SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF PRENATAL DEPRESSION...?

thanks Bluebird and Girly... it really does make a difference when you know you're not the only one... I will most definitely talk to gynae about it and let hubby know what i'm going through... will also keep you all posted!

Cookie depression during pregnancy is very common and not something to be ashamed of.
Your hormones are doing all sorts of things, and you are trying to prepare for some huge changes emotionally, mentally and physically!

I spoke to gynae about my moods and ups and downs at around 20 weeks. I just felt too out of control, had a lot of stress at work, struggling to sleep etc etc. Doc gave me something called Primeve plus which is given to menopause and PMS women who struggle with the hormonal changes. It is minerals only and completely natural. I must say it made a huge difference for me and just helped balance the moods.
But I also have pre-existing thyroid linked depression symptoms. DH was also not keen of the idea of something like depression being officially diagnosed but I was in such a bad place that I needed something or be booked in somewhere. What I / doc did at the time was conceded to undergo other blood tests and elimate other conditions before saying yes to anti-depressants. Doc had found borderline low thyroid function - that culminated with major work stress no wonder I was feeling the way I was and have been on Eltroxin for about 18months.

I must say that now I can feel when my hormones are getting the better of me, and I am the first to tell DH, and when it gets bad I mention it to the gynae. I dont just put major mood changes down to hormones, I know better. Gynae has monitored my thyroid levels throughout and its good to have the support. I think if you really worry about possible depression, then make sure you communicate your concerns and have people onboard about how to best deal with it so that you dont have to suffer alone - make sure DH is with you when you discuss with doctor so that he can ask all the questions in the world and seek alternatives too if it'll make him feel better about it.

I am still scared of antidepressants and post-natal depression, but because of what I've been through I know that there's a possibility I'll have it and at least DH is aware too and we can deal with it together if the time comes.

Sorry for my looong story, hope it made sense. Good luck and keep us posted.

Cookie noooooooooooo!! buy your husband some books or print info on prenatal depression. Its a definiate problem and he needs to know what it is all about in order to support you.

I had it last year with my pregnancy. I was devasted and did not want my baba even though it was planned pregnancy. And my husband supported me every step of the way. And you know what he said to me... that he did not give depression a second thought, but since he saw what i was going though he knew that it was real and a serious problem.

So people that did not go through it or did not see someone close to them go through sometimes does not have sympathy.

My gynea prescribe some sleeping pills that safe for baba, just to put me back into a sleeping routine again, only drank it for 3days.

Please talk to your gynea please do!!!!

thanks guys... i'll b sure to mention to the gynae (end of month sometime... so weird to have this happening, this is not only baby numba 3, but a long awaited preggie as well... I guess at the back of my head I am concerned about baby's well-being etc despite a good report at the "big scan"

What makes it a bit more difficult to deal with is hubby doesnt believe in things like depression, he feels it's a mindset, a choice that i would have made to feel this way... so i guess i need to syke up for the negativity before i get round to telling him!

I suffered with PRE natal depression but not as late on as you, mine was from day 1 until about 16w with my 1st pregnancy.

I just couldn't get excited about the baby, i felt so down all the time. I didn't suffer with night sweats but definately sleeplessness because i was so busy worrying about my life changes all the time.

I think mine was due to shock and the huge change having a baby was going to put on my life but i did suffer with PND from about 6w til 6m after the birth. I never saw anyone about it until 5m after the birth.

Maybe just mention it to your gynae at your next visit.

I haven't felt any of that depression this pregnancy but i will be leaving hospital after the birth with a script for meds incase PND comes back again. I do think it is a hormonal imbalance aswell though.

My best advice is to speak up and tell people how you're feeling especially your gynae.

Cookie, sorry just saw now that you are still expecting.

I am such a dof-kop (blush)

If I recall I also woke up drenched in sweat during my last trimester, and was getting very demotivated and had trouble sleeping.

It could just be your hormones playing with you and as you get bigger sleeping and getting into the right position to sleep gets more and more difficult, but keep heart!

If you are concerned, maybe speak to your gynae at your next appointment and he will tell you whether there is cause for concern.

In the meantime, rest as much as you can and dont feel guilty when you take some time out to relax!

thanks lollipop... just been on that site, didn't see a form but a list of symptoms... still not quite sure how many "yes-es" qualify you as being depressed?