How do they treat depression in pregnant women?

Question

I am 35 weeks along and severely depressed. I have no energy to clean or cook and the only thing I'm taking care of is my 10 1/2 month old daughter. Everything else, myself included, is falling apart. My husband and I are also having a lot of problems lately because he barely helps me out and has started drinking a lot again. I think I might even be having a nervous breakdown. Today I have spent most of the day bawling and trying to hide it from my daughter. I look around at the disaster around me and I cannot muster the energy to take care of it even though my mind wants to, my body just won't cooperate. I feel trapped in a bad situation that's only bound to get worse once the baby comes. I think I need to see a doctor right away but I'm scared to take antidepressants while pregnant, especially since I'm so close to the end. On the other hand I can't go on like this. Please help!

Answer 1

You do not take anti-depressants while pregnant. They can do so much harm to your baby, it's unreal. I would definitely get in to talk with a therapist though. You're right in thinking it might get worse once the baby arrives. I had pretty severe PPD when I had my second child...going from one baby to two can be awfully overwhelming for some women.  You're not alone, and there is help. Have your Doctor recommend a good therapist. I wish you the best.

Answer 2

:::HUG:::

I'm 17 weeks pregnant and suffer from pretty bad depression too. My depression feels mostly physical as I have no energy to do anything either. I don't know how I can cope anymore with my symptoms.

Even though technically you can take an anti-depressant, I don't recommend you do (I don't take one either).

Please try and surround yourself with positive messages. Read positive things online (happynews.com, do a search for how to be happy, watch positive thing on youtube.com, etc). You will get through this if you try. Once your baby is born, you can decide whether or not Antideps are right for you. My prayers are with you - write to me if you need to chat or a shoulder to lean on

Answer 3

Talk to your doctor sweetie.  I think I am going to have to do the same thing.  The one thing that I have found out is if I get out of the house for a while, I calm down and pick up a little bit.  Once I am tired of cleaning I relax then do the same thing again.  It does help a lot.  Even if you just get out of the house.

Answer 4

I had to be put on anit-depressents when I was pregnant, the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor.

Answer 5

You do not need to take anti depressants no matter what a Dr. says.  Right now you are a baby making machine.  It takes a lot out of you literally.  You need to replenish your nutrients that the baby is taking from you to grow.  Go outside every day for at least 10 minutes and get some sunshine.  When you get sun your body turns cholesterol into vitamin D.  Vit D is essential for your health.  Vit D can keep cancer and depression away.  

You also need to be taking a quality Omega 3 with DHA and EPA.  Depression is caused when the brain is not nourished and all the connections are not firing.  Postpartum happen when the baby is nursing and you do not replenish your nutrients and you become deficient.   Please look up the importance of omega 3 and Vit D.

I know you're going through some though times which doesn't help but you need to put your health first.

Answer 6

OH no honey! Dont be scared! There are a few antidepressants that are safe during pregnancy and completely gentle and good. As my doctor told me, the baby fares better when you are happy than sad and stressed. Please dont hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.

And some women will tell you "have a hot bath, and a cup of tea. Think happy thoughts". Im sorry, but they have no idea what true depression is. A cup of tea is not going to change a darn thing. Get some medication. Im on a low dose of Wellbutrin XL and it helps so much.

EDIT: Marina, no offense but not all anti-depressants are off limits during pregnancy. There ARE approved ones that any doctor will prescribe.

Answer 7

You definitely need to go see a doctor.  It would be in your best interest, along with both of your children.  There are several anti-depressants approved for use during pregnancy.  I imagine the strain on your body of getting pregnant again so soon after having your 1st child probably has something to do with it.  But please do see a doctor, and if your husband doesn't straighten up, my advice is that you and your children are better off not being with him.

Answer 8

Zoloft and Lexipro are both approved for pregnancy.  I'm on Zoloft and loving it.  Your OB can prescribe them for you.