Depression during Pregnancy

[Dawn64]

Well I am now 15.4 weeks pregnant and still cannot stop worrying.  I am stressed and worried ALL day long.  I have had 3 previous m/c first one at 11 weeks ( we didn't find out until I was 18 weeks at a routine u/s- found out  there were chromosonal abnormalities) second one was at 14 weeks (chromosonal abnormalities again, nuchal translucency was over 5mm and anything over 3mm is considered down syndrome) and the third was at 7.5 weeks.  Well I think my first m/c and not knowing baby had died for so many weeks really did a number on my head ;(

I believe this is the root of my depression and anxiety.  So I finally gave in today and went to see my family doctor - I was so embaressed I couldn't stop crying long enough to try and explain what I was feeling.  My brain is constantly playing tricks on me that something is wrong with this pregnancy when so far thank God everything is proceeding exactly as it should and so far everything is normal, yet I can't stop the constant anxiety.

Well I think I feel a bit better now as doctor was so understanding and she listened to baby's h/b which was 152 and nice and strong, she did recomment antidepressants as they say depression is not good for the baby and of course not good for the mom either.  My doctor said there are antidepressants out there that are safe to take during pregnancy so of course hearing this I agreed.

My question is did anyone else suffer from depression during pregnancy and did you take any meds?  My doctor prescribed Celexa 10mg (a VERY low dose) which she said will probably take a few days to start to kick in - arghhh - oh well have to be positive and look forward to feeling better for my own sake as well as my little one.

[Dawn64]

Thank you for all your support ladies - it is really appreciated.  For now I am taking it 1 day at a time until these meds kick in and am trying really hard to not feel guilty for taking meds (the dr said they are safe during pregnancy but again my mind likes to always think the worst - arghhhhh).  Anyways thank you again.  Dawn

P.S. The doctor told me to come in weekly just to hear baby on doppler and that really helps.

[adgal]

I would say that considering what you have been through, its no wonder you are feeling anxious and depressed.  I say do what you need to do to feel better, as baby and mom will both benefit.  I have had 3 m/c myself and have yet to make it as far as you have, but I suffered a very severe bout of depression after my last miscarriage.  I am pretty sure with my next pregnancy I will be in a constant state of anxiety, and am already preparing myself for that.  If you need to take meds, I say take them.  And as Helen said, there is nothing wrong with you needing regular reassurance through u/s or doppler that all is well.  Take care of mommy, and baby will be all the better and healthier for it.  Congrats on your preganancy and I wish you all the best!!  Take good care.

[Helen72]

I am almost 15 weeks and have had terrible anxiety attacks mostly due to bleeding that I have during this pregnancy.  My dr just allows me to come in more often for check-ups and u/s to reassure me that the pregnancy is going well.  I know how terrible the stress can get and I am so sorry you are going through such a difficult time.
((hugs))

[Sheri1972]

Hello!

I was feeling pretty anxious/depressed around week 9 or 10, and my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin, but I decided not to take it because it's horrid for anxiety.  I'm not sure why she prescribed it.  She said Prozac was safe, but I was wary about taking it so I toughed it out and miraculously, at about 20 weeks I suddenly grew calm.  I'm guessing it was partially hormones.  Trust me, I was a basket case until then!!!

If you think the worry is less biochemical and more due to the issues you've had with miscarriages in the past, can you check into doing an amnio or other test to look at the baby's chromosomes?  It sounds like if you get a chromosomal test done and everything is fine, it will help put your mind at ease.  I think you could also look into CVS at the stage you are at now too...  I might be wrong on the timing though.

Sheri