is there a thing as prepartum depression?

[mperri81]

hey everyone i was just wondering if anyone knows any cases of prepartum depression? im 6 months pregnant with my first child and im so anxious and irritable. everything seems to be coming at me so fast and it all feels so out of control. im constantly arguing with my boyfriend because i feel like he doesnt listen to me. i feel fat and im very upset with all the changes in my body and my career. i used to be such an active social person and now i feel like my friends dont want to be bothered with me because none of them have kids. i feel like i may have made a mistake and im not ready to be a parent, emmotionaly or financially. i feel like my boyfriend and i are making a mistake by moving in together but i cant stay where im living with a baby so i dont have a choice. i think i may be suffering from prepartum depression. has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[munkeesmama]

I can definitely relate. I get VERY irritable while pregnant. Especially the last 3 months or so. Nothing is right, everybody is always wrong, nobody listens to me, and i just feel lost and confused and angry. Even when I *know* that alot of the problem is me. At times I find myself "spewing venom" at my husband and knowing the words coming out of my mouth are hurtful and not helpful but it's like i can't stop myself. I get short with my kids and lose my patience. My husband is a saint to put up with me.

Have you gone to the doctor? Perhaps try something like zoloft to help? A counselor as well. Did you have any depression or anxiety issues pre-pregnancy, maybe not as bad but anby at all that can be exasperated by it? Pregnancy is all about hormones and they're raging which could cause everything as well.

[Arwyn]

Yes, there is, and it's a significant risk factor for even worse post-partum depression. I hope you get the help and support you need.

[JuniperMama]

Absolutely. I had major case of Ante-Partum (aka Pre-Partum) depression, in my case in the form of Ante-Partum Anxiety Disorder. I was suuuuuuuuuper anxious for the majority of my pregnancy and in my case it did continue into Post-Partum Anxiety Disorder. I did end up on meds when DS was about 6 months old and I was just falling apart.

Definitely talk to your provider and let her know what's happening with you so that you can get as much support as you need. It can be a wild ride!

Hang in there. So sorry you're dealing with this.