Pregnancy and depression

[Usernameclanger]

Hi all. Currently 15 pregnant with number 3. I have suffered with depression over the last year and as a result I was on 50mg sertraline for this. It was like a magic pill for me and every little thing was so much better when I was on it. I felt 100% back to my old self. When I discovered I was pregnant I was overjoyed and spoke to a GP about my medication. He seemed quite unsympathetic and said my condition wasn’t that bad so to come off the tablets despite me asking him not to take me off them or to give me something more suitable for pregnancy.

Anyway that was around 8 weeks ago and I’ve since been ok for a little while but now I’ve relapsed. My mental health has taken a definite downhill turn. I have zero energy to do anything and I have so many awful thoughts about myself and my life. I don’t feel suicidal or anything like that and I’m enjoying my pregnancy. I just know I’m not myself and who I want to be.

Did any of you have problems in pregnancy and what did your gp/ midwife etc do to help? I’m going to see a midwife tomorrow so I’m wondering whether to bring it up or just wait until I see a new gp in a couple of weeks? Do any of you have experience with mental health issues in pregnancy that were there Pre-pregnancy?

Thanks in advance

Sorry 15 weeks pregnant

Bump anyone

Hi, I took citalopram all through my pregnancy, my GP said the benefits of me being healthy outweighed any risks. If you need medication, take it. My baby had no problems and is a very healthy 2 year-old.

Thank you so much. That’s really helpful to hear. I’m going to demand it. I can’t go on like this. The benefits for us both surely outweigh any risk xx

Definitely tell your midwife! I was referred to the perinatal mental health team by my midwife during my recent pregnancy and the help I received honestly saved my life. Also sertraline is one of the anti depressants that you can take in certain dosages during pregnancy so you may be able to go back on it.
I was put on a tricyclic antidepressant and an anti psychotic (sertraline doesn’t work for me), had to stay in hospital for four days after delivery so my baby Could be monitored for withdrawal symptoms but he was absolutely fine and the mental health support I was receiving is ongoing. If the midwife doesn’t suggest referring you when you bring this up please ask them outright. All the best, I really hope you get some decent support.