To take antidepressants while pregnant

[Housequeen101]

Just that really. Came off Fluxetine when I suspected I was pregnant but am slowly slipping back, have you mums taken anti depressants while pregnant and had any effect on baby? Every tablet I look up can cause heart defects, spina bifida or heart defects that's if you don't misscarry first. Trying to weigh up my options but I already have a 3 year old so cant just "grin and bear it" for the next 6 months. Please someone advise becoming desperate. Thank you

[BettySmut]

I had severe PND after my first baby, and was still taking Sertraline when I became pregnant with DD2. My Sertraline was stopped immediately but I really didn't cope, I was in such bad way.

My GP referred me to a specialist antenatal clinic to see a consultant psychiatrist. My Sertraline was restarted and I never looked back.

DD2 is 7, very bright and healthy. I know it's a different anti depressant to yours but there are options.

Best of luck

[TeddyIsaHe]

I'm currently taking fluoxetine whilst breastfeeding, and my dr said it was routinely prescribed during pregnancy as well. It's worth making an appointment with your gp to talk this through. You're right that you shouldn't have to grin and bear it, there are treatment options for when you're pregnant. Good luck and best wishes

[MsHooliesCardigan]

Hi OP, I work in perinatal psychiatry and about half the women I see take ADs during pregnancy- some are on them when they get pregnant and stay on them, some women stop them when they are ttc and start them again later in pregnancy and some women who have never been depressed before get depressed during pregnancy and start taking them.
I have taken ADs in pregnancy 3 times myself at different stages of the pregnancy.
All the research says that there is absolutely no evidence of harm to the baby. Fluoxetine generally isn't recommended in pregnancy because it stays in your system for a very long time.
Sertraline is what nearly all the women I see are prescribed and it's also safe for breastfeeding. PM me if there is anything you want to ask.

[witsender]

I've been told it is fine, I've just swapped from Citalopram to Sertraline.

[Hulder]

Of course YANBU. There are experts in this so you don't have to rely on Dr Google to help you either, the worst thing you can do when you are already feeling low.

Thousands and thousands of women have successfully taken ADs when pregnant safely - speak to your doctor about it as soon as possible.

[Bubblegumfan]

I work in mental health and a top pyschiatrist told me sertraline is fine during pregnancy, this was backed up by gyn/ob consultants

[CrohnicallyPregnant]

I took sertraline almost all the way through pregnancy- my consultant advised me to try to come off/reduce in the 3rd trimester because there is a slight risk of baby being affected and needing close monitoring if you are on them when you give birth. She did say that if I couldn't stop the sertraline then baby would be fine, they're just grumpy for a few days while they adjust. And I'm back on the sertraline now, while breastfeeding.

[SacharissaCrisplock]

I stopped taking citalopram when I fell pregnant and my mental health sank like a stone. I was determined not to take anything and in the end only sought help when I was about 33 weeks gone ( and started to take Sertraline). DD arrived at 37 weeks & I still wasn't back to my even keel.

I think the worst thing I did was try to struggle through without the help I needed, if I get pregnant again I will definitely take sertraline throughout as it's much, much, better to have a non depressed functioning mother than not!

[Zippy100]

Hello, really sorry you are struggling. I have a history of depression and considered long and hard whether to continue taking my meds when ttc and then while pregnant. I ended up seeking advice from a psychiatrist at our local Mothers and Infant Mental Health Unit (MIMHS) and talking it through with her. It's all about weighing up the risks in your own cicumstances- for me the risk of sliding back into severe depression was worse than the very slight risk of continuing with the meds. Everything was fine and I now have a healthy baby :0). I would agree with others do try and get some expert advice- I don't know if you have a MIMHS service near you but could be worth finding out. Try not to Google too much esp if you are feeling low and confused. Talking therapy might be worth considering too :0) Good luck xx

[Zippy100]

Sorry me again! I put in my birth plan details of the meds I was taking just so the docs knew- it helped put my mind at rest that they'd be aware and keep an eye on us. It put my mind at rest a bit xxx

[Housequeen101]

Thank you all for replying.

Currently having CBT therapy but it's not working as yet.

I live in a secluded part of UK with very limited access to mental health professionals (CBT is for my anexity)

[Housequeen101]

Anxiety* bloody thing posted to soon.

It's not depression yet more not want to get out of bed, can't be asked to do anything that feeling in the pit of you stomach.

Have booked doctors appointment x

[BelfastSmile]

I've taken Sertraline throughout 2 pregnancies and breastfeeding both babies. My Gp was happy for me to keep taking it throughout, as was the Consultant at the hospital. It's well-researched for use in pregnancy.

Both DCs totally fine (I know anecdotes does not equal data).

If I hadn't taken it, the risk from me having depression and anxiety would have been much greater.

Hope you get the help you need, and enjoy your pregnancy and baby.