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pregnancy and anxiety
Hello everyone! I really need help. I'm 32 weeks pregnant and since last a couple of weeks I'm having severe anxiety attacks. I'm making stories in my head and sometimes I get this huge wave of fear out of no where, I get extremely shaky as well as nauseous and I have rushing thoughts. I feel like I'm being scared all the time that something bas is going to happen. I can't control it! My husband thinks is hormonal but it's just overwhelming. I was so happy my whole pregnancy until now, I feel like I can't even think about the baby as much as I would like to and I'm scared to death that something can happen to her because of my stress. I went to my ob gyn two days ago and he prescribed me Zoloft but I really don't want to take it since it can cause birth defects. I just don't know what to do anymore. I want to be happy and ready for the baby.
Actually, Zoloft is Class C medication:
http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/sertraline.html
http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/sertraline.html
I took 50 mg of sertraline (zoloft) throughout my entire pregnancy and breastfed! And My baby boy is 4 now and I had no problems what so ever with being on it while pregnant and it didn't affect my son. I know ppl that switch to zoloft during their pregnancy. There are risks, BUT they are very low! Its a class B drug. I have a friend that is weaning off of another drug and switching to zoloft so she can become pregnant again!
Hello and welcome!
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Do you have any history of anxiety?
Sounds like you're having panic attacks. Did anything trigger this specifically? It's not uncommon at ALL for pregnant women to experience an increased level of anxiety, considering the combo of the normal worry that comes with pregnancy, and the hormonal surges.
Listen, deciding to take a medication like Zoloft during pregnancy is a personal one. While there are no guarantees, plenty of women take antidepressants during their pregnancies, with no issues whatsoever. I took an antidepressant during pregnancy with no adverse outcomes. That being said, I certainly understand your reluctance to take a med. The things is, the high levels of anxiety and stress is also no good for you or your pregnancy, and it sounds like your symptoms are severe enough that the medication option is understandable. There are some considerations though, that I'm not sure your doc thought of, that would make a med option for you futile in a way. I'll elaborate in a minute.
Just some info for you. Zoloft is rated a class "C" medication as far as risk in pregnancy. Here is a list and description of the different ratings:
Category A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Category B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Category C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Category N
FDA has not classified the drug.
As you can see, a "C" rated drug is kind of middle of the road. That's the kind of medication that takes some thinking, weighing risks and benefits.
Most antidepressants are a level "C" risk, with the exception of Paxil, which is a "D". Some ADs are considered "safer" than others. For example, when I found out I was pregnant, I was on Lexapro at the time. My OB and psych explained that it would be advised to switch to Prozac throughout my pregnancy, and then switch back tp the Lexapro. That's what I did, and like I said, my daughter is fine (she's 15 now).
The other advantage you have is that you're pretty far along. You're almost there. That's the other thing...(what I said I would get to) to be honest, these meds take 4-6 weeks to really make a difference most times, so realistically, you may not even benefit from the Zoloft until after the baby comes. That's something to keep in mind. You won't get instant relief, and with most ADs, you actually have to feel a little worse before you feel better. If you were a little earlier on in the pregnancy, it would make more sense.
No one can tell you for SURE what's right for you or what you should do. This is a decision you have to make with your doctors after weighing the risks. Certainly, I think it's reasonable to at least TRY some therapy first if you haven't. You may find that therapy will help you manage your anxiety at least somewhat.
Very best to you...please keep us updated okay?
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Do you have any history of anxiety?
Sounds like you're having panic attacks. Did anything trigger this specifically? It's not uncommon at ALL for pregnant women to experience an increased level of anxiety, considering the combo of the normal worry that comes with pregnancy, and the hormonal surges.
Listen, deciding to take a medication like Zoloft during pregnancy is a personal one. While there are no guarantees, plenty of women take antidepressants during their pregnancies, with no issues whatsoever. I took an antidepressant during pregnancy with no adverse outcomes. That being said, I certainly understand your reluctance to take a med. The things is, the high levels of anxiety and stress is also no good for you or your pregnancy, and it sounds like your symptoms are severe enough that the medication option is understandable. There are some considerations though, that I'm not sure your doc thought of, that would make a med option for you futile in a way. I'll elaborate in a minute.
Just some info for you. Zoloft is rated a class "C" medication as far as risk in pregnancy. Here is a list and description of the different ratings:
Category A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Category B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Category C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Category N
FDA has not classified the drug.
As you can see, a "C" rated drug is kind of middle of the road. That's the kind of medication that takes some thinking, weighing risks and benefits.
Most antidepressants are a level "C" risk, with the exception of Paxil, which is a "D". Some ADs are considered "safer" than others. For example, when I found out I was pregnant, I was on Lexapro at the time. My OB and psych explained that it would be advised to switch to Prozac throughout my pregnancy, and then switch back tp the Lexapro. That's what I did, and like I said, my daughter is fine (she's 15 now).
The other advantage you have is that you're pretty far along. You're almost there. That's the other thing...(what I said I would get to) to be honest, these meds take 4-6 weeks to really make a difference most times, so realistically, you may not even benefit from the Zoloft until after the baby comes. That's something to keep in mind. You won't get instant relief, and with most ADs, you actually have to feel a little worse before you feel better. If you were a little earlier on in the pregnancy, it would make more sense.
No one can tell you for SURE what's right for you or what you should do. This is a decision you have to make with your doctors after weighing the risks. Certainly, I think it's reasonable to at least TRY some therapy first if you haven't. You may find that therapy will help you manage your anxiety at least somewhat.
Very best to you...please keep us updated okay?
I meant if you have depression/anxiety issues after having your baby and not breast feeding, then take medication if you need it.
Don't take Zoloft or any anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic medication while pregnant or breast feeding! You need to go to a psychologist/therapist ASAP. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) will help you. Both individual and group therapy. You will learn alternative natural techniques to help with anxiety, stress, and depression. It sounds like your stress and anxiety is probably a mixture of hormones and just the whole experience of pregnancy and anxiety that comes with it.
Please stay away from medication until you have your baby. And remember anything you have in your body, will transmit through breast milk. If you have post pardum depression, then definitely take medication (and therapy) if you need it. But prescription medication does cause birth defects and other issues - don't listen to any doctor that says otherwise.
Here are some techniques to help you while you are waiting to go to your first therapy appointment: http://www.psychologytools.org/dbt.html
Please stay away from medication until you have your baby. And remember anything you have in your body, will transmit through breast milk. If you have post pardum depression, then definitely take medication (and therapy) if you need it. But prescription medication does cause birth defects and other issues - don't listen to any doctor that says otherwise.
Here are some techniques to help you while you are waiting to go to your first therapy appointment: http://www.psychologytools.org/dbt.html
Is this your first baby? If so, it's not uncommon to have some anxiety and be worried that your baby will be alright.
Your baby is completely developed but I too would be worried about taking any kind of medication while pregnant.
Hopefully some of the other members will be able to help you with the medication during pregnancy.
Your baby is completely developed but I too would be worried about taking any kind of medication while pregnant.
Hopefully some of the other members will be able to help you with the medication during pregnancy.
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