Pre natal depression

[RBU]

Hi

How have first time mums coped with feeling of loneliness, tiredness and constant feelings of sadness and crying during pregnancy?

Thanks

Sorry you're feeling like this OP. Pregnancy can be an isolating time and pre natal depression and anxiety are real. It might help to speak to your midwife who should be able to support you or signpost you to support designed specifically for pregnant women.
In my first pregnancy I found connecting with other pregnant women really helpful, I joined a pregnancy yoga class and made some good friends and it was good for my physical wellbeing as well. Getting out the house for regular walks also helped my mood. There were other groups locally set up for pregnant women too, again your midwife or local children's centre might be able to help. Be kind to yourself, you're going through a life altering experience. x

Pregnancy can be such a difficult experience for so many different reasons. I think especially your first pregnancy because nothing can prepare you for what pregnancy will be like.

It's can be an isolating experience because you're experiencing life so differently to everyone else, you can't join in with other people when it comes to having a drink, you're limited in your freedoms, you experience all sorts of health issues which other people can't relate to, people can treat you differently and start telling you how to live or insisting on help that you never asked for or wanted.

I was quite miserable in my first pregnancy to be honest, and my second, and currently pregnant with third and miserable. I did feel a lot better when the baby was out and I hope it will be the same for you.

I think previous posters suggestion about joining pregnancy yoga may be helpful or an antenatal class. Not everyone experiences pregnancy the same but you might meet some people there who can understand parts of what you are going through.

Sorry you are having a hard time.

Speak to your midwife there's support available.
I have a history of mental illness and have contact with specialist mental health midwives, I saw an Obstetrician with a MH speciality to ensure I had support in place in pregnancy and the time afterwards and if things are particularly difficult there is also the perinatal mental health teams and medication that is safe to take in pregnancy.

How far along are you?

The first trimester can be particularly tricky for fatigue as your body puts all of its energy into building that placenta. I found the second trimester difficult with my daughter. I didn't get the glow and was still quite tired. I had physical issues after a car accident to which didn't help. More people knew about the pregnancy and my insides didn't match what I was being told I should be feeling and I found that difficult. With her I found the third trimester easier as it was more socially acceptable to be hating pregnancy by that point but I'm pregnant again and I'm struggling with unusual levels of fatigue and that's been hard. The first two trimesters of this pregnancy however were fairly enjoyable

Pregnancy is a melting pot of horridness and joy and everyone has an opinion on when you should enjoy it and when it's acceptable to find it difficult but I think each stage for each person can go either way and you just have to hope that somewhere in the 40 weeks you get a chance to rest and recuperate!

Thanks guys. I’ve been feeling like this 18 weeks into my second trimester. I was told things get better, but they Haven’t so far. All I manage to do most days is sleep. I have little to no energy in even doing the basics of tasks. I was a very active person pre pregnancy and hate feeling this way. I also tend to cry and get sad a lot. Ive contacted my midwife and hoping she helps. Will also try some yoga classes. Just wish that there was something I can take to feel human again. I feel like a different person and miss the person I was before pregnancy. Sorry to go on. Just don’t know what to do

It might be worth asking for some blood tests to see if there is a physical reason for the fatigue too.
The difference in what you can manage pre and during labour can be difficult. I went from running 3 times a week cycling to and from the train station to work every day generally active and busy to needing a nap because I had gone to the supermarket.

I'm experiencing some unusual levels of fatigue at the moment and a few weeks ago I was walking all day, needing a lie down just for comfort as he moved under my ribs with activity to sleep. In the space of about 4 days I was needing 3+ naps a day. They can't find a reason although there's a few things a bit wonky. Preempting when my energy levels are dipping and getting rest has helped me manage my ups and downs and allows me to do a bit more and have more energy

Jumping on here as i resonate with the exhaustion. It’s really is making me feel down. Can I ask, those who are struggling with fatigue are you still working? How are you managing a work day? I feel so useless but guilty for putting in a sick line.