Pregnancy and OCD...what do I do?

Question

I'm 13 weeks pregnant. I am currently dealing with OCD and I am unsure on what I need to do. This is just taking a toll on me. I really need help. I know I should ask my OB. Being pregnant can I take anything such as SSRI's? It is so shameful. I have the driving related OCD (scared to drive). The smallest bump in the road I will have to turn around making sure I haven't hit ne one or anything. I will to this for over an hour. I know I haven't but my mind is saying what if? I have come to the point where I don't even wanna drive ne more. I heard OCD sometimes worsens during pregnancy but this is just awful. Please Please someone help me! I will call the psychiatrist in the am but I need some reassurance that there is hope for me. Thanks so much and God Bless.

Answer 1

There are studies which indicate that SSRIs taken late during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby, i.e., crying, restlessness, etc.  

You've no reason to feel ashamed.  Call in the morning to arrange an appointment with your OB/GYN to discuss the issue.  Perhaps talk therapy during your pregnancy can help get you through this time of exacerbation of symptoms.  Pregnancy often exacerbates pre-existing conditions such as OCD and carpal tunnel syndrome.  

Eating healthy (cut out sugar) and getting moderate exercise such as walking should help to relieve some of your anxiety also.  Good luck to you!

Answer 2

My sister has OCD and has been pregnant a few times... kept having abortions because she was worried what her meds would do to the fetus... maybe her OCD prevented her from using condoms...

You really need to talk to your Dr... first because i know many head meds are very bad for fetuses and #2 if you are still having issues... they meds arent working very well.

Kudos to you for looking for some answers...  everything will work itself out. If this wasnt planned... find out all your options and choose whats best for you... but take it as a lesson. if this was planned...  you should have talked to your dr before hand and probably gotten off your meds.

I wish you the best...

Answer 3

The physical changes your body goes through with pregnancy is stressful and may affect you more than others. Theirs also all the emotional ups and downs (caused from all the hormonal changes), and the self-doubt we go through for 9 months ( Will I be a good mom? Will I know what to do? What will it be like?...) Everybody goes through those phases, don't worry to much. I'm sure you're gonna be a great mom, since you are already concerned about what's best for your baby.

Be assured, their are SSRI's that can be taken when pregnant, although you have to be past your first trimester. Talk it over with your psychiatrist and what you could also do, is ask him/or her to refer you to a good therapist that could help you out through your pregnancy by teaching you alternative copping mechanism.

Theirs also yoga classes and water aerobics for pregnant women...Those two are only a few of the activities you can do/find for pregnant women. Call your community center and don't be afraid to ask around, you might be surprised at all the "alternatives" offered that could lessen your anxiety/stress/ocd.

Congratulations! and good luck ;)

Answer 4

lol

chill n rub ur tummy. i had my baby at 14 and i have ADD major depression bipolar disorder, and OCD. if i can do it, u can. JUST use will power. im now 15 with a beautiful HEALTHY baby girl.

Answer 5

Well I don't have OCD but I have an anxiety disorder and I am also pregnant. If your OCD is very severe your doctor will perscribe you something and as everyone tells me (I take lorazepam for my anxiety), don't feel guilty because you need to feel better youself so you can be there for your son or daughter. It is very nervewrecking taking medication while pregnant as most medications strictly say DO NOT TAKE WHILE PREGNANT.. and I cry everytime I get a new bottle and read that because I'm scared I am hurting my baby but know that if you were off your meds for a while they may not work like they used to. I got off my meds durin the first trimester and it doesnt do nearly what it used to for me. Good luck and I wish you all the best. There is definitley hope. Pregnancy makes everything worse to me, but then I think about that baby in my stomach and I can't help but smile!! :) Congrats on your pregnancy. Again, I don't have OCD, but if you need to talk you can always email me on here!