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Original poster

Does pregnancy give people mental helath issues?

49 replies

TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 22:44

I've always been unable to deal with life but it's been fairly stable.

However I'm currently not in a great place.

Im wondering if being pregnant can give people issues with their mental health that never had mental health issues before?

OP posts:
MariaVT65 · 09/07/2023 22:46

Yes it absolutely can, including severe halluncinations.

if you need support, definitely contact your midwife and they will refer you to perinatal mental health, which exists for a reason. I’m under them atm.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 22:54

MariaVT65 · 09/07/2023 22:46

Yes it absolutely can, including severe halluncinations.

if you need support, definitely contact your midwife and they will refer you to perinatal mental health, which exists for a reason. I’m under them atm.

I've got a referral with them.

I just think it will show that I'm
Not fir for motherhood

OP posts:
FannyFifer · 09/07/2023 23:11

Pregnancy is a very common trigger for mental health problems.
It absolutely does not mean you are not fit for motherhood.

Fudgeandcaramel · 09/07/2023 23:14

It’s a really high risk time and for good reason. It’s a massive life transition. Doesn’t say anything about your suitability to be a mum. Well done for seeking support - that takes courage and is the right thing to do.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:14

FannyFifer · 09/07/2023 23:11

Pregnancy is a very common trigger for mental health problems.
It absolutely does not mean you are not fit for motherhood.

It feels like it.

Who wants a mum that's depressed?

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:17

Fudgeandcaramel · 09/07/2023 23:14

It’s a really high risk time and for good reason. It’s a massive life transition. Doesn’t say anything about your suitability to be a mum. Well done for seeking support - that takes courage and is the right thing to do.

A mum with bipolar is a good mum if she's got no support network?

OP posts:
Sunnyfeelgood · 09/07/2023 23:17

Hey OP 👋 I am a therapist who works with people in the pregnancy and post natal period. It is very common for people to struggle with their mental health, but people rarely talk about it due to the same fear you have written.

Do seek support! There is zero judgement about what kind of mums they are going to be, we are just helping to make them feel better before baby comes.

Curseofthenation · 09/07/2023 23:19

You're doing everything you can to be well by the time baby is here. Hormones are in constant fluctuation during pregnancy and PP but that doesn't mean you won't balance out again. It may be further on in pregnancy, it may be soon after you give birth or a few months on. Be kind to yourself.

Astromelia · 09/07/2023 23:19

Gently OP, it doesn’t matter that no-one wants a mother that’s depressed. You are your baby’s mother whether you are depressed or not, and pregnancy can be a bad time for mental health.

Your job is to do your best for yourself and your baby, which means getting help. Speak to your midwife and the perinatal team, maybe your GP. Access local services - maybe therapy via IAPT, as well as antenatal classes where you’ll maybe see that you’re not alone which is a good thing. Go out for walks, eat good food, look after yourself as well as you can.

It’ll be ok. Being down on yourself is unhelpful to everyone.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:24

Curseofthenation · 09/07/2023 23:19

You're doing everything you can to be well by the time baby is here. Hormones are in constant fluctuation during pregnancy and PP but that doesn't mean you won't balance out again. It may be further on in pregnancy, it may be soon after you give birth or a few months on. Be kind to yourself.

I'm 19'weeks :(

OP posts:
Tangled123 · 09/07/2023 23:27

Pregnancy comes with a lot of challenges that people either ignore or say are worth it because of the baby at the end. It just makes it harder for people to ask for help when they’re struggling with it.

Look after yourself, OP. Maybe get your blood checked if you haven’t already. I was prescribed iron tablets during pregnancy and they improved my mood massively.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:33

Tangled123 · 09/07/2023 23:27

Pregnancy comes with a lot of challenges that people either ignore or say are worth it because of the baby at the end. It just makes it harder for people to ask for help when they’re struggling with it.

Look after yourself, OP. Maybe get your blood checked if you haven’t already. I was prescribed iron tablets during pregnancy and they improved my mood massively.

My blood is fine

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:33

Had it checked last week as I've still got morning sickness

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:35

Astromelia · 09/07/2023 23:19

Gently OP, it doesn’t matter that no-one wants a mother that’s depressed. You are your baby’s mother whether you are depressed or not, and pregnancy can be a bad time for mental health.

Your job is to do your best for yourself and your baby, which means getting help. Speak to your midwife and the perinatal team, maybe your GP. Access local services - maybe therapy via IAPT, as well as antenatal classes where you’ll maybe see that you’re not alone which is a good thing. Go out for walks, eat good food, look after yourself as well as you can.

It’ll be ok. Being down on yourself is unhelpful to everyone.

Better to abort. Than one less issue?

OP posts:
WoolyMammoth55 · 09/07/2023 23:41

Hi OP, it's your right to choose to abort this pregnancy if you think it will help you with your mental health. Was your pregnancy planned, does any part of you want to continue?

What PPs are trying to say is that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are common triggers for mental health issues - even for women with zero history of mental health concerns.

For women with existing MH issues, hormone swings in pregnancy can definitely impact them - but that is why there is generally good, quick, responsive MH support for pregnant women.

It's your choice. But in your shoes I would give the perinatal MH team a chance to support you before you decide. Wish you all the best.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:42

WoolyMammoth55 · 09/07/2023 23:41

Hi OP, it's your right to choose to abort this pregnancy if you think it will help you with your mental health. Was your pregnancy planned, does any part of you want to continue?

What PPs are trying to say is that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are common triggers for mental health issues - even for women with zero history of mental health concerns.

For women with existing MH issues, hormone swings in pregnancy can definitely impact them - but that is why there is generally good, quick, responsive MH support for pregnant women.

It's your choice. But in your shoes I would give the perinatal MH team a chance to support you before you decide. Wish you all the best.

I have an appointment with them in five weeks.

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 09/07/2023 23:58

WoolyMammoth55 · 09/07/2023 23:41

Hi OP, it's your right to choose to abort this pregnancy if you think it will help you with your mental health. Was your pregnancy planned, does any part of you want to continue?

What PPs are trying to say is that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are common triggers for mental health issues - even for women with zero history of mental health concerns.

For women with existing MH issues, hormone swings in pregnancy can definitely impact them - but that is why there is generally good, quick, responsive MH support for pregnant women.

It's your choice. But in your shoes I would give the perinatal MH team a chance to support you before you decide. Wish you all the best.

No it's not planned and I'm not with the guy.

No it wouldn't help my mental health and I think I wouldn't be here for much longer if I do terminate. I also won't be able to cope with a baby as no support network.

I've been super anxious and depressed the past two weeks.

OP posts:
RobertJohnsonsShoes · 10/07/2023 00:00

I was suicidal in pregnancy.

There is light hold on.

Original poster
TomorrowToday · 10/07/2023 00:07

RobertJohnsonsShoes · 10/07/2023 00:00

I was suicidal in pregnancy.

There is light hold on.

Where you before?

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 10/07/2023 02:10

I can't sleep

OP posts:
Original poster
TomorrowToday · 10/07/2023 02:17

Just wondering if anyone has anything else to add*.

OP posts:
Nellz · 10/07/2023 02:46

I was depressed during pregnancy. I'm currently up in the night feeding my 2 month old and feeling so so much better from a MH perspective.
Depression during pregnancy does not mean you will have post natal depression. That was my fear! But accessing talking therapies etc through my midwife made a huge difference to me. As PP have said, support during pregnancy is prioritised and fast tracked, even on the NHS.

Please do mention how you're feeling to your midwife if you've only spoken to a GP so far. There are also antidepressants that are safe to take during pregnancy.
(And even if you were to have post natal depression - that too can and will pass)

Sending hope - please take care of yourself xxx

VerityUnreasonble · 10/07/2023 02:48

I'm unsure if you have a pre existing diagnosis as you mention bipolar or if mental health symptoms are new to you.

If it's reassuring, I have bipolar, I have two children, I am very stable and have been for many years with the right support. I am (as much as most people!) a good mum.

Just because you don't feel like you have a support network now doesn't mean you can't have one. Services can be part of that and can help you to build a network that works for you. The same goes for mood, just because you are not in a good place now doesn't mean it will stay this way. There have been times you haven't felt this way. There can be times you feel better again. People will help you. Lots of people who are good parents have struggled with their mental health at some point, same as lots have struggled with their physical health.

Bigcat25 · 10/07/2023 03:18

Dear OP,

Your depression can get better, It's the pregnancy hormones and the stress of all the life changes. Do you have a gp or phone support lines available so you can talk to someone sooner? I'm in Canada so don't know the resources available in the UK, but there are probably community programs, drop in centres, moms groups, etc, that you can use to build a support network. There are other moms out there who would like to have you as a friend. Of course it takes time to build a support networks up.

If termination means you wouldn't be here much longer then I implore you not to terminate. (This is so heartbreaking to read.) I've had one myself so no judgement. You'll be a capable mom if you choose to raise your child, otherwise I wanted to mention adoption as a valid option. My relative did an open adoption - so the BM sees her daughter every month and does a weekly video call.

My friend had treatment resistant depression and it's been much better after a couple rounds of ECT treatment - even many years later. Hope you feel better soon.

PurBal · 10/07/2023 03:29

@TomorrowToday you sound in a bad place, 5 weeks until your appointment is far off (surprisingly so), call GP or midwife and tell them how you’re feeling. I had antenatal depression, I was signed of sick for 4 months because it was so bad, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and there is treatment including medication. If you’re a danger to yourself seek help urgently.