depression during pregnancy

[makermom]

Anyone out there have an abortion due to severe depression during pregnancy? I had some depression with my first, but not this bad. Yes I have had hormones, thyroid, and every other test known done. Anti depressants aren't an option (medical reasons) This was a planned pregnancy but I feel that it's either me or the baby.

[javilu]

I do know people do it for hyperemesis, which isn't the same condition (but it can be depressing and debilitating), but I do know people do it.  Hopefully someone here can help you or direct you toward a resource that can help.

[pregnant@40]

Makermom, I'm so sorry. I've thought about abortion myself, especially during the first trimester. I'm at 38 weeks now, and still find pregnancy & the thought of a newborn overwhelming. Pregnancy with depression is a really, really difficult experience. Are you SURE that there are no antidepressants that are available to you? I can't think of any medical condition that makes them completely contraindicated, and there are so many choices.

Being depressed and pregnant myself, I have to remind myself that my thinking processes are irrational right now. Like you, I planned the second knowing that it would mean coming off antidepressants and dealing w/ the emotional rollercoaster. So at one point, on a brighter and more clear thinking day, I wanted this baby. I'll find that day again & be happy to have this child, but that day will happen once I restart the antidepressants. I remind myself of the reasons WHY we did this, the primary reason being providing a sibling (another family member, and lifetime relationship) for our only child. Knowing that this child's fate isn't for me to determine now, since he belongs to my son and the grandparents also, helps me get through this. It's not just about me and my feelings.

However, my depression is more of an apathy rather than suicidal state. If it were more severe (and there truly was no option of treatment), I would also have to consider more extreme outcomes. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this.

[makermom]

Thanks to both of you. Pregnant at 40, I'm 41 and no there were no fertility treatments. I honestly didn't think I would get get pregnant this time around and it happened quickly. I don't dare try medication from bad past responses to them. I want to want this, but don't. I understand your feeling of wanting to give your child sibling, that was why we went ahead with 2. I'm from a long line of only children. Maybe it's genetic.

Best of luck on your birth.

[pregnant@40]

Makermom, it also happened naturally for me. I'm sorry that you have decided to terminate, but wish you the very best. It's a personal decision after all, and your health and well-being are primary.

[Mosaic]

I respect your position and your decision, and I wish you comfort, peace, and health in the future. For others who may be in a similar position and may come across this thread in a search, I want to share my experience.

I had severe prenatal depression with my first. It was awful. Awful.

Untreated depression is dangerous to the health of the mother and the baby; and abortion of a wanted, planned baby is also tragic. Plus, please keep in mind that prenatal depression frequently turns into PPD, regardless of whether you have the baby with you. I urge you to talk to a medical professional about your options: there are lots, from herbs, vitamins, fish oil supplements, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, medication, and so much more. I know you're opposed to medication and had bad experiences with them in the past, but TALK to your doctor about your options: there are new medications all the time, and your pregnant body chemistry may react very differently to different medications.

I was on an antidepressant throughout my second pregnancy and it no doubt saved our lives.

[Jenne]

If there is still time you might try seeing an acupuncturist. There are some really affordable options via the community acupuncture clinic model. I have had really good success with treating all kinds of symptoms.

Jenne

[greencarnation]

I'm so sorry it has been bad for you. :(  I have major depression and OCD.  I am still taking my Effexor during my pregnancy, but my depression has gotten worse, as well.

Before an abortion, please consider going to the psyc ward.  I had to once, when I had a bad reaction to some meds.  It's not fun, but sometimes you need it.  

I have promised myself I will check in if I lose it.

Best wishes!

[pregnant@40]

You are such a strong woman to do this. I really admire you!
 

Originally Posted by greencarnation 

I'm so sorry it has been bad for you. :(  I have major depression and OCD.  I am still taking my Effexor during my pregnancy, but my depression has gotten worse, as well.

Before an abortion, please consider going to the psyc ward.  I had to once, when I had a bad reaction to some meds.  It's not fun, but sometimes you need it.  

I have promised myself I will check in if I lose it.

Best wishes!

[makermom]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. Has anyone heard of using progesterone cream for depression? A mid wife in another state suggested this.

.

[HappyMamaBeth]

I read the OP when it was first posted, but didn't have a chance to respond.  How are you doing now?

I don't know that I have any good advice, but I did want to say that I deal with anxiety/depression and am on Paxil for it.  I TRIED switching to Zoloft when I found out I was pregnant, and it was awful for me.  I have heard that other people respond very well to Zoloft, so I was really optimistic going into it, and it ended up giving me horrible panic attacks.  I switched back to Paxil and am MUCH better... and my midwife agreed that it was important for me to be healthy and really the risk of the medication is minimal.  (I was also on this medication with my second child.. and he is now a happy, healthy almost 5 year old... and I had a good post-partum time with him, unlike after my first child.)  I'm not sure what your reactions were to the medications you've tried, but it might be worth discussing any and all options with your midwife/doctor/psychiatrist.

I wish you all the best... be sure to take care of YOU, whatever that takes. :)

[pregnant@40]

Originally Posted by HappyMamaBeth 

I read the OP when it was first posted, but didn't have a chance to respond.  How are you doing now?

I don't know that I have any good advice, but I did want to say that I deal with anxiety/depression and am on Paxil for it.  I TRIED switching to Zoloft when I found out I was pregnant, and it was awful for me.  I have heard that other people respond very well to Zoloft, so I was really optimistic going into it, and it ended up giving me horrible panic attacks.  I switched back to Paxil and am MUCH better... and my midwife agreed that it was important for me to be healthy and really the risk of the medication is minimal.  (I was also on this medication with my second child.. and he is now a happy, healthy almost 5 year old... and I had a good post-partum time with him, unlike after my first child.)  I'm not sure what your reactions were to the medications you've tried, but it might be worth discussing any and all options with your midwife/doctor/psychiatrist.

I wish you all the best... be sure to take care of YOU, whatever that takes. :)

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I hate to bring this up, but Paxil is the only antidepressant that has been reclassified as FDA category D due to birth defects (though perhaps the risk is only in the first 3 months?). I'm sure the risks are minimal, but you may want to run this by your MW?