Sertraline during pregnancy for anxiety?

[Sparklythings1]

I know this drug is technically ‘safe’ but can anyone reassure me that everything was okay when they took it? I’ve reached a point at work where anxiety is affecting me so much I just can’t function day to day. It’s mainly social anxiety and I’m a teacher so this is kind of a big deal! I also just dread things so far in advance and can’t spend my life panicking anymore. No one knows how I feel (apart from my doctor) and my only other option is to be off sick for my whole pregnancy 🤦🏼‍♀️ Would you take it or go off sick?

I've been on it my whole pregnancy and everything is fine so far (33 weeks). I'm involved with the perinatal mental health team and they've reassured me that Sertraline is fine in pregnancy.

Personally I think it's a balance of maintaining good mental health so you don't spiral into being really unwell. Take the meds and safeguard your state of mind :)

@nannyquestion1 thank you, glad everything is going well for you. I almost considered holding off to get through the first trimester but I feel like I can’t wait any longer. I feel so on edge at work and like I’ve completely lost all my confidence. I so hope it helps x

@nannyquestion1 are you just planning to stay on it? Have they said you’ll need to stay in hospital for them to monitor baby when they’re born? That was slightly putting me off

I will absolutely be staying on it - as well as other bipolar medications. I'm honestly taking a lot!

I'm having a planned c-section so I'll be in hospital anyway for a few days. They have mentioned some monitoring might be needed but I'm fine with that - whatever she needs :)

It really sounds like you would benefit x

Hi there,
I took it from 16 weeks pregnant for horrendous anxiety and taking it even now postpartum. My son was born perfectly healthy and happy 5 months ago. No issues whatsoever and no one even really mentioned it! The best thing I did for me and my son. I would take it again without hesitation should I ever become pregnant again. I couldn’t stand living with the anxiety, it was hell on earth. Please know it can and will get better. Sending so much love for whatever path you take xx

Ps, he was born the Saturday after a C-section and I was out the Sunday! Xx

Haven’t personally taken it, but my sister did and my niece is a very intelligent healthy 9 year old. So no bad affects for her.

Also, if you need some time off in pregnancy then you should also do this. No one is going to win a medal by struggling through.

Hey,
I was on 100mg Sertraline for both my pregnancies - both healthy babies, one is now 7 and the other 2. I was a bit worried about taking it but it was so worth it.
Hope you start to feel better soon

I take it. I stayed in 48hours after birth so they could monitor baby. All that involved was heart rate/temperature checks at regular intervals. The 48 hour stay is something I was very nervous about but I had an amazing midwife who put me in the 'best' bay and I was looked after well. My consultant said happy mum equals happy baby.