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Posted: 11 December 2007 at 3:43pm | IP Logged

I s this actually recognised by the Dr's ?

I have been doing a lot of thinking recently and all my symptoms of depression start from about 10 weeks into pregnancy and then end up with me in the depths by the time the baby is 3 weeks old.

Posted: 11 December 2007 at 7:18pm | IP Logged

Yes ante-natal depression is a recognised condition, I suffered from it during my pregnancy with Ella. Whilst I'm depressed again at the moment, I'm not sure if this is ante-natal depression or a combination of my job, SAD, being pregnancy and the events of the other week etc etc.

Its very similar to post natal depression in that it can bought on by hormonal changes and it is absolutely treatable, be it through talking, light therapy or in some cases antidepressants. The hospital I am going to for this baby has a special unit which deals with depression and ante natal depression in pregnancy.

The most important thing to do is to seek help as there is pleanty available. What started as antenatal depression can lead on to other forms of depression once the pregnancy has finished for whatever reason.

Posted: 07 January 2008 at 6:36pm | IP Logged

So many of the symptoms in the article ring true, but I keep going through phases.  As you know I started out very tearful and anxious about this whole unplanned pregnancy thing.  I think I am now in possession of a split personality!  when around others (who are all excited about the prospect of a new baby) I play the role of excited mum, even in front of DP. 

Once alone (which is a lot as I work from home) I swing between bouts of tears, anxiety, panic etc.  I am not sleeping that well and I am worried about everything from what to do if my scan shows anything scary, to how are we going to afford this/should we move/do I even want to be a Mum/will I be a Cr** Mum/ Yes I will! I can't sleep and am putting on loads of weight as I am eating loads. 

This is combined with giving up smkoing when I found out I was preggers.  Not sure if what I am feeling is normal pregnacy hormones, stopping smoking, mild depression or a bit of all three!  Work isn't helping as it is really strressy at the moment and my line mamaer is a pig! 

I am expected to go to Spain in a couple of weeks leaving the UK on a 7am flight, present to 50 Doctors in the afternoon and then entertain them all with a business dinner at 9:30 pm, I always stress at these things but don't think I can cope with a) a long day (20 + hours) or b) not crying for that long!!!

I keep trying to bring up my worries with DP but being very laid back (which is mostly a good thing!) he always fobs me off with saying it is up to me and he will agree/support me with any choices I make.  What I really want from him is for him to take control for a bit and make the decisions/talk more, as at the moment I just feel guilty for not feeling "excited" about the baby. 

I hoped these feelings would pass after the first trimester but 18 weeks in and its no better.  If anything I feel even more alone since we have gone public with our news.  I have no friends who are parents apart from one who has teenagers and a fewe work colleagues who are not that close as friends.

Not sure what I am after here, but it is good to put things in writing, even if it has set off the tears again!  I suppose it is just so out of character for me that I am at a loss. I also feel so silly as I know hundreds of people would give anything to be in my position and really I am very lucky.  I suppose it is the guilt at feeling this way that is bothering me so much.

Must go and put dinner on, DP home from football at 7 and then am supposed to be going out.

Catch you later

Helen

Posted: 08 January 2008 at 9:44am | IP Logged

Thanks Both,

My next MW appointment is not until later in Feb.  My 20ish week scan is 28.01 and next ante-natal hypertension hospital clinic is 29.01.08.  I might try and see MW or GP before then.  It just seems so silly and I don't want to waste anyones time if this is just "normal"!  DP doesn't really belieive there is a problem which doesn't help my confidence!

I suppose I am just really confused as I have never really had feelings like this since I was a hormonal gangly shy teenager! 

One thing I am very aware of is that I am always on here moaning!  I really should also put stuff on when things are going well also!!  I am not always a miserable/scared/porrly moo!  I do find all your advice so valuable a reassuring though.  Thanks to everyone so far who has put up with and taken the time to respond to my rants!

H x

Posted: 08 January 2008 at 10:02am | IP Logged

Hello Hen

You sound to me like you are a woman that is normally fairly confident and knows what her body is doing and you are used to being in control.  Having an unexpected pregnancy must have been a shock and then when that growing baby takes over your body you are no longer in control.  You don't feel right, your body aches, you can't do what you would normally do.  This can all play havoc with your mental healther when you are used to knowing what is going on.  The loss of control on it's own must be mind blowing.  Pregnancy hormones all affect us differently too and can make mood swings like when you were a teenager as you say.

It is worth having a chat with your gp or even with a close friend.  You may not be suffering ante natal depression but a normal reaction to the path your life is taking right now and it might take you quite a while to come to terms with it all and get back to "normal".

Don't worry about moaning on here we all do it and we all try and support each other through difficult times.  You will feel more like yourself in the end I promise.