Is there such a thing as pre-natal depression?

[Mim78]

If so do I have it? Or is it just tiredness?

I had a period of time like this about ten weeks ago but it passed. Seem to have it again now. Just consists of being stressed out by everything, and wishing everyone on earth would go away. Can't be arsed to get my work done or do anything else constructive.

If so what is the cure? Chocolate? More sleep? Or do I need to speak to MW/GP.

I'd speak to your mw. There is such a thing as prenatal depression but I feel its also important to get your iron levels checked and possibly ask for your thyroxine levels checked too.

My friend had depression whilst pg with her second. She seemed to not cope too well, as her first was only 8 months old when she found out she was pg with dd2.

I'd certainly go visit your doc, or mention it to your mw, just to get checked out.

Hope you feel better soon x

Yes there is, ante-natal depression, especially in the later weeks.

I've no idea if you have it. Certainly try more sleep, eating well, getting out for a walk etc but it may be a good idea to talk to your midwife who can refer you to the relevant community mental health people. They're very nice, supportive and it's helpful to know there's someone you could call if you needed to, even if you think you probably won't.

I had it badly. Go to the doctor if you can!

Thanks for this. I feel better than I did after having two sleeps today while dd at school - although I was meant to be working from home, so can't carry on like this!

Will try to see someone if it doesn't get better.

I'm 26 weeks btw (or it might be 27 - lost count!)

Yes.
www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/help-and-information/pre-ante-and-postnatal-illnesses/pre-antenatal-depression.html#.UopPIPnxqQM

Yes I had it with my second pregnancy.
My advice would be to have as much rest as possible but also to have a chat about it with your mw/GP if you feel down again.
To be fair, the good thing is that everything just lifted the minute I gave birth. And you might not want to take any AD during the pg. but knowing and not pushing yourself/feeling guilty that you can't do as much is an important part of the diagnosis in my experience.

So glad you posted this, I'm 37 weeks and have been wondering if there is such a thing. I've had depression in the past but haven't felt as low as I have in the past two weeks for a long time (I put it down to tiredness, a shitty marriage and money worries) but after spending another 15 minutes crying last night and just wanting to run away im gonna talk to MW about it knowing she won't just brush me off as 'abit hormonal' like my useless husband does

I would agree about checking your iron levels. I was so down and lethargic. My MW took it seriously and took bloods. I've been on iron tablets for about 2 months now and feel positively perky despite being much more pregnant.
Definitely worth mentioning to MW.

Thanks, all. I've been trying to get to see my GP but after hanging on for ages twice, getting through once and them having nothing, I've been told to ring at 8 am tomorrow. This is really awkward as it's prime time for getting dd ready for school... Will try it anyway though as I think iron could be the answer.

Have had lots of sleep this week and this has helped. Plus generally trying to de-stress.

sprite25 - sorry to hear you've been feeling so bad and that your hubby is so useless. Hope your mw can help.

Yes antenatal depression does exist. One friend had it during her pregnancy and I am pretty convinced I've had it too.

For me it isn't always there; there are days I can't wait to meet my baby but there have been periods when I have had very dark thoughts and utterly hated what has been happening to me, my body, my career etc.

My iron levels have always been good so that hasn't been a factor for me - it was just adjusting to the changing situation which I struggled with. The pregnancy coincided with a number of huge life changing experiences and so I put that as the reason for my depression.

Speak to your midwife and they can arrange for you to speak to a counsellor. If you have antenatal depression you have more chance of getting PND later on but by no means is that a definite.

Good luck!