sad during pregnancy

[Manda321]

hello everyone, i have just joined mumsnet. not really used to talking about my feelings but i am starting to get worried about myself. I am 26 weeks pregnant. Its a planned pregnancy and my husband and i are thrilled and excited to be parents but over the last few months, i feel like i have stopped enjoying anything. Its weird... i cant get out of bed in the morning, no motivation to do anything. i have lost interest in work - not that i loved my job before but now i just really dont want to be there at all. dont want to socialise very much either. I am generally just feeling very low. Is this normal, will I snap out of it? I feel strange saying this to family and friends because I dont want them to think that I'm regretting getting pregnant - thats not the case at all. Just feel.....blah!

I believe ante-natal depression is quite common... Have you spoken to your midwife about it?

What you're feeling is completely normal - your hormones are going crazy and the whole thing can be overwhelming. Mention it to your midwife - a lot of hospitals provide therapy for just these situations.

I haven't spoken to my midwife, I suppose because when I am going to my antenatal check ups i am happy and excited and sort of forget if that makes sense? Its when I am at home mostly and hubby's at work.

I would talk to your midwife, if it's just normal pregnancy hormones, she'll be able to set your mind at rest and if you need a bit more support then she will be able to set you on the right path.

Do you have another appointment coming up soon?

Is it possible that you might have actual SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder? I have had it to my knowledge for the past 4 years, makes me feel depressed, lethargic and lifeless every time Jan/Feb rolls around. It may be possible that you are unknowingly being affected by the crappy weather and once it picks up you'll feel better.

I got worried two weeks ago that I was suffering antenatal depression but midwife was able to reassure me - you should have a word with yours just in case.

thanks everyone, i have an appointment in a couple of weeks I will have a chat. Hopefully I will have snapped out of it by then

Hope you get things sorted Manda

Can you do some things to lift yourself in the meantime? Baby-focused or otherwise. Antenatal fitness or a massage, haircut, afternoon tea with friends... Whatever you think you might enjoy

And congrats on your pregnancy

Definitely speak to your midwife.
Sometimes when ladies are pregnant suddenly all you and others think/ask/talk about is the baby and we lose our identities.
I have found it quite annoying that people at work who never took any interest in me before I was pregnant are suddenly asking me all about my pregnancy...
Maybe you need time out just for you, pamper yourself a bit.

It might be an idea to speak to your MW on the phone and not wait for your appointment. Try to get hold of her when you are feeling low and it will help you to explain how you are feeling. She could then put the wheels in motion. You are nearing the 3rd trimester and these feelings could carry on and get worse for a long time after your baby is born, it is best to try and get support asap.