Classed High Risk - Depression, 6th pregnancy and Sholder Dystocia

[JnyFer]

Hello Everyone,

I am 17 weeks into this pregnancy but have avoided posting in here as im not sure my issues are as big as some of yours and i feel bad.

I managed to come off my anti depressents when i found out i was pregnant. I had awful withdrawals for a couple of weeks but still managed to stop them completly. I am struging each and every day with my anxiety issues, I panic that something is going to go wrong with this pregnancy and that im going to loose my baby boy! I worry so much that i have become obsessive about hearing his hb on the doppler and also tourture myself by waiting and waiting for him to make some movement (only just started feeling them so they take a lot of concentration and sometimes i dont feel anything all day) I have also locked myself away in the house with the kids and only go out if it is absolutly essential. I have even started getting my tesco shopping delivered (which is actually so much nicer than going out but means less to go out for) I havent seen my friends or family for the best part of the school holidays either. I touture myself about this labour being as painful as the last 2 who both had sholder dystocia and that is making me panic more and more as each week passes!!!!! I feel like im failing already and im not even half way yet

My question is has anyone had any experience with taking anti depressents during pregnancy? I really feel the best thing for my mental health and my familys well being is for me o go back on them, even just a low dose to take the edge off how im feeling so that i can enjoy my last ever pregnancy and get through the labor without an absolute melt down in the delivery ward lol.

I have been on several anti depressents in the past and the one that works best for me is Sertraline. Anyone have any experience they can share wit me please??

Btw i have a midwife appt tomorrow to discuss this with her and i have a Drs appt booked for wed next week x

 

[spallerina]

Hi, hope your midwife appointment went well. I don't have any experience of taking antidepressants in pregnancy, but have a significant history of depression and eating disorders, and been on most different antidepressants over the years! I agree from what you are saying it sounds as though at present your anxiety is severe enough that the benefits of you being back on sertraline would outweigh the risks. The risks are greatest in the first trimester anyway (increased risk of congenital heart defects) so you are past that point. The main risk of being on them for the remainder of your pregnancy would be that there would be a small risk of some withdrawal symptoms in a newborn - usually very mild and can just mean an unsettled baby, but may mean monitoring on the postnatal ward for a day or two. Also in terms of breastfeeding sertraline is generally the preferred choice, so if you are planning to BF that shouldn't be an issue.

Let us know how you get on with your GP appointment, and don't be afraid to be honest about how bad things are at the moment x