Severe PND after first baby- will I get it with second baby?

[Snoopychildminder]

Good evening,

Better start this off by saying I’m not pregnant, but DH would like to start thinking about trying for second baby and my only concern is PND.

I really suffered after the birth of my daughter. I think there were a lot of extenuating factors, which hopefully won’t come into play again, (my dad died of oesophageal cancer 3mnths after being diagnosed and then my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after- thankfully she caught early and she has come through the other side of it) needless to say I was an emotional wreck.

However it’s left me panic-striken because I don’t want to be in a situation whereby I am feeling like that again. My DD is 3.5 yrs now and if I was feeling even remotely like before I don’t think I could hide it.

It’s inportant to also say I’m still taking Citalopram, can you be taking those whilst pregnant?

I know it’s a sensitive subject but if anyone could be kind enough to offer me any advice I would greatly appreciate it xx

To be honest you might but second time round you can be prepared, you know what helps for you so seek help and seek it early. Speak to your GP, both them and midwife (once pregnant) will take it seriously and support you

Well I have five dc,I had PND (moderate) with the first, severe with the second, none with the third, puerpural psychosis with the fourth and nothing with the fifth.
I was high risk with number five and was supposed to start anti depressants after delivery but I had a huge allergic reaction to the ones I'd taken after number four and so was to wait until symptoms had calmed before trying something else. I never started new ones because I had no PND.
Speak to your GP about the options.

There is a higher risk of PND having had it once; talk to you GP about your concerns. It won't be the first time he has dealt with this situation.
I think it wise to talk sooner rather than later, especially due to your medication. Take care.

Hi OP, I had PND with DD1, and was told by my midwife that there was a 50/50 chance of me getting it with DD2 but I actually didn't. Also, I found that knowing what I was doing with DD2 made it all a better experience IYSWIM as I didn't feel so out of my depth. Also already being on an antidepressant will help too (not sure about Citalipram and pregnancy sorry, but there are antidepressants that can be used in pregnancy. )

I had PND with my first. It was the most horrible time of my life. I buried and hid the symptoms from everyone around me until I collapsed at work, 10 months after my DS was born. With my second, I was closely monitored all the way through. Thankfully, apart from the 'baby blues' a few days after, I was ok. If I had a third, I would have the same concerns as you.

Thank you so much for replying

Yes I will speak to GP, but it is reassuring to know that it may not be as awful as before, and I suppose if it is, I can prepare.

Xx