Mood changes in pregnancy

[Purpleburple123]

Hi, this is my first post on Mumsnet! I am now 9.5 weeks pregnant and my husband & I are over the moon. But I have been reducing down my Sertraline (v.slowly) as I'd like to come off them for the pregnancy. I'm doing well with only a few withdrawal symptoms but today am feeling so tired, sick and low in mood. My work is very stressful (I work for the NHS in a full on role) and Work is getting me down. I'm just counting down my days till maternity leave.
I think Work is extra stressful as I'm struggling to think clearly and am so tired and sick all the time. My manager is really supportive but I put pressures on myself as I don't want to make a mistake or get things wrong. I've started to do work at home to catch up and I've just taken on a new junior who needs a lot of support.
Has anyone got any advice at this stage. I'm trying to be kind to myself but can't get away from the fact that I have to get up and go to work everyday!
Thanks

Awwwww. Sorry you're feeling shitty. I've reduced from 200 to 50mg and it was hard but I won't be stopping completely as I genuinely rely on them and am quite nervous of having PND again. Maybe you'd consider having 50mg every other day ? Or maybe occasional use as /when needed (they prescribed it to my friend to take in the week leading up to her period only). If you don't want to do that, it sounds like it's work that's the thing and so I'm sure you'll feel better once you stop, how long have you got left in work ? Xx

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I’m feeling a little more positive now. I find if I keep busy with things then it distracts from the withdrawal symptoms. I’m down to 25mg now and have had three days without. I think your worries about PND are really valid, all the professionals I’ve spoken to have said that Sertraline is safe in pregnancy so for me it’s more that I’d like to come off the pills and the pregnancy has given me a good excuse. Dropping from 200mg - 50mg is amazing!! I’ve probably got 5 more months left at work if I take early maternity leave. Can’t wait!! Xx

I’m in a similar situation and stage of pregnancy- working in NHS in a high pressure role & lots of responsibility. Have struggled with mood for many years though largely been better over the past few years and not on meds. I’m generally okay but really struggling with going to work each day and worrying about making a serious mistake. On my way into work now after a consultant appointment and I just feel like crying - I wish I could stop work now and not have to worry!!
I’m reminding myself that the feelings will pass and I don’t feel so low every day. Thinking about the weekend which isn’t too far away! About leave that I’ve got planned, what I’ll do on mat leave, what I want to start buying for baby... and reminding myself I have my next scan in 10 days so will get to see my baby again. It doesn’t take the emotion away but it does calm it down a little.

Hi SRK16,

Thanks for your message back in May. I wonder if you have had your baby yet?? If not I'm thinking you are on maternity leave now. One excellent thing about working for the NHS is the maternity leave!!
I'm now 38+2 and can't believe how fast the time has gone since my post back in May. I came off the Sertraline completely and do feel so much better now. Sleep is not better off the meds I've found but other than that I've kept my mood/anxiety levels in check which I feel so happy about as feel I have achieved something!
Anyway apologies fir the very late reply and hope that things are good for you atm.

@SRK16

I’m in a similar situation and stage of pregnancy- working in NHS in a high pressure role & lots of responsibility. Have struggled with mood for many years though largely been better over the past few years and not on meds. I’m generally okay but really struggling with going to work each day and worrying about making a serious mistake. On my way into work now after a consultant appointment and I just feel like crying - I wish I could stop work now and not have to worry!! I’m reminding myself that the feelings will pass and I don’t feel so low every day. Thinking about the weekend which isn’t too far away! About leave that I’ve got planned, what I’ll do on mat leave, what I want to start buying for baby... and reminding myself I have my next scan in 10 days so will get to see my baby again. It doesn’t take the emotion away but it does calm it down a little.

Hi SRK16,

Thanks for your message back in May. I wonder if you have had your baby yet?? If not I'm thinking you are on maternity leave now. One excellent thing about working for the NHS is the maternity leave!!
I'm now 38+2 and can't believe how fast the time has gone since my post back in May. I came off the Sertraline completely and do feel so much better now. Sleep is not better off the meds I've found but other than that I've kept my mood/anxiety levels in check which I feel so happy about as feel I have achieved something!
Anyway apologies fir the very late reply and hope that things are good for you atm.