Antenatal Depression?

7 replies

tessofthedurbervilles · 28/03/2009 08:55

I think I have it, I went to my Dr's and broke down and was very honest about how I am currently feeling (nearly 8 months not liking my bump, feelings of despair and crying a lot) he was useless and said lots of women feel like it and was that all I wanted?
I need to speak to my midwife but what can she do? I am worried as not with babies dad and scared to be honest in case it gets used against me if he wanted to apply for custody in the future...can anyone suggest?

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MsG · 28/03/2009 09:08

Hi Tess. Urgh, some doctors are RUBBISH, aren't they?! I would definitely go and talk to your midwife - not sure what she can do but she will definitely be more understanding and can at least talk to the doctor on your behalf. I think sometimes when GPs say things like "lots of women feel that way" they are trying to reassure you that you're normal, but it's so frustrating!

I don't know how it could be used against you - perhaps it's worth getting some free legal advice on that? I think it's a lot harder, rightfully, these days for people to use anything like this against someone though. I told my midwife early on in my pregnancy that I suffer from depression and OCD intermittently and she was lovely about it.

You have to put your health and your baby's first. I think if you got some counselling it could really help. As a matter of course, I think that health visitors are supposed to ask women after they've had a baby if they are suffering from postnatal depression - it's a shame antenatal depression isn't routinely looked at too.

Maybe there's another doctor you could talk to at your surgery? xx

Original poster

tessofthedurbervilles · 28/03/2009 13:08

I am just scared as know very little about ad but my friend thinks, unless I sort out ad am more likely to get pd....my ex p has tried to imply I am not mentally strong when he was bullying me to terminate so I am not even sure if it is just being linked to such a twat or if I am even ill....
I will ask midwife about counselling thanks for your help x

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littlelamb · 28/03/2009 13:13

AND is much more common then people realise. I suffered with both dc. Ime, it does not necessarily lead to PND. WIth dd, I had weekly counselling and a weekly check in with my lovely GP as well, which really helped. I was prescribed Citalopram but I didn't take it. WIth both dc the depression disappeared immediately after the birth.
It cannot be used against you so please don't worry. It can be hard to bring it up with your midwife when all you get is a rushed 10 minute slot, so I would make a double appointment with a nicer GP and go from there. Please don't worry what they will think either, I was with different GPs with both pregnancies and they both said that it is a very common thing and that it does help for it to be in the open.
And ignore your ex. What an idiot he sounds

naomi83 · 28/03/2009 20:27

MAMA

Gentle · 28/03/2009 20:46

tessofthedurbervilles, my midwife told me there's an AnD support group that runs weekly at the bottom of my road. I have a history of depression - so far this pregnancy, so good - but it's reassuring to know that it's there if I need it later on. Perhaps there's one in your area?

Counselling/group therapy is fantastic. Saying things you feel you shouldn't say out loud in an atmosphere where those words won;t be judged or used against you is powerfully helpful.

Sorry your doctor was crap, please don't let it be a reflection on the importance of your health. I think you're being very sensible about this if it's any consolation. Good luck.

toomuchpicknmix · 29/03/2009 13:29

feelings of depair and crying a lot could defo be symptoms of depression which can be treated - with or without medication.
Please try and talk to someone else - your MW might be a start. Is there another GP at the practice? It is outrageous that you were brushed off in this way - you are not being silly.
Sometimes talking is all that's needed and as other have said even if your MW is not the right person they should be able to refer you.
if there were a future custody issue, your medical records remain confidential. experiencing low mood in pregnancy would in any case in no way prejudice your case - esp not as you are seeking responsible and appropriate ways of dealing with it.
good luck, hope you get to the right help soon and feel better

cazzaben · 01/04/2009 00:06

AH!!! I just read your post and it brought a tear to my eye... I had the same thing with both my pregnancies... I would speak to your midwife... Dont let her tell you its normal and it will pass or that your just emotional because of the pregnancy...

Please try and speak to someone before you have your LO I suffered badly with PND after the birth of my first so much so that I was put into a Mother and Baby Unit.

I'm sending lots of love to you and I hope that your midwife or another doctor will help you through this...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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