anti deps and pregnancy??

[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.

[Guest51810]

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 :hug:

[GilraenH]

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. :hug:

[Maruska]

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]

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 :hug:

[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.

[Guest51810]

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 :hug:

[JoandJon]

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]

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]

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 :wubclub:

[summerhill]

If you are in Oz have a look at this and call the number given for your state. from http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2008/03/13/2181149.htm

Medicines

 

It is always wise to avoid taking unnecessary medicines during pregnancy, whether these are prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal or other complementary medicines. Whilst many medicines have been used widely by pregnant women and appear to be safe, others can put the growing baby at risk of birth defects. Check with your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Some women may need to take medicine, especially where the expected benefits of taking it outweigh a potential risk to the baby. For example, if you take regular medicines for conditions such as diabetes, asthma or epilepsy you will usually continue to take your regular medicines during pregnancy. However, you should discuss the safety of these medicines during pregnancy with your doctor before falling pregnant as you may need to change or stop your regular medicines for the duration of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about any medication, detailed advice is available from pregnancy drug information centres.

Australian pregnancy drug information centres

 

 

• NSW: Mothersafe – 02 9382 6539, 1800 647 848 (free for NSW callers)
  
• SA: Women's and Children's Hospital – 08 8161 7222
  
• VIC: Royal Women's Hospital – 03 9344 2277
  
• WA: Women's & Newborn Health Service – 08 9340 2723
  
• Other states:National Prescribing Service Medicines Line – 1300 888 763
  

 

[GilraenH]

If you are in Oz have a look at this and call the number given for your state. from http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2008/03/13/2181149.htm

Medicines

 

It is always wise to avoid taking unnecessary medicines during pregnancy, whether these are prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal or other complementary medicines. Whilst many medicines have been used widely by pregnant women and appear to be safe, others can put the growing baby at risk of birth defects. Check with your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Some women may need to take medicine, especially where the expected benefits of taking it outweigh a potential risk to the baby. For example, if you take regular medicines for conditions such as diabetes, asthma or epilepsy you will usually continue to take your regular medicines during pregnancy. However, you should discuss the safety of these medicines during pregnancy with your doctor before falling pregnant as you may need to change or stop your regular medicines for the duration of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about any medication, detailed advice is available from pregnancy drug information centres.

Australian pregnancy drug information centres

 

• NSW: Mothersafe – 02 9382 6539, 1800 647 848 (free for NSW callers)

• SA: Women's and Children's Hospital – 08 8161 7222

• VIC: Royal Women's Hospital – 03 9344 2277

• WA: Women's & Newborn Health Service – 08 9340 2723

• Other states:National Prescribing Service Medicines Line – 1300 888 763

 

 

Summerhill are you a health professional? I ask because other health professionals on this thread have suggested she speak to her psychiatrist, her mental health nurse, her midwife and her obstetrician all who know the OP and who are ethically bound to provide her with safe and effective care. :biggrin:

[Petals]

There are a lot of forums around about specific AD and you may gain some information from them and other people's experiences. Also my AD have a leaflet with them which indicates when they should not be taken or medical advice sought.

 

I too am slipping into wanting to do nothing presently so know how it feels. Now I have said this perhaps I should make an appointment at the docs :biggrin:

[Perthbum]

 

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.

They are a great help, take them if possible.

[whichway1]

Am in UK, so that is blessing for me as I have support here. This forum is great too.

 

Petals, you should probably look at making an appointment with someone as I am sure you know it can be a long recovery and the sooner caught the better.

[Val Tibenham]

Am in UK, so that is blessing for me as I have support here. This forum is great too.

 

Petals, you should probably look at making an appointment with someone as I am sure you know it can be a long recovery and the sooner caught the better.

 

Have you managed to get hold of your midwife yet ?

[Delaneym]

I was the perinatal clinical nurse specialist for 5 years if you want some advice happy for you to pm me or to call me if you not in uk then still welcome to but if you are in australia then pm and i will give you some contact details and info about beyond blue the perinatal directive. M x

[starlight7]

Someone close to me took them during her pregnancy and gave birth to a very premature baby ( who is fine now). There was no reason for the prematurity that she or any doctor would say but I know this is what she thought. Sounds horrible I know but just a warning-maybe make sure that the type taken are not any of the ones in this article- better safe than sorry. I hate being one of those people that is a doom-sayer so apologise for this .

http://www.naturalnews.com/028305_antidepressants_pregnancy.html

[supa]

It's a tough one. I carried on with my epilepsy meds when pregnant because the thought of risking a seizure was too great and all was well. Well done for staying of them for that first trimester which is of course, the important one. Delving deep into independent reviews and background internet reading on the particular meds may also be helpful? Back to others for more knowledgable advice!

[Wendy Thorp]

I completely understand depression and am on anti depressants myself, i understand how debilitating it is and how i would not be able to cope without them. I would be surprised if any health professional would prescribe something he knew to be dangerous to you or the baby.

 

I would generally say they always air on the side of caution.

 

However for your peace of mind i think talking to your doctor and knowing how they work etc... would help. You have to consider the negative effects against not taking them that may have on your baby, eating properly sleeping properly, keeping appointments, exercise etc... all this tends to go out the window when you are depressed and all these things are important for the baby growing inside you. your wellbeing is directly connected to that of your baby. I would check the dosage they have given you it may just be a small dose that will make a difference to you but not high enough to cause any problems. I know that the one i take sertaline, does not actually put sertaline into the system, in actually blocks the sertaline in the area around the brain, from leaving as it is normally a process of in and out, but in some people not enough is going in to what is going out? at least this is the way the doctor explained it to me, and again there are so many different types so they will all act different i assume? Remember the way you are feeling is not real, but is the depression, noone is going to think you are mad, or badly of you in anyway shape or form, if anything your concern for this shows completely the opposite. i wish you all the best and that you are able to feel better and have piece of mind. Remember depression is an illness and not a state of mind, and while i appauld you trying to overcome this is anyway you can, stength of mind and character is not going to get rid of this illness. You could possible try natural sertaline highs, which you can get from exercise, and even chocolate i think!? w xx

[GilraenH]

Am in UK, so that is blessing for me as I have support here. This forum is great too.

 

Petals, you should probably look at making an appointment with someone as I am sure you know it can be a long recovery and the sooner caught the better.

 

Given the age of your child and your antenatal state I would have thought your Health visitor was ideal to provide additional support and 'Listening visits'

 

Just want to add a hug for you :hug:

 

DelaneyM's offer sounds good too. Take anything you are 'up to' that helps you feel better than now. :biggrin:

[summerhill]

Hi Gillian ,

I am a health professional (RN for 20 years) and a previous user of Mothersafe in NSW. This is a service provided by the Royal Women's Hospital in Sydney. When I was pregnant and taking medication they were able to give both me and my consultant ob detailed studies regarding the meds I was taking allowing me and my doctor to make the best decision possible regarding my health and the health of my baby. Many drugs are not tested on pregnant women prior to being approved for release with the drug company stating they should not be used in pregnancy for this reason . This was the case with the medication I was taking . Thankfully Mothersafe were able to provide me and my doctor with empirical evidence that the meds were safe for both me and my baby and I now have a beautiful 2 year old daughter . This is an invaluable service as they not only provided me with the relevant research/studies that had been published but they also took the time to discuss and explain everything to me and my partner and my doctor. It reassured me that I could speak directly to them and not get second hand information and that they were also in contact with my doctor .Have a look at thishttp://www.rhwfoundation.com.au/newsletters/pdf/Autumn-2012-Newsletter-p5.pdf . I am sorry this is not of any use to the OP.

[ali]

Some anti-depressants should be avoided. No medication is completly safe in pregnancy but some are safer than others. If you're taking antidepressants they don't usually recommend that you breast feed even though studies suggest that only about 5% of the antidepressant passing into breast milk. A small number of studies suggest it's not harmful (passing through breast milk), but as a health professional yourself you will need to decide if the studies are sufficient for you to take the risk.

 

If you are under the care of a community mental health nurse then ask for an appointment with the psychiatrist - they may be able to put your mind at ease. Your psychiatrist will (with you) help you to decide on the benefit/risk, leaving depression un treated may be a greater risk to you both than taking an antidepressant.

[GilraenH]

Hi Gillian ,

I am a health professional (RN for 20 years) and a previous user of Mothersafe in NSW. This is a service provided by the Royal Women's Hospital in Sydney. When I was pregnant and taking medication they were able to give both me and my consultant ob detailed studies regarding the meds I was taking allowing me and my doctor to make the best decision possible regarding my health and the health of my baby. Many drugs are not tested on pregnant women prior to being approved for release with the drug company stating they should not be used in pregnancy for this reason . This was the case with the medication I was taking . Thankfully Mothersafe were able to provide me and my doctor with empirical evidence that the meds were safe for both me and my baby and I now have a beautiful 2 year old daughter . This is an invaluable service as they not only provided me with the relevant research/studies that had been published but they also took the time to discuss and explain everything to me and my partner and my doctor. It reassured me that I could speak directly to them and not get second hand information and that they were also in contact with my doctor .Have a look at thishttp://www.rhwfoundation.com.au/newsletters/pdf/Autumn-2012-Newsletter-p5.pdf . I am sorry this is not of any use to the OP.

 

That sounds like a great service summerhill, I'm glad it worked out so well for you and your daughter. :biggrin:

[whichway1]

Some anti-depressants should be avoided. No medication is completly safe in pregnancy but some are safer than others. If you're taking antidepressants they don't usually recommend that you breast feed even though studies suggest that only about 5% of the antidepressant passing into breast milk. A small number of studies suggest it's not harmful (passing through breast milk), but as a health professional yourself you will need to decide if the studies are sufficient for you to take the risk.

 

If you are under the care of a community mental health nurse then ask for an appointment with the psychiatrist - they may be able to put your mind at ease. Your psychiatrist will (with you) help you to decide on the benefit/risk, leaving depression un treated may be a greater risk to you both than taking an antidepressant.

 

I know, I feel that I should have an appointment to have all available literature from psychiatrist. I think in essence that is the problem. On Monday am going to phone and ask.