Anti depressants in pregnancy

[Ls271082]

Hi,

Just wondered if anyone else has been in the same/similar situation whilst pregnant. I've suffered from serious mental health issues from my early 20s including anorexia (for which I was in hosp for 1 year) and depression. I've always wanted a baby, having previously been told due to my history of anorexia that it maybe a problem. Then in jan after one month of trying I'm pregnant!! Initially I was so happy and I still am and this is a much wanted baby, however over the weeks I've been becoming mre and mre depressed, not sure why, a mixture of things I think, body hanging, fear of becoming a mum, the unknown of how life will change and my want to be perfect. Medical professionals ave been suggesting anti depressants for a couple of months (I was 60mg fluoxetine per preg but came off them before preg) but I've refused up until now then last week following thoughts of self harm I decided to take them. I'm so worried I'm going to harm baby through taking them despite reassurance they're ok. Also worried about breast feeding - I'm on 50mg sertraline a day.

Any advice / thoughts welcome

[gertrudestein]

I did a lot of research into this earlier in my pregnancy and, based on what I could find out through doctors, mumsnet, friends and other literature (ie a layman's knowledge!) I came to r conclusion that the risks of having a depressed mother would be worse for the baby than the risks of taking SSRIs. I do think knowledge is key though, because if you feel bad about taking the drugs then that's not going to help.

I'm sure your doctors have given you advice - mine would be to take as much information as you can (from reputable sources like your doctor and peer reviewed medical journals- if you can read them as they're quite difficult to get through and can be a bit scary if you don't understand the terminology). There are many many cases of women taking these drugs and going on to have healthy happy babies. Have you done a search on mumsnet about this? Lots of positive testimonies.

At the end of the day it's your choice and you need to do what helps you. Congrats on your bfp! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well

[HadALittleFaithBaby]

It's worth discussing this your GP and ensuring you see a midwife sooner rather than later. I have a history of anxiety/depression and got great support from my midwife. She offered to refer me for counselling if I needed it and even see me weekly. She also sent me up for monitoring when I was very anxious towards the end of my pregnancy.

I did speak to my friend who is a GP about medication in pregnancy. She said that setraline is one of the safest to take. Do see your GP to put your mind at ease but getrude is right, making sure you're well is really important.

Congratulations on your pregnancy :)

[LadyMedea]

SSRIs are on the safe end in pregnancy and much safer than being very depressed. If the drugs help you use them, take your doctors advice and maybe also look into having some counselling so you have extra support.

[SeriousStuff]

I'm 19+2 weeks and am on 10mg of Citalopram. Before we started to TTC, my DH and I had a long discussion with my Dr. She helped us weigh the pros and cons, and I decided I'd prefer to stay on a low dose which would help with my depression and panic attacks, rather than come off them and go through those things carrying a baby...and maybe with higher risk of post natal depression.

I feel great at the moment - I'm consultant-led rather than midwife but that just means they keep a closer eye on me!

[katesav87]

Hey just wanted to reassure you that anti depressants in pregnancy are much better to take than feeling depressed. I came off mine wen I found out I was pregnant and tried for 3 months without them then had a massive breakdown and had to go back on them. I to an on 50mg setraline and felt so much better having been on them for over 8 years. My beautiful son was born last Wednesday at a healthy 8lb 9oz 12 days early and he is perfect. The tablets for wat I can see have not harmed him one little but and I am thriving as well as I have stayed on my tablets. I had horrendous post natal depression with my dd so I was determined to be ok with my DS. Wishing you lots of luck in ur pregnancy it is much better for u to be well than have thoughts of self harm. Keep talking to ur gp and midwife and use mumsnet aswell. It helped me so much through my pregnancy :-)