Still have anxiety/ocd thoughts - should i try for baby no 2

[frazer41]

hi, I suffered pnd./anxiety and ocd thoughts 6 years ago after my son was born. I was on citalopram but it did not help then setraline and have had lots of very good years with a few blips on the way but manageable. The thoughts have not been back in years. In May I got preg again but unfortunatly mc in June. Since then my anxiety and now the thoughts have come back, not as bad but enought for me to not be able to concentrate, eat or sleep well.
I am sure they came back due to finding out I was preg. I was terrified pnd etc would come back. The first 2 days I was so anxious I felt I had to have a termination. After that I calmed down and was looking at prams with excitement.

I am following a self help program which states anxiety is not a mental illness but behavioural and you can change your thinking and anxious patterns. I have been trying to be positive and keep busy to keep anx and thoughts away. yes it works but its hard work and at time I get anxiety and feel myself thinking "OMG I cant do this I need help"

I know its a personal choice but can anyone give me advice if having another child is a big risk. I am not on anti d as I want to try again to conceive but the anxiety the last two weeks has made me think "What the hell am i thinking trying again" I wish I could just forget another baby and move on but I would love to be a mummy again.

Has anyone had another baby while suffering anxiety and ocd and found they were not as ill as they thought?

Has anyone had another baby while on anti d to keep symtoms away and found they did or did not come back or more importantly they were actually WORSE that the first time. I could not cope it I was worse that 1st time.

[reallytired]

If you want another baby then I think you should go for it. I had a second baby and it was the best thing I did.

I have had a lot of support from the health visitor and anxiety has not been so bad. I have also been more confident with a second baby. With the second baby you know more what you are doing and what your views are on different parenting approaches.

Anxiety is an illness, but it can be overcome with the right support. I suggest you talk to your doctor. When you become pregnant you can ask your midwife to see a specialist mental health midwife. If you need medication then you can see a pycharist on the perinatal mental team.