is it ok to start antidepressants at 14weeks?

[weemocky]

hi i hope some of you can help me. start of year i was very down and put on a month anti depressants, which i decided after the months course, i realy didnt want to be on them. so stopped them immediately.

anyway i am now 13weeks pregnant. so happy and lucky to be pregnant but i have been feelin so low, i went to the doctors today and he has diagnosed me with depression and is referring me to a phycologist.

does anyone know if it will be safe to go on anti depressants at my stage? i am worried it will affect the baby. i am also concerned now that i will be noted as having phycological problems. will i have to see my midwife more. or will social services now be informed that i could be a risk??? all these issues are not helping me at the minute.

i hope someone can help

I think there are some anti depressants that are safe to use during pregnancy. Discuss it with your doctors, I'm sure they'll be able to reassure you.

I'm no expert, but depression does not make you a more risky proposition as a parent. The Health visitors may keep a closer eye on you after the birth, but only to see you're ok - not to check up on you in a negative way iyswim.

I think if you're suffering from depression you are doing absolutely the right thing by seeking help.

Good luck

I started taking ADs at 12/13 weeks with my DD, who is now 5 and is lovely :)

There was never any thought of social services being involved - I did see a psychiatrist but that was just due to the depression rather than anything to do with being pregnant.

I took sertraline which I know several people have taken during pregnancy. I also breastfed DD and there were no problems with this.

I'm not even sure whether Health Visitors knew about my depression - they probably did when I explained that I was on ADs when they did the PND tests on me, but it was more along the lines of "ah yes you are having treatment" rather than anything else.

So I would see the psych and see what they say, but for me taking the ADs was the best thing for both me and DD.

thanks guys, its so comforting to know that there are other people who are or have been in my situation. just such a shock when the doctor told me yesterday. feeling a bit better about it 2day. its great to know i am not on my own xxx