Depression While Pregnant?

Updated on April 04, 2008
K.R. asks from Plano, IL
8 answers

I am pregnant with my second child and I have been very depressed lately (i think). My son is 8 months old and my second child is due in September. When I was pregnant with my son I also felt depressed but thought that it was just normal and pregnancy hormones. But the further i got in the pregnancy it didn't get better and said something to my OB but I never did anything about it. After I had him I was back to normal my happy, never crying, never arguing with husband, wanted to do everything.

I am now 14 weeks pregnant and all the symptoms are back again. But this time different. I don't sleep- I rarley ever go out- everything is always under my skin )my dogs who I love everything they do bothers me)- I'm always wishing I would have never have gotten pregnant. I talked to my OB and am trying to get on medicine (insurance AHH!) and going to counsling. I just don't know if I am the only one to go through something like this. You hear about post partum depresion but I've never really heard of depresion while pregnant.

What can I do next?

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

yep! Been there done that. I would love to talk more if you want but my baby needs me :) Can't type...

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W.S.

answers from Chicago on

K.,

Yes it is common to experience what you've described while pregnant - I did and so did some of my friends/relatives. I was over-sensitive to everything and the least little thing would upset me, I was crying all the time - and I had terrible insomnia during my entire pregnancy. My whole family had to walk on eggshells around me. I stopped going out places because I felt that everyone was looking at my belly and I wasn't even showing yet :-p Luckily, it subsided during my 2nd trimester (except for the insomnia). Maybe it will subside soon for you too.

It is just hormones doing a number on you. My Doc did allow me to take something very mild to help me sleep and that helped tremendously. You are taking your vitamins and eating well, right? Your body can also react strangely if your nutrients are being depleted (your body will deliver nutrients to your baby and deprive you if you are not getting all the vitamins / minerals you need).

Sounds like you are doing the right things, keep talking with your doc about it and your counselor - the doctors are extremely careful these days not to perscribe anything that will harm your baby - so if they let you take something, go ahead and do what you have to to get it if it makes you feel better! When you feel good your baby feels good too :-)

Meantime, please know you are not alone. You will likely be feeling much better very soon.

hugs,

W.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Chicago on

K.,

depression is possible at any time, your hormones raging, and it almost sounds as if you weren't planning the pregnancy and may be unhappy about another (not that you wont love it or literally don't 'want' it - i know there is a difference) (I could be speculating - this was my state of mind with #4).

I think it's sad that you mentioned it to your OB and then followed up with 'but I didn't do anything about it'. Isn't that what your doctor is for?

It may pass... but the important thing is that you can recognize when it's getting to a point where you need to do something about it. check with your insurance formulary and see what meds they cover, and then do a little research on your own to see what classification the drugs are. I believe, they have to provide coverage for a safe medication during pregnancy. you might want to call to see if you can get a formulary exception because of your pregnancy. i may be wrong, but it's worth asking.

it doesn't seem like enough to just say good luck to you,... i really hope you feel in better spririts. try some yoga and find your happy place :)

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A.P.

answers from Chicago on

depression gets worse if left untreated... lots of insurance companies have mental health hotlines. getting sleep is primordial. get the help you need to get your sleep. exercise, laughter, a social life, a good diet, etc. hang in there and try to think positive. good luck. ;-)
ps: don't let it get worse, get a shrink-your ob/gyn is not qualified it sounds....

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G.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,

Congrats on your new pregnancy. Your depression may stem from another source. Maybe your current situation, having a 8 mos. yr. old has overwhelmed you. Being a first time mom is enough to make anyone think about having another. If you need more help from your partner ask! I told my husband prior to having a child that "we" are having a child. I insisted that he share in everything. Night feedings, diaper changes, doctor visits etc.. If you are having marital problems that may also cause depression. I dont know your situation and I hope your happy about your home life.. Do something for yourself, get a massage, get a new hairstyle anything that makes you feel good. As moms we do everything for our family and never for ourselves. I hope this helps. If you need to talk to me again I'll be happy to listen.

Take Care,

Grace

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P.G.

answers from Chicago on

I am going to go out on a limb here, but have you asked "God" to take away this depression from you, this is the only person who can really help with this type of problem, medicine only covers up the symptom and masks the problem then I think things will fall back into place for you and the rest.

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

K.
Although I experienced postpartum depression (twice)I also can relate to the emotional sensitivity you describe. I was also worried about being able to care for 2 in diapers at the same time. Pregnancy can be a vulnerable & emotional state. See if you can become aware of your thought patterns & habits. If you are worrying or like you say 'rarely going out' these habits will affect your wellbeing. If you find you can't interrupt these patterns on your own consider consulting with a certified hypnotist. Currently I am working with a client who is pregnant & fearful of the birth process.
Wishing you peace.

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.! I am not sure about depression when you are pregnant. It is a normal thing if you have depression normally, but I am not sure about if you dont, and what you said is that you dont. Would you like me to check with my doula group and see if anyone knows of this, or if they have any good suggestions? I can do that for you, because I dont want you to have to go through this your whole pregnancy and I know it is really hard on you. Let me know.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

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