Postnatal depression - 2nd pregnancy

[heron22]

Hi,

I suffered from PND after the birth of my DS. I got help quickly and was on medication and recovered after about 6 months.

My DS is now 4 and I am pregnant again.

Is it likely that i will get PND again?

Has anyone experience in this? Should I start to take low dose of antidepressant as soon as I deliver? or maybe even a few weeks before I am due?

I am thinking of seeing my therapist at around 35 weeks pregnant.

I am really hoping to avoid PND this time.

Thanks!

[Elk]

I have had PND twice now. Sorry you probably didn't want to hear that. I believe your chances of getting it again are incresed. It is worth talking to your therapist/ gp to see if there is anything you can do to try to prevent it.(I didn't even ask) I think that there may be some sort of progesterone treatment that you can start taking just after birth until you have your first period but it is a while since I looked into it as my youngest is now nearly three.

[domesticslattern]

Hello heron22. I am not sure I have the magic answer but I hate to see unanswered posts! As I understand it, it is more likely than average but not definite that you will get PND again if you have had it once. Do you get on well with your GP? Can you ask their advice? I can really sympathise- I had PND and would do anything in my power to avoid it again.
Also bumping for you.