Depression and pregnancy?

[JenBKR]

I haven't really wanted to talk about this, but I'm starting to think I might feel better if I do. I have such an amazing array of emotions lately, but over all I seem to be stressed, worried, anxious, and depressed. I am still on my Prozac (OB/GYN said it's perfectly safe) but I am still feeling this way. I understand that my hormones are all over the place, but I guess I had thought I'd be so happy just being pregnant that I wouldn't feel so down. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled and I love my baby, but I have so much on my mind; will I be a good mom, will we be able to financially support a baby (a big worry of mine).....is this normal at all? Just looking for advice for those who have been there or are going through this all now.

[sirrahbed]

It sounds completely normal. The worries you list are common and hormonal disturbance can be huge in pregnancy, even without the worries. It differs from pregnancy to pregnancy and woman to woman. My daughter Missy is nearing the end of her 2nd pregnancy and has been all over the place emotionally - even crying often. She hardly EVER cries normally and this pregancy has messed up her hormones much more than her first baby. I think you really would be wise to mention this to your OB/GYN and most likely they will be able to reassure you. If your medication needs to be changed, they may suggest that. But please know that even someone with no tendency towards depression can feel overwhelmed by the hormonal change of pregnancy. Talking about how you feel is so helpful :) I hope you totally enjoy your pregnancy and mentioning your worries to the doc can help you relax and try to enjoy the changes as much as possible. I suspect that you are also quite tired at this stage and that makes everything seem worse.

Take care and here are some (((HUGS)))

[AdoreMyDogs]

Perfectly normal. You might want to ask your OB/Gyn about St. John's Wart, also. It's a wonderful herb, all natural. I take it as a preventative and it seems to be working. It's completely normal to worry about such stuff, all new moms do :) You might want to pick up the book "What To Expect When You're Expecting", too, if you haven't already. That book covers all kinds of stuff, including what you just mentioned. It'll ease your worries about anything that might come up in the entire duration of your pregnancy. It's a great book with loads of helpful stuff in it.

Congrats on the pregnancy, and don't worry, everything will be JUST FINE! :)

[sparks19]

I haven't really wanted to talk about this, but I'm starting to think I might feel better if I do. I have such an amazing array of emotions lately, but over all I seem to be stressed, worried, anxious, and depressed. I am still on my Prozac (OB/GYN said it's perfectly safe) but I am still feeling this way. I understand that my hormones are all over the place, but I guess I had thought I'd be so happy just being pregnant that I wouldn't feel so down. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled and I love my baby, but I have so much on my mind; will I be a good mom, will we be able to financially support a baby (a big worry of mine).....is this normal at all? Just looking for advice for those who have been there or are going through this all now.


Worrying about those things is totally normal.... but if you are feeling that it might be a little more than normal I would contact your OB and talk to them about it. they can help you :D

It's tough at this stage of pregnancy because nothing has really happened to make it feel.... real. that sounds strange but I know I didn't really even start truly feeling like there was actually a being growing inside of me until just recently when I started feeling the kicking.

Just know that all your concerns and worry are totally normal..... but try not to stress about it because it's not good for the baby for you to be too stressed. Talk to your Dr and they should be able to help you through it.

[Husky_mom]

I can´t say from my own experience, but honey you sound perfectly normal!!..... I know we tend to worry about lots of things...... adn once baby is here you´ll worry even more......believe me...... but when that comes I´ll be here if you need anything......I´m no mother-expert but I can share my experience so far with you :p

my big worry was "will i hear the baby cry at night and would I´d wake up to feed?"...... needless to say I DIDN´T SLEEP AT ALL!! ;), but yes, I did hear him and I did woke up..........hey I woked up every 2 hours to medicate a dog why wouldn´t i wake every 3 to feed my baby??

you´ll be great and even if you feel bad sometimes, you are way normal adn we love you!!

[JenBKR]

It sounds completely normal. The worries you list are common and hormonal disturbance can be huge in pregnancy, even without the worries. It differs from pregnancy to pregnancy and woman to woman. My daughter Missy is nearing the end of her 2nd pregnancy and has been all over the place emotionally - even crying often. She hardly EVER cries normally and this pregancy has messed up her hormones much more than her first baby. I think you really would be wise to mention this to your OB/GYN and most likely they will be able to reassure you. If your medication needs to be changed, they may suggest that. But please know that even someone with no tendency towards depression can feel overwhelmed by the hormonal change of pregnancy. Talking about how you feel is so helpful :) I hope you totally enjoy your pregnancy and mentioning your worries to the doc can help you relax and try to enjoy the changes as much as possible. I suspect that you are also quite tired at this stage and that makes everything seem worse.

Take care and here are some (((HUGS)))

Thank you so much, it's good to know I'm not the only one. Yes, I am exhausted most of the time, and while it's starting to get a little better, I still don't feel like doing much. The house is such a mess (although I will give kudos to hubby, he has been trying to get some cleaning done lately. I think he's just sick of seeing the mess haha). I feel like sometimes I just don't want to deal with some of life's everyday stresses.....

[JenBKR]

Perfectly normal. You might want to ask your OB/Gyn about St. John's Wart, also. It's a wonderful herb, all natural. I take it as a preventative and it seems to be working. It's completely normal to worry about such stuff, all new moms do :) You might want to pick up the book "What To Expect When You're Expecting", too, if you haven't already. That book covers all kinds of stuff, including what you just mentioned. It'll ease your worries about anything that might come up in the entire duration of your pregnancy. It's a great book with loads of helpful stuff in it.

Congrats on the pregnancy, and don't worry, everything will be JUST FINE! :)

Thanks for the advice! I did just get that book, so I will look through it in the next few days and hopefully it will help. Thank you!

[JenBKR]

It's tough at this stage of pregnancy because nothing has really happened to make it feel.... real. that sounds strange but I know I didn't really even start truly feeling like there was actually a being growing inside of me until just recently when I started feeling the kicking.


That's exactly how I feel...I have heard the baby's heartbeat but I can't...feel...anything. I worry if my baby is ok, if I am eating the right things...everything. Gah!

[JenBKR]

I can´t say from my own experience, but honey you sound perfectly normal!!..... I know we tend to worry about lots of things...... adn once baby is here you´ll worry even more......believe me...... but when that comes I´ll be here if you need anything......I´m no mother-expert but I can share my experience so far with you :p

my big worry was "will i hear the baby cry at night and would I´d wake up to feed?"...... needless to say I DIDN´T SLEEP AT ALL!! ;), but yes, I did hear him and I did woke up..........hey I woked up every 2 hours to medicate a dog why wouldn´t i wake every 3 to feed my baby??

you´ll be great and even if you feel bad sometimes, you are way normal adn we love you!!

Oh thank you thank you! That is another worry, I am a heavy sleeper. I bet hubby will wake up though and elbow me to take care of the baby ;) Thank you so much for your help!

[Husky_mom]

Oh thank you thank you! That is another worry, I am a heavy sleeper. I bet hubby will wake up though and elbow me to take care of the baby ;) Thank you so much for your help!

ooops!!.... I added another one :p

just please don´t stress too much....... take it easy......;)

[petslover]

Jen, everything will be okay. I have never been pregnant but have had a few close people that I have watched pregnant. It is completely normal to feel like that.

I know you will be a great mom. We talk often on MSN and I can tell by your words and knowledge that your baby will be extremely lucky to have you as a mom. He/She/ or even they lol will grow up in a great household and become wonderful people.

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? I am reading a friend's pregnancy blog right now and she lets out alot of emotions in it. It makes her feel better too.

I wish you luck and if you ever need to talk don't hesitate to IM me.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Oh thank you thank you! That is another worry, I am a heavy sleeper. I bet hubby will wake up though and elbow me to take care of the baby ;) Thank you so much for your help!
Don't worry about that. You probably won't sleep as heavy once the baby arrives. I'm normally a really heavy sleeper, but now I hear every little noise Nathan makes. Right now Nathan sleeps right next to me, but eventually he'll sleep in his own room and we'll use the monitor. We got this (http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=2795DIG1&CategoryID=13) Graco monitor and we love it, it's so clear and it picks up everything. We haven't used it at night yet, but I know I'll be able to hear him well (we've used it during his naps).

[sandragonfly]

sorry, I'm no expert on this one but if I were there, I'd just give you plenty of hugs you needed. (((and some hugs here that you'll be okay))) :)

take care or yourself dear.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Oh Jen {{{hug}}} I didn't realise you were feeling like this :(


Firstly, you can't take St John's Wort while on Prozac or any other anti-depressant whether you are pregnant or not and...........

secondly, the way you are feeling is perfectly normal and shows what a great Mommy you are going to be! Your baby will become more real to you once he/she starts congo-ing round your womb :D As for sleeping......you will become attuned to every little sniffle and snore - its been proven that Mums can pick out their baby's cry when there are loads of the little darlings bawling their heads off ;) In fact, I used to wake up a split second before Katie did

As for the financial side of things - we had the same problem but I came to the conclusion that if you wait for the "right" time to have a baby it will never happen. You and Shawn will provide your little one with all the important things in life - love, humour, kindness, a sense of right and wrong.....babies don't need the latest fashion just to be kept fed, warm and safe.

Try not to worry too much - this time next year you will have a gorgeous little person in your home and will be passing on tips and advice to other anxious mums-to-be

Take care sweetie - you are doing great!!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Aw dear Jen, I've never been pregnant, but I understand perfectly what is happening to you :) . It is so normal to feel upset, that little person is going to change your life completely! I have NO doubt whatsoever that you will be a great mom! :) :)

[JenBKR]

You guys are so wonderful, thank you so much for you confidence in me. I think I worry too much - and it doesn't help that people seem to want to tell me their horror stories about their own labors, which doesn't help me much. I need good stories! Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support, it has really helped.


As for the financial side of things - we had the same problem but I came to the conclusion that if you wait for the "right" time to have a baby it will never happen.

That's what my mom always says. She said that her and my father had no money when I came along, but they got through it and so will I. I just need to start believing in that and leaning on God for help. ((((hugs)))) to everyone.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Don't listen to everyone else's horror stories about labour because they won't happen to you. Everyone has a different experience during labour (the last baby my sister has was delivered in less than 2 hours :rolleyes: ) The best thing you can do to prepare for labour is to get regular physical exerice (it makes the recovery alot easier) and take a birthing class.

From what you are describing you are experiencing what almost every other woman goes through at sometime during her pregnancy. You will be a great mom :D

[Husky_mom]

and it doesn't help that people seem to want to tell me their horror stories about their own labors, which doesn't help me much. I need good stories!


All I heard was good stories from others labors, but when it came my turn I was like "were is the good part? were is the easy part?!!"...... I´ve always had MAYOR cramps and they said labor it´s just like cramps, very easy and all......and that some seemed to just pop out effortlessly...... not my case (and not trying to scare you more, but I wished someone told me the truth or at least warned me, I know for soem is easy for some is not)
I am very pain tolerant but I really had cramps just lik 100 times stronger, another thing that didn´t helped was that I had contractions like at the very top of the chart and 1cm dilated..... so it was gonna take me ALL day standing that pain....... until a Dr. had mercy of me and did some fluids to speed up which also speeded the pain increase :rolleyes: , not like i-wanna-die-pain, but still....... then they took too much time finding an available anesthisiologist to do an epi....... (by this time I was begging the nurse "you put in on!! I won´t sue" LOL)...... when my time was ready I was too tired and a heacy nurse had to squish me literally..... adn when my kid was born I knew all the pain was well worth it, yea it did hurt but TOTALLY worth it and it really passes by....... today I still recall the situation but not the intensity.... so my kid has brought me more joy than pain......(let´s see how that goes within years :rolleyes: :p )

sorry TMI, but if someone had told me also the "bad" parts I think i would be more mentally prepared for it than I did...... I tried the breathing thing, but only as I did with regular cramps and it really does help "breathe through the pain"...... you may have an easy labor but don´t get scared, you´ll do fine.....I mean..... I did...... you sure will too........

[JenBKR]

Oh believe me, I do want to know the truth and be prepared. I know it will be painful...but I have heard some stories lately that make me feel woozy. Such as a lady told me her baby's arm was up against his head when he came out and the cord was wrapped around his head and arm, so the had to cut her down there *a lot* and she said it was so painful being stitched back up. (I can't seem to get that one out of my head...). Then another girl told me she was in horrible labor for 28 hours, but the baby wouldn't turn so they ended up doing a c-section, but then the docs made a mistake and nipped an artery (at least I think that's what she said happened, I was about glazed over at that point) and she was in the hospital for 10 days I think. Hearing these just make me feel ill. As much as I'd love a short, easy labor, I know not to bank on it :) Although I can still hope!

[Husky_mom]

TMI but here goes......

I was cut also there....... my baby had a big head LOL...... and it didn´t hurt a bit.......really nothing at all........

I myself was a baby with the cord around my neck, but if it were not by that I would have popped right in the street.....LOL

there really are a lot of scary stories (I´ve seen too much ER ;) ) but you can´t be worrying if that is going to happen to you....... at least I wasn´t worried my kid get tangled in the cord as I did.......

C-sections take longer to recuperate or at least I´ve seen in 4 close relatives (cousins adn my own sis) than a normal one (me).......

[tikeyas_mom]

Try not to worry, its perfectly normal.. I had a large array of crazy emotions when I was still in my first trimester.. It's a crazy time, your hormones will be going crazy.. and its only natural to feel scared, and depressed about certian things.. I thought I might need to go on medication around the same time too, but eventually I just overcame that bad feeling.. You will too :).



Originally Posted by JenBKR
and it doesn't help that people seem to want to tell me their horror stories about their own labors, which doesn't help me much. I need good stories!

I am in the sammmme boat.. EVERYONE has a horror story to tell it seems.. and it isn't very nice lol... But my mom said to me the other day, after she was done telling me a horror story herself.. she said "and then the doctors finnally handed my my baby boy, and everything I just went through, I would go through again just to have him in my arms..."

It all just seems worth it.