Anyone taken antidepressants throughout their pregnancy?

[ann12]

Hallo

I've just unsuccessfully tried to come off my ADs, and even though I'm now on a really low dose, I don't know if I could face coming off completely, and I'd like to have another child. And the thought of having a new born while 'clean' is horrendous!

Has anyone else had this experience? And has anyone taken ADs throughout pregnancy? And what happened?

Hi, I took ad's through 2 of my 3 pregnancies and found no problems with either. Both of the girls were absolutley 100% fine and have continued to be. I would defo recommend taking the ad's, it certainly beats the thought of being depressed, especially with a new one on the way! Good Luck!

Not something to do without the GPs okay as they can be dangerous to the baby.

Totally agree NAB3, I received extra monitoring during both pregnancies and was also offered counselling.

Hi shagirl, was there a difference between your pregnancy when you weren't on them? And what ADs were you on, and what dose? Sorry to be nosy! I don't really trust GPs, they're not really specialists and I have so many differing opinions. But there's understandably no research on this kind of thing.

ann12, you could ask your GP to refer you for a one off outpatient appointment with Psychiatrist w ho can talk to you about antidepressants in pregnancy. There are so many options that it would be wise to discuss it in detail first. Good luck

Hi Ann12, I was citalopram at 20mg. I found there was no differnce at all between the pregnancies when I was on or off them. The only warning I was given from my GP was that my baby maybe slightly harder to settle but in fact I found that dd2 (who I carried whilst on ad's) was by far the calmest of all 3. My dd1 (the only pregnancy without ad's) was the hardest to settle & I put that down to me being an inexperienced 1st time mum!
As I said earlier I was glad I took them as I was told by my gp their benefits to me far outweighed any risk to the babies. But remember it is your choice & you musn't beat yourself up which ever way you decide.

I took dothiepin throughout pregnancy - no problems and dd is fine.

Thanks ladies. I know I shouldn't beat myself up, but I really do. I blame myself massively, and feel as if I should be able to think myself out of this. Have been having CBT (therapy) for six months now and don't feel like I'm improving and feel like the only way I can survive is to be on these pills.

I just can't bear the thought that I might do something to the baby. Did your GP mention any other possible outcomes? And what did your 'extra monitoring' involve?

And are you happy now?!

Please don't blame yourself. I have tried many different kinds of therapy over the years (including CBT) and have found that the only thing that really works for me is the tablets. I discussed it with my psychiatrist before getting pregnant and he was fine with it, as were all the midwives I saw during my pregnancy.

I had considered not having children due to this, but am so very very glad I had dd - yes I am very happy! Hope things work out well for you

hi ann
i've been on ads for 10 years - mainly ssri type. when i became pregnant (happy accident) i cut down to the lowest dose for the 1 st trimester then returned to my usual dose for the rest. my gp felt that the benefits far outweighed any potential risk. perhaps have a word with your gp or mw if they are approachable?
btw, pregnancy went well and baby is thriving! in answer to your question, yes i am very happy, but will probably always take ads as i don't function well without them.

I've didn't take ad's during either of my 2 pregnancies but am currently considering starting an SSRI and planning a pregnancy. It feels reckless in some ways but I'm desperate for another baby which is contributing to my low mood and at 41 time is not on my side.

Took seroxat all through my pregnancy and DS was fine. Am on a low dose now 10mg and would like another baby.