New here, Unplanned PG after PPD

[farmer's wife]

Hello Ladies. I wanted to introduce myself. I'm mom to two DDs, Jesse (6) and Ava (2.5). I was hit hard with PPD immediately following the birth of my 2.5 yo. Lots of anxiety, horrible intrusive thoughts, insomnia, the works.I ended up taking Lexapro and after 3 months did climb out of that horrible hole that PPD throws you into. IT DOES GET BETTER!! I can assure you of that!

Now, I have just found out I'm 6.5 weeks pregnant. This was not planned. I'm 38 and due to recent changes in my cycles, etc. really thought my pregnancy days were over. That coupled with the fact each of our DDs took almost 2 years to conceive, I figured I didn't have to worry about pregnancy. Then BLAM! A positive hpt.

I waver between excited to terrified--mostly terrified. PPD was the worst thing I have ever been through. I'm already having panic attacks. I don't see my midwife until Aug 19, until then I'm left biting my nails. Anyone who's been there/done this? I'm needing reassuring voices right now. I'm a mess.

Thanks so much for reading,
Myra

[yentroc]

I don't know if I'm much help... I'm currently in a similar situation.

My pg was planned but was hit almost immediately with anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia (all my PPD symptoms). I'm almost 20 wks pregnant and still struggling, with good days and bad days. I started Zoloft and am thinking I need to up my dose.

Hugs to you... it's rough. I too know that it can be overcome because I did overcome all of these symptoms. It just tough when you're in it.

[farmer's wife]

thanks

Thanks, yentroc. It's good to know I'm not alone. Everytime someone tells me they're excited for me, it almost makes the feelings worse. Are you receiving any type of counseling, etc.?

((hugs))

[Kirsten]

My dd1 and dd2 were 6 and 2 when I (purposefully) got pregnant with dd3. We were worried about my PPD returning (I had a RAGING case of it after dd2 was born, but totally fine with dd1) but went ahead anyway.

I had absolutely no PPD after dd3! So only in one out of my three did I have PPD - and it was the second one (wonder if there is something to that somehow - OP, didn't you say you had with your dc2?)

So just wanted to toss that out there. Good thing about having PPD is that you know you can come out of it, awful though it is during. Those were really dark days, and it felt like it would last forever - but it did lift.

[nannymom]

I had terrible ppd for almost 2 years after my daughter was born. I took Zoloft and sought therapy. It helped but I waited so long to get help and I really regret that.

I'm pregnant again and it was a surprise. It has taken me some adjustment to say the least. One of the ways I'm coping with my fears about the ppd is to line up many resources so that it easy for me to get help if I need it.

I have the number to a therapist as well as a dr. who can prescribe antidepressants if it gets really bad. My midwife will give my husband a checklist for signs to watch out for so we can catch it quicker. We are considering hiring a post partum dula. In addition to that my midwife will dry and incapsulate my placenta so that I can have it on hand incase I decide I need it.

Good luck and keep sharing your feelings. It can be a really scary thing to face.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

After dd I had severe ppd that about did me in I was worried about it when I got pg with my ds and though I did end up with depression while pg. I was amazed that I didnt get the same ppd after he was born. I had it a bit but not nearly as bad and only needed meds for 3 months or so. So having it after one child dosnt guarentee you will have it after another pg.

[bsurber]

Hi!

I saw your post and wanted to ask when did you get on Zoloft during your pregnancy? I had HORRID PPD and anxiety after baby #1 and we're trying for #2 and already the anxiety is killing me. I stopped all meds 2 months ago and it's starting to catch up with me. I took Zoloft, Seraquel and Ativan after #1 for a year and stayed on Zoloft until recently. My daughter is turning 2. I want to get back on the Zoloft but I'm not sure about being pregnant and taking it. I'm miserable.

Brenda

[yentroc]

Originally Posted by bsurber

Hi!

I saw your post and wanted to ask when did you get on Zoloft during your pregnancy? I had HORRID PPD and anxiety after baby #1 and we're trying for #2 and already the anxiety is killing me. I stopped all meds 2 months ago and it's starting to catch up with me. I took Zoloft, Seraquel and Ativan after #1 for a year and stayed on Zoloft until recently. My daughter is turning 2. I want to get back on the Zoloft but I'm not sure about being pregnant and taking it. I'm miserable.

Brenda

I started it around 14 wks pregnant, I'm now 20 and feel soooo much better. I'm only on 25mgs which was therapeutic for me postpartum. I'm also in counselling and doing meditation.

My advice would be to talk to your doctor about taking it while pregnant.