Doctor for Prenatal Depression in Maryland - Severe Symptoms

[faerae]

I never imagined it would be so hard to get help for something 1 in 8 women suffer from. There is so much information and help on PPD, but it seems pre-natal depression is easily overlooked and blown off. I have been struggling to point I hope to miscarry. I think about it all time.  Even termination.  I have anxiety attacks, cry all the time and have a hard time completing any task. I am impatient with my 2 year old daughter, yelling at her for things that are insignificant and it is difficult to care for her. I also have physical symptoms… at 13 weeks still having nausea and vomiting. I have seen 3 ob’s that tell me I’ll be fine or to just see my PMD. I have a therapist but he is not a psychiatrist and does not prescribe drugs. He referred me to one that never called me back. I tried 2 antidepressants that made me have cyclic vomiting after speaking one ob’s nurse. Doctor spent less than one minute on the phone with me. They have what I call “hand on the doorknob” syndrome when I see them. I feel so desparate for help… aren’t there any ob’s with experience in prenatal depression? I am in Maryland (Carroll County) and have done web searches for anyone that has been through this and can suggest a doctor and have been shocked to find not one result in search engines… Never knew pregnancy could cause such severe depression and anxiety. I ordered two books. Trying to help myself… but barely have the energy to take care of myself much less take on new tasks… Anyone with suggestions on how to find a doctor? Any other suggestions? I also had a traumatic delivery with my daughter with multiple undiagnosed tears and had pelvic reconstruction 6 months ago that was only about 25% successful… that is not adding to my confidence level with doctors. Have a "cystocele" with a opening at the tip the last doctor said is my cervix...  Not sure how my bladder and opening to my uterus can be in the same place; Think more likely sounds like uterine prolapse. so have some difficult medical issues I need dealt with as well.  I am not in a good place.  I did hypnobirthing with my first pregnancy, but the anxiety is stronger than my guided imagery... Does anyone know a good OB group that is local that may be able to five me better care?

[Snugglebugmom]

I don't, but I couldn't read and not reply. Can you check a Rate-your-MD type site and do a search for OBs? Or call a random OB group and ask if perhaps they have the name and number for an OB that has experience with prenatal depression? I so hope someone can give you better advice, because depression is such a debilitating disease, it sucks the life right out of you. I have suffered from depression on and off for the past 13 years, and just went back on Prozac after a serious relapse. It is absolutely treatable, and it is also absolutely imperative that you do get that treatment. Most people don't seem to understand that depression is a condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal. Many hugs to you, and many many healing vibes!

[Ksenia]

Try Dr. Tracy Freeman at National Integrated Health Associates in DC (nihadc.com).  She's not an OB, but she specializes in mothers and children.  She's a wonderful, caring person who will not rush you out the door. She and the practice she works with try first to treat anxiety and depression through non-pharmaceutical and holistic means.  I think you will find it well worth the drive, and I know she will not let you slip through the cracks the way that your other doctors have been.