Pregnant and Depressed

HI Blue,

I am sorry for what you are going through. It sounds like you are really doubting yourself and self worth right now. I am sure that the pregnancy itself is making things difficult for you, but you can try to change that by getting rest that you need, eating properly. Avoiding caffeine and sugar. There is so much going on right now in your body. It is no wonder you are feeling overwhelmed. Try to relax. Maybe some meditation would help.

Don't feel guilty for your husband offering to pay for your education. He loves you and wants you to fulfill your dreams. You can always apply for a grant or loan to help make it less taxing on him. But furthering your education is a wonderful thing. If you don't try you may regret it. Though having a child is an awesome thing for most people and you may decide to stay home with the baby. One day at a time because you can easily change your decision.

Do you know if Benadryl can hurt the baby or not? I would make sure that it wouldn't. As it can make you sleepy. I think you would feel more assured if you knew for sure, that is if you don't already.

You said you feel haunted by the knowledge that if you hadn't thrown out the medications that you may have taken them even at risk to the baby. Well, you did throw them out. Be proud of yourself and don't beat yourself up. You sound like you are doing everything possible to do right for your baby. I think this is just a doubting thing. I think you will be okay. But it is hard with hormones and depression. Talk to your doctor about it and see if there is or isn't anything you can take that is safe. It seems like there is a medication that you can take. I am not positive though. Your regular doctor should be able to help you some, or look on the internet and see what is safe. If anything... I am just saying that a family doctor can prescribe medications for depression. It doesn't always have to be a mental health professional. I hope you find out something to help you. In the meantime, practice some meditation to relax you, be good to yourself. Maybe some affirmations to remind you that you are a good person and that you matter.

I hope that this helped in some small way...

Hugs, Karen...

You are welcome Blue,

Take care of you, for you. You deserve some self nurturing. It goes a long way.

I wish you the best...

Hugs, Karen...

I’m sorry you’re going through all this. Thinking about how life changing a baby can be, in addition to rethinking your career, and managing a healthy relationship while starting a family...it can be a lot!

I’m also 3 months pregnant and have been feeling low. I went off my Prozac cold turkey right at the beginning bc I didn’t want it to affect the baby, but that ended up making things worse. I’m back on prosaic and it’s helping. Anyway, I understand a little what you’re going through.

Are you on any mantainence mediation for depression? They have some safe stuff out there. Are you taking to a counselor at all?

As for the Benadryl, I was on it for a month last Aug while prego and my doc said it was fine. I suggest mentioning it to your doc since that reassurance might help take some of the stress off.

You mentioned some anxiety around giving birth too. Have you considered taking a baby/birth class to learn more about the birthing process. I think the unknown can be really scary and cause anxiety bc you don’t know what to expect.

Addressing each one of these things might help. But having a baby is really stressful- or so they tell me! I also know that women who experience depression during pregnancy are more likely to experience post partum depression or anxiety. Taking a step to chat with us is good, but I challenge you to reach out to a professional and see if they might be able to help. You can do this!! We’re here for you too!

Can’t manage to write much. Sunday depression is the worst for some reason. Feel like an idiot thinking about missing my husband even though he’s only at work.

Anyway, just wanted to send so many thank yous for the replies above. I will try the meditation suggestion! It’s not something I regularly do, but sounds very calming and helpful.

My goal for the week is to find a doctor to talk to. I quit drugs cold turkey and have no medication management right now; I am heartened that Prozac was doable. Sometimes I feel like there can be a balance reached if the need for mom is great enough.

I feel like I’m not making sense.

Splitting my days up into manageable pieces sounds like a great plan. That would make it easier to get chores done but also self care too - like ok if I can make it through the next 5, 10, however many minutes... I don’t know.

Basically just thank you for caring and reaching out and taking the time to respond and help. It seriously means more than you can possibly know. I feel lighter a bit just reading your nice suggestions and feel more positive.

All of you, I can’t say thank you (very not eloquently this evening, sorry) enough. Just reading and writing right now is helping me get through some pretty scritchy and scary feelings. Thank you.

Keep strong blue and doggiedo. Blue, keep posting, U make clear sense. Got a plan...yep well done. Thinking about ya...with positive thoughts and doggiedo as well. HT