Prenatal Depression?

[myboysmom]

Is there such a thing as prenatal depression, as opposed to postpartum depression? For about the last month, I have felt really down off and on, especially at night. Right now I'm chalking it up to pregnancy hormones, but I don't know for sure. I'm 22 weeks. At first, I was just overly emotional about little things, you know, movies, songs, etc. Now it's for no reason. I'll just feel really sad and start crying. I really recognized it at Easter when I didn't want to do any of the fun things with my boys, like dye eggs or go on the egg hunts. It's gotten more often, and I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm not having any hurtful or violent thoughts, but I feel like it's really affecting my parenting. My husband works nights, and it just seems like I'm really alone then. If anyone has experienced this or has any thoughts, it would be appreciated.

[britbayb1018]

yes there is! I am now 36 weeks and have had that symptom the WHOLE pregnancy. I went to the library and check out a book called Pregnancy Blues which really helped me understand it alot more. I also went and saw a doctor that specializes in "depression" during pregnancy and she explained that it all has to do with the hormonal changes and that some women get really down, and that its normal. She also said that women that have these feelings are alot more likely to have post partum depression, so just to be safe i was put on Zoloft, which completely stopped those feelings, and i couldnt be more relieved. Talk to your doctor about it and she will explain it further, its completely normal.

[SpinMom]

I don't have any experience with prenatal depression, but I sure have with postpartum depression. Our bodies goes through so many changes throughout pregnancy and after giving birth. It is logical to experience feelings of depression. The best news I received when it was at its worst was that I am not alone in these feelings. Almost all mothers experience these feelings to some degree.

Try to remember that the situation is temporary. Soon enough there will be another little one that will keep you plenty busy while your husband is working nights and all the rest of the time, too.

Good luck!

[shana_e]

My hormones love to torment me! I also have had all of the pregnancy symptoms. I am 15 weeks and this is my first pregnancy. I feel depressed, like you, some of the time. My mother says "Don't it hurts the baby!" I don't have any hurtful or harmful thoughts either. Any fixes for these feelings?

[1hotsoccermom]

There definately is a pre-partum depression!
I was diagnosed with it during my first pregnancy, and was prescribed Zoloft.
This pregnancy, I've been having the same issues, depression, crying, suicidal thoughts at times.... I just don't have the money to re-fill my Zoloft prescription yet.

:)

[myboysmom]

Thank you so much everyone. I just hate feeling this way; it isn't me at all! It happened again this afternoon. I just felt so overwhelmed and sad for no reason and I bawled my eyes out. I'm going to call the dr this week to get my thyroid checked. I've read that that can be a cause of this. But I'm definitely going to ask her about depression. I don't want to take a pill, but I'm at the point where I'd do about anything to feel better, like myself. Again, THANK YOU for letting me know I'm not alone. Just that helps.