Feeling depressed

[jen&james]

I am almost 33 weeks pregnant and have been feeling really depressed lately. My husband is a great support and tries to make me feel better. I feel like I have been less than a good mom to my 2 boys because my energy level is so low and I feel drained all the time. We are expecting a baby girl and I am so excited to have her but I just can't seem to feel better. My family lives really close by but I feel very unsupported by them. They don't call unless I call them and I was hoping to get tog. and celebrate her coming with a shower or luncheon (no gifts since we have everything we need) but no one seems interested. I just can't seem to shake all this. I know it is just hormones but I really don't have manhy really good friends either to confide in. We are all so busy with our kids and lives. I just need some alone time with this baby so I can feel more connection and find a way to celebrate her.

[Max'sMama]

I'm sorry you are feeling down. Have you talked with your midwife/OB about your feelings? Maybe they can help find a solution for you. Have you told your husband that you need more, even if it's not from him but that you are needing something.

Sometimes just having the sounding board to vent to makes me feel better. Good luck and I hope you find peace soon.

[WhiteHorse]

I hear ya. I am expecting my 5th (4th bio) and I dont think I have ever been this depressed. I don't know the sex yet, only 15 wks but I think this one might be a girl (after 4 boys). I know it sounds terrible but I am not one bit excited. Lots of it has to do with our precarious financial situation. And, I am almost 40 and have been raising kids for 22 years. I guess I am just tired. I am sure there are other mamas out there feeling blah about their pregnancies, it is a hard thing to admit. I hope you get some time to feel better soon and welcome your new little girl.

[saoirse2007]

Tell yourmidwife they may check you thyroid

[pregnant@40]

Me, too. I'm not feeling excited about either being pregnant or having a newborn again, and am so, so tired.

[DaisyMay]

Sorry you're feeling like this. Like others have said - seek help from your health provider at your next appt. Also make sure you, your partner and your health provider look carefully for the signs of post-natal depression after the baby arrives. I've no idea whether feeling low during the pregnancy would have any link to post-natal depression or make it more likely, but it's really important to keep a close eye. I'm in the UK and I know that a standard part of our after-care is our midwives looking out for signs and informing mom/dad of signs to look out for, but having had my last baby in the states, I know that this type of after-care isn't necessarily offered. I'm not saying you will get it - chances are you'll feel much better once the baby arrives, but like you say, hormones can take you on a real ride. Don't feel bad if you feel different in this pregnancy than your previous ones - every pregnancy is unique and it doesn't mean you will be any less thrilled when your little girl arrives. On a personal note, I took a prenatal yoga class while pregnant both times and felt that that hour once a week was my special time with the baby to connect etc. Perhaps you could do something similar?