MH issues and conception/pregnancy?

[NeuroticSweetTalk]

Hello,

I'm not sure if this thread is even in the right place so I've posted it in both the Mental heath and Conception threads. And I'm not sure if there is already a thread for this.

My problem is I'm soon going to be TTC for DC #1 and am a bit concerned about my long standing MH issues. I'm on 40mg prozac and a AA as well (Which changes a lot) as well as anti-nausea tablets (due to what is probably psychological issues with eating) and I was wondering what effect, if any, they would have on conception and pregnancy? I would just say that I'll temporarily stop them but I've done that before and it was only a couple of months after I stopped that things got bad for me. (The last time I stopped I went downhill after 3 months and ended up being hospitalised.) I'm sure once I get my BFP that it'll be enough for me to be able to not need my AD anymore but what if that's not the case? Would regular counseling be a suitable alternative if I can't have them during pregnacy?

Sorry it's a bit long.

Thanks

You should be able to have your medications in pregnancy. Many people have successful and healthy pregnancies with ad's. why not talk to your gp about whether your ad is right for ttc? And if better to switch to a more suitable one to consider that. Also to check about your anti nausea tablets. Tough many people start anti nausea tablets in pregnancy or anti reflux ones etc ( I did!) as a common pregnancy issue!)

If you are successful in getting pregnant then at your booking appointment with your midwife you could ask about being referred to a mental health midwife if your team has one who can talk with you to reassure you, refer you to any relevant services etc. you can of course go to your gp at any time for counselling but remember there will be some waiting lists and it is unlikely you will get counselling for all 8 months of pregnancy as usually counselling is a specific type of treatment for a specific issue and is time limited as it is expensive and lots of people want it. Obviously if you pay you get what you choose to have.

People with more serious mental health issues can be referred to the peri natal mental health teams when pregnant, which can be helpful. So worth an ask if you struggle when pregnant. And once the baby is born you can get much more support from your health visitor, home start if you struggle, a children's centre support worker from your local sure start centre or you can even refer yourself to social care if you think you need more support.

Are there any local support groups in your area that may help. Some charities run them for people with eating disorders, or mental health issues- such as mind and rethink.

Thanks hoophopes I'm currently with Mind but I didn't realise the was such a thing as a mental health midwife. That's really reassuring

I'm sure I'll be fine after birth I think I'd be an amazing mother so that's all okay although I do worry since I have depression now that I'd be more prone to PND, or does it not work that way?

Thanks again

Yes most hospitals have one so just ask your own midwife. I saw mine twice in pregnancy just to talk things through and she visited me after birth to check I was ok before I left. Saw her extra to my short practical midwife slots I should say. She gave me a tour of the labour ward ( do not be them here!!) to help with my anxiety.

So yes, do ask if you feel it will help.