case think I am a moron.

So that was about 10 weeks ago, I am 14 weeks pregnant and have been "clean" of anti-d's for 10 weeks. I am aware that depression often relapses in pregnancy, particularly as that is when my last depression started. I don't really like talking too much to health professionals as I think they think I am stupid and should have known better...and also because I am a nurse. I think some of the problem stems from being a nurse and knowing that there are risks and thinking people must be thinking bad things of me. However, I also know that were a patient telling me this I would tell them it is part of the illness....... so I am a bit torn. I also worry that they might take my daughter away from me if I become too unwell and this makes me cry a lot.

My daughter is only 20 months old and my parents are a great support. I feel like I would like my mum to move in, but she can't cos she has her own life!!!! My husband is more helpful than some but less so than he thinks he is. All up I really do have a lot of support here.

I will try and see midwife again.

Just keep ringing the midwife and demand a appointment asap. It's good that you have the support of your parents now. Let us know how you get on at the midwife

**JoandJon** · 05-07-2012, 09:14 PM

Great big hugs whichway1 - I'm 25 weeks and finding it hard enough and I've not taken ADs before, I can't begin to imagine the extra challenge you're facing.

Definitely keep trying to meet with your midwife/midwives, and if you don't gel with them - ask to speak with someone else. Explain that you're suffering and just not connecting with the person (blame the illness not the midwife - works wonders!).

**GilraenH** · 05-07-2012, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by whichway1

Thanks all so much. I was trying to phone my midwife today but couldn't get through, I suspect something wrong with the phone or many labouring women or something.

I have a worker from the community mental health team too. I spoke to her yesterday and she spoke to psychiatrist and script is there for me at surgery.

I had been on anti depressants with magnificent relief for over a year. When I was on them I always felt good and hence thought I was ready for another baby. I am sure all the health professionals on my case think I am a moron.

So that was about 10 weeks ago, I am 14 weeks pregnant and have been "clean" of anti-d's for 10 weeks. I am aware that depression often relapses in pregnancy, particularly as that is when my last depression started. I don't really like talking too much to health professionals as I think they think I am stupid and should have known better...and also because I am a nurse. I think some of the problem stems from being a nurse and knowing that there are risks and thinking people must be thinking bad things of me. However, I also know that were a patient telling me this I would tell them it is part of the illness....... so I am a bit torn. I also worry that they might take my daughter away from me if I become too unwell and this makes me cry a lot.

My daughter is only 20 months old and my parents are a great support. I feel like I would like my mum to move in, but she can't cos she has her own life!!!! My husband is more helpful than some but less so than he thinks he is. All up I really do have a lot of support here.

I will try and see midwife again.

You poor thing! Would you feel the same if it was a broken leg and not depression? You can't help getting unwell. YOU ARE NOT stupid and I would think very poorly of any professional who would thing you were.

It is a terrible overwhelming and suffocating feeling to have depression. Every breath feels like it is a torture to take and each day can feel shrouded in blackness so thick and deep it is hard to see or think.

Where are you? UK or Oz?

**Maruska** · 05-07-2012, 09:16 PM

I would run your prescription by the obstetrician too. I don`t think anyone thinks worse of you because you`ve decided to have another baby, they are there to help you so don`t feel embarassed! Good thing that you have family support, that helps a lot. If/when you start taking AD again just keep in mind that it takes a while to get the desired level in your system, usually about 6 weeks. Good luck