Depression help

[BlueRainyDays]

I had PND pretty badly with my first, I had a lot to deal with during pregnancy last time, bad morning sickness all the way through, spd that put me in a wheelchair and my grandma died when I was almost 6 months pregnant which devastated me. So I was just counting down the days till baby arrived thinking it would get better but he had colic and would throw up a lot and cried if I didn't have him in my arms so ended up co-sleeping which I hated because I worried none stop.
And breast feeding hurt like nothing I was expecting, I was sobbing in between feeds.
My GP insisted I couldn't take antidepressants whilst I was breastfeeding so I didn't have any for 2.5 years!

Now I have nasty morning sickness again only this time it's worse. And I came off antidepressants specifically because I got pregnant so now I am worried I have antenatal depression. I keep having thoughts of terminating which is not something I would ever normally do.

I can't go on medication now, I know there can be side affects for the baby and I don't want to risk that but I am very ready to go back on them the day the baby is born this time.

How do you cope with it?

I'm off work sick atm and will have to go back sooner or later because we won't afford everything we need for the baby if I don't.

Just saw your post, and realised it was a month ago. I unfortunately don't have any advice to offer. No one has replied and I didn't want you to think nobody cares. Pregnancy can be a tough time even without depression. I hope things have improved for you in the last few weeks. 🍀x

@BlueRainyDays I also came off ADs but actually just before finding out I was pregnant. I spent the whole first tri wishing I'd stayed on them especially as I was encouraged to do so by my psych and midwife! Have you looked at the BUMPS (best use of Medicine in pregnancy) website for your specific medication? Might not be a bad idea to go back on them.

I feel a LOT better in second tri if that's any help xx

Hi. Thank-you both for your replies!
My doctor persuaded me it was best to go back on them so I started on them again this week.
I'm just about out of the first trimester so the main worry is the baby having withdrawal after it's born but I'll be breastfeeding so hopefully that will wean the baby off naturally.

So pleased you're back on them. There are ADs available which are suitable during pregnancy and when breastfeeding - take all the help you can get!

@BlueRainyDays this is great news and you sound very positive in your last post which is 👏🏻 good luck and keep going, reach out when you need to. The energy and more positive outlook kicked in for me around 15ish weeks. Wishing you all the best xox

OP, I went off ADs when I found out I was pregnant, it probably wasn’t the best thing for me because I had a difficult pregnancy and suffered terribly with anxiety throughout. I eventually had to access perinatal support from the GP and found a sympathetic counsellor. I went back to GP this week as I was struggling again with anxiety and low mood. She has put me back on Sertraline (my original medication) and has indicated it is very safe with breastfeeding so I’m reassured I’m not harming my LO, and it is the best thing for me- LO has had a difficult week with growth spurts and I’m a single Mum but I can already feel that the medication is evening me out and helping me to cope. We have to do what we have to do to stay well.

OP, I stayed on anti depressants while I was pregnant with my little boy. I was worried about withdrawal etc but after discussing it with my GP we decided it was best for me to stay on them as the ones I take are safe during pregnancy. My pregnancy and birth were pretty straightforward with no complications and baby was healthy when he arrived. He's almost 17 months now and thriving so no adverse effects from the medication.