Pregnancy + ADHD. I’m freaking out !

[annasun123]

Hi all,
I am hoping for a bit of reassurance and please be kind and mindful. I’ve recently found out I am 6 and a half weeks pregnant with my first (I’ve been my partner almost 7 years) I’m 26 and he’s 27.
I work with children as my job and I love kids so much. I recently fostered last year and I thrived as a foster mum. Last week when I found out I was so excited but I feel like reality is beginning to hit me now.
I would like to say I have combined ADHD and was medicated at the beginning of this year, the medication was life changing for me and gave me so much motivation to get on with things I previously struggled with. I also would of self medicated with weed to help me sleep (just a small amount to make me sleepy and stop the racing thoughts) since finding out I’m pregnant I was advised by my doctor I needed to stop everything. The medication hasn’t had enough research to know it’s safe to take during pregnancy so I’ve went cold turkey on everything which has lead my sleep to basically be nonexistent. I am so tired all of the time and come 2pm I’m completely burnt out. I don’t know if it’s the hormones of the pregnancy or the withdrawals from my medication but I feel like I’m on the verge of nervous breakdown and I’ve been speaking with my doctor regularly seeking advice.
Since yesterday I’ve been so anxious and I cannot stop sobbing, I keep thinking am I doing the right thing going through with the pregnancy? I feel like I should have security for this baby and I feel so incredibly guilty that I don’t. Is it normal to have these thoughts?
Me and my partner have been living with my parents so we don’t have a house of our own, I’m not in a great financial situation and have quite a bit of debt, I’m worried what other people are going to think and at the minute and to be honest I’m freaking out.
Has anyone been in similar situations and can reassure me ?

I dont have ADHD but I do have depression and anxiety. My recommendation is to keep in contact with your doctor as to how you are feeling. Everything you are worrying and over thinking about is normal. It shows your care and concern over little one. However, you need to try and remind yourself that stress isn't good for the baby. I've struggled with little to no sleep with worries about finances and work. Talking about it with your doctor can help. Perhaps research into anti depressants (I know sertraline is one that is safe for pregnancy) or see if there is a medication for adhd that is safe for pregnancy. It's still early days with your hormones raging, I would always have a mental slip up with each trimester until my body adjusts. Try and find little things to treat yourself with during the day (be it a nice bath, massage, a cheeky bit of chocolate). If you can talk openly with your partner or parents about things that are worrying you and listen to their advice (if its logical and helpful). Sometimes us over thinkers can't see the forest through the trees and find it hard to think practically as opposed to emotionally. I try and be kind to myself and when I worry I try to think is this something I can change? If it is, what steps do I need to take? If not then it's not in my control and whilst it's important to feel those negative emotions. It's not good to dwell. Sometimes all you need is a hug, a distraction or someone who will just listen to your fears. Sending virtual hugs!

There are safe meds to take when you're pregnant. Ask the GP to refer you to the perinatal mental health team.

I have adhd, but didn't know this before having my children. I was referred to a psychiatrist in early pregnancy during both pregnancies.

I think the huge change in hormones is very difficult, without having gone cold turkey on your adhd meds.

I was offered meds to help with sleep. And a friend was prescribed medication- Lorazepam to avoid further deterioration in her mental state.

Get some help, sleep if you need to, take a few weeks off work and see your GP.

This is so lovely, thank you so much for your kind words and advice. I cannot tell you how much it means to me ❤️

I'm glad you feel more positive - don't let the emotions get too much for you. Things will get better, and it's not surprising you feel overwhelmed. Take care.

I did feel exhausted and down when I first got pregnant. I slept a lot and it got easier. Hopefully the same for you. I have ADHD but on a very manageable level if that makes sense.

Also make sure you eat properly, protein. Many people have blood sugar imbalances making Adhd and pregnancy harder.

I was so worried about myself because I couldn’t stop sobbing the past few days luckily my mood has picked up and I’ve been referred to see my psychiatrist asap so fingers crossed he has some answers for me in regards to meds because I am so burnt out once it hits midday. Thank you so much for your advice xx