https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:29:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304695 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:51:43 +0000 daniellemybelle 2304695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: :heart: :heart: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304547 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:32:26 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 2304547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to pop in to offer my support. I didn't have any issues with my first pregnancy, but, with this pregnancy it's been completely different in terms of my own mental health. My anxiety and depression finally got to the point that my husband insisted I bring it up to the OB during my next appointment. I put it off for weeks and weeks. I'm actually a mental health worker and I assess individuals who are having thoughts of self-harm and suicide nearly every day, so when I started having those thoughts, I knew I needed to bring it up. So I did and I felt so dismissed. I guess I didn't know what I expected the doctor to say - I wasn't open to medication just on a personal basis unless it were to get worse and I wasn't open to therapy because I *know* the majority of the therapists in this area since I work with them. But the doctor basically just told me to "stop trying to be super woman" and not to worry so much. And I sat there, dumbfounded. I think my OB office needs some training in this area. I just told him I wanted to bring it up in case it were to develop into PPD after delivery. And he was like "Okay, you let us know if that happens." Eye roll.</p> <p>Things have been getting better for me as the weeks go on though, so I'm hoping it balances itself out. I hope you are able to start feeling better soon &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304535 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:25:23 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2304535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: it sounds like you've made a really good start. Hopefully therapy will give you some good tips on building up your excitement about the baby.<br /> @ldh112: Love that analogy! I could use some earplugs right now :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304530 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:16:23 +0000 ldh112 2304530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: You are very brave for being honest about your struggles, both with depression/gender disappointment. I think dealing with the depression on a chemical level will help you come to terms with your pregnancy in a much healthier way. My old therapist used the analogy of medication for depression/anxiety being like turning the volume down on life. I hope that is what the medication does for you. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304523 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:04:30 +0000 MamaCate 2304523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: So glad you took the steps you needed to take care of yourself! Here's hope not the meds help you get back on track! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2304511 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:46:14 +0000 ladybee 2304511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Met with doctor today and was put on zoloft for depression/ocd. Spending the 80 minutes with her felt very therapeutic. We also had another u/s and baby is still a boy. At least now I can work on closure and getting my life/excitement back. </p> <p>I can't thank you all enough for your understanding. This has been such a difficult time for me, and knowing that I wasn't the only one who's felt this way helped tremendously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2303278 Sun, 27 Sep 2015 09:13:06 +0000 ladybee 2303278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: my OB is very conservative and will not prescribe antidepressants while pregnant. I love him dearly but at this point, I can't continue like this. In his defense, he has no idea it's this bad. His poor nurse get's those horrible, sobbing phone calls. I've made peace with the fact that I will need meds. </p> <p>@wonderstruck: The cycle promotes such self-hatred that it makes life so difficult. This whole pregnancy I've told my mom how I don't feel right and I can't do this. At this point, I know I can't handle this myself and DH is just going to have to get over it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302868 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 08:15:23 +0000 wonderstruck 2302868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. I went through this. I didn't want to be pregnant anymore, I just wanted to run and/or never get out of bed. It was a constant circle of not doing anything to get to a better place because I felt like shit, then feeling Whittier because of it. And it made no sense because it had been a very wanted pregnancy (although I too grappled with gender disappointment.) I went on Zoloft, and it helped so much. My husband just wanted me to get better and totally trusted the doctors, I imagine this is so much harder feeling like he doesn't approve of mess that would likely help. I would tell him you really need him at the appointment. Bring him in at the end and the doctor can explain that the mess are considered safe/low-risk, and that the stress depression is doing to you and the baby is far more dangerous than the medication is.</p> <p>I hope you're feeling better soon. Sending lots of hugs your way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302774 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:16:29 +0000 lilteacherbee 2302774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: So sorry you're going through this. I had pretty bad PPA after my first and I was put on Zoloft (I had been on Celexa while TTC after a m/c because of depression and anxiety). When I got pregnant again (12 months pp), I weaned off of it. However, I was terrified I'd be struggling again after the birth of LO2, so my doctor suggested I start taking the Zoloft starting a month before I was due to get ahead of it. I'm still taking it now (7 weeks pp) and my anxiety is at a much, much more manageable level. I felt completely comfortable taking Zoloft with my OB's support, especially knowing how much better I felt when I started taking it after LO1's birth. </p> <p>I would definitely talk to your OB. There are things that can help. So sorry you're struggling and I hope things get better soon :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302770 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:06:08 +0000 erinpye 2302770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: I'll wall you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302676 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 17:38:13 +0000 ladybee 2302676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: I still feel like I'm on the edge and I'm ready to jump. Thankfully, my OB was able to get me an appointment for Monday at 12:40pm. The nurse (who handles all these types of calls) said she suspects they will start therapy and zoloft. Thank you so much for thinking of me and your support.</p> <p>@erinpye: At this point, I can't imagine myself loving this baby and that terrifies me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302453 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:26:48 +0000 MamaCate 2302453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: How are you doing? Have you gotten an appointment scheduled yet? </p> <p>I was thinking about you this morning and thinking that talking to someone is likely to help in addition to meds. There is a concept called the "psychological tasks of pregnancy" that include coming to terms with the pregnancy, accepting the baby, and grieving the loss of the ideal/imagined baby. It is okay to think of it as a loss--anything from gender disappointment to I wanted a little boy who would have my eyes or whatever. I think having someone to talk through those ideas with in a non judgmental way would really help.</p> <p>Take care of yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302435 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:19:59 +0000 erinpye 2302435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did, but didn't know it until later, and it made my PPD after my second so much worse than the first go around. I think it's really good you're noticing it now, and definitely get some support: therapy, meds (plenty are pregnancy-safe). I hope you start to feel better very soon, sweet mama :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2302350 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:43:01 +0000 daniellemybelle 2302350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Somehow I've missed your threads here. Just want to send you more love. The way you are feeling is normal and okay! People just are often afraid to talk about it. The extent to which you are struggling is more of the issue to me - not that you have the feelings at all.</p> <p>I'm glad you are getting some support, though. It's likely that your depression is magnifying your feelings about the baby and the fact that you can see that and reached out for help is an awesome step.</p> <p> :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2300337 Thu, 24 Sep 2015 07:29:28 +0000 ladybee 2300337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rockies11: @catomd00: @mamabolt: @ms.line: thank you so much for the support. I wish DH understood my emotional needs more. He's worked on it a lot throughout our marriage but this is a struggle for him.</p> <p>@ScarletBegonia: I am open to talk therapy if it'll help. You're right though, I need someone who will understand my feelings because I don't want to feel judged. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2300336 Thu, 24 Sep 2015 07:27:52 +0000 ladybee 2300336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: Thank you so much for the information. It was interesting to read through. In the past, I've been on Celexa and was planning on going back on after I had the baby. My fear is that if my depression is so bad now, how bad will my PPD be this time? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299892 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:22:33 +0000 MamaCate 2299892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here are a few quick links that include considerations for medication as well as alternative approaches. I think finding someone to talk to would be very helpful too. What has helped you in the past?</p> <p>Mayo clinic:<br /> <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046420" rel="nofollow">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046420</a></p> <p>Psych guides:<br /> <a href="http://www.psychguides.com/guides/living-with-depression-during-pregnancy/" rel="nofollow">http://www.psychguides.com/guides/living-with-depression-during-pregnancy/</a></p> <p>American pregnancy:<br /> <a href="http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/depression-during-pregnancy/" rel="nofollow">http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/depression-during-pregnancy/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299882 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:20:12 +0000 Rockies11 2299882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have depression but I have taken an awful lot of class C medication during pregnancy to keep me from being very ill, so I understand the decision that you're making. I am firmly in the camp that it is imperative that you take care of yourself when you're pregnant. In your situation, I would take the medication without hesitation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299867 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:16:26 +0000 catomd00 2299867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: I'm so sorry you're having such a tough time. I haven't experienced it but just wanted to send some support your way. I'm glad you're going to seek help and I hope you can find the support you need to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and postpartum. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299852 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:07:43 +0000 mamabolt 2299852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thinking of you. I have been on Zoloft my entire pregnancy with support of my OB and psychiatrist. A healthy mama is the most important thing for both your children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299836 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:57:11 +0000 MamaCate 2299836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: I am a therapist and my understanding is that outcomes are often better for both mom and baby with meds if the situation is significant enough. I am getting dinner on the table but I will try to find you some resources to support your case next time I nurse LO! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299832 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:54:50 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2299832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sure medication isn't a bad idea and once known a few women who have taken SSRIs and anxiety meds throughout their pregnancies.<br /> I wonder if it wouldn't be more valuable for you or at least a good adjunct to do some talk therapy and really work through with an unbiased therapist why your gender disappointment is so strong and tenacious, and why you are feeling so down at this stage.<br /> good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299793 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:18:51 +0000 Mamasig 2299793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: your mental health is so important. Hopefully, your doctor can help ease any concerns if medication is needed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299785 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:14:36 +0000 ms.line 2299785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: There are many meds that are safe during pregnancy (especially at this stage). Your DH should understand that your depression presents a very real health issue for both you and your baby and needs to be proactively managed. I hope you're able to get into treatment soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299779 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:06:34 +0000 ladybee 2299779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: @MamaCate: I don't think DH is comfortable with me taking meds but I feel like it's necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299778 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:05:57 +0000 ladybee 2299778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBehr: I'm worried about the same. I had PPD before and I'm terrified it'll be harder to treat if I feel this way already. </p> <p>@Truth Bombs: the anxiety and guilt I feel is unreal. I wish I could be happy that we are having another boy but I'm really struggling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299753 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:36:00 +0000 Truth Bombs 2299753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's a really good idea for you to start seeing someone ASAP. I think it's really important that you get to a place of excitement or at least acceptance that this baby is a boy before he arrives. I hope you find the help you need. I've dealt with a lot of anxiety issues and it's not fun. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299752 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:33:52 +0000 MamaBehr 2299752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really struggling this pregnancy. I think it is a mixture of personal crap going on, pregnancy hormones, and settling into a new life routine. But I feel like crying a lot, I have little to no self worth, I'm just in a bad place. I haven't talked to my OB/GYN yet, but I think I will with my next appointment (next week). I'm worried that this depression will turn into PPD, and I want to be proactive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299747 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:22:31 +0000 MamaCate 2299747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: I haven't but I know it is really common. The best thing for you and your baby is to take care of yourself! Hugs and good luck! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/depression-during-pregnancy#post-2299741 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:11:17 +0000 Mamasig 2299741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't, but my sister had severe anxiety during her pregnancy with my nephew. The doctor put her on meds and it helped. </p>