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My anxiety attacks have dramatically increased since I became pregnant. Like.....on a good day I have 5-10 anxiety attacks, some days I have them almost constantly. That's made me more sick than morning sickness. I also feel like I'm having problems with depression.
I talked to my midwife last Tuesday and she prescribed me Zolo.ft for the anxiety. She isn't convinced that I'm having depression problems and thinks that it's probably just pregnancy in general making me feel this way. At the time I smiled and nodded, but I know my own body and I know that I've had some real depression. Thankfully that's been a little better the past couple of weeks, but the anxiety is still a problem. Regardless though, she said this medicine should help the depression if I'm experiencing that too, but not to be concerned if it doesn't go away, because that would just mean that it's normal pregnancy symptoms.
I'm on 25 mg of the medicine, a very low dosage. It took me until Sunday to start taking them. And I still feel guilty about it. I just don't know....I was hoping the midwife would tell me some natural remedies, but this is what she recommended first and she seemed to feel strongly about it.
Matt and I did research and there's no proof at this point that Zo.loft can cause problems in the first 2 trimesters. And then the effects of anxiety/panic attacks on a baby can be serious like development problems, increased risk of diabetes and heart problems in the future. My chances of preterm labor are increased.
Sigh.......... I feel anxious about this stupid anxiety medicine. I was ALL NATURAL with Evan. I never took a single pain reliever pill while I was pregnant. Not while I was pregnant, not during labor, not even after labor (well, until about a week went by and I had to take Motr.in for my sore breasts, but that's a whole other story!).
I also had a flu shot last week. I don't know if that was the right thing to do either. If my mom wasn't a teacher and didn't come into contact with the flu every year I probably wouldn't have taken it.
Did any of you take antidepressants while in your first trimester? I'm hoping to go off the medicine by the second trimester, but who knows. And did any of you get the flu shot while pregnant? I'm just so nervous and upset by this........ I just feel that I'm already failing this baby. I did everything right with Evan and felt so confident. And I feel like it's all out of control this time around.
I don't have experience with depression/anxiety meds, but I know you are NOT failing this baby. What is right for you is right for the baby.
ReplyDeleteI took Zoloft for most of my third pregnancy. Gamma is and was a healthy baby boy. :D
ReplyDeleteI always get a flu shot when pregnant. I had the flu with Asa (before I got the shot), and it was awful. I got really dehydrated, and it was very scary. Had to spend some time in the hospital monitoring him to make sure he was okay. There are also some new studies linking future mental health problems in children of mom's who did NOT get a flu shot, and ended up getting the flu in their first trimester. I don't think you have anything to feel guilty about in taking the Zoloft. Depression and anxiety during pregnancy is really hard, and I think its a good choice to take the Zoloft. I really struggled with depression during my pregnancy with Asa and after he was born. I wish that I had told my doctor about it. I should have been taking something. It really affected me as a mom, and I really regret that.
ReplyDeleteOk where in the world have I been?!?! Congrats on your pregnancy!! I was actually thinking about you a few days ago and wondering how you were. :) I don't think you should feel at all guilty about taking medication. Although if you're really interested in natural things, shoot me your # and I can give you some information on something I think could help.
ReplyDeleteA~ don't feel guilty about it at all! If I have the same feelings with my next pregnancy as I did with S, then I will totally take something!~! I know it will be MUCH MORE WORTH my sanity!! As far as the flu shot....i've NEVER had one, don't want to put my thoughts on my son, but, i'm feeling against the shot, we go for our 12 mth apt in 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love~ but glad you can talk about this, I didn't feel like I could~
A~
Thanks, ladies!! I knew I could count on y'all to help make me feel better. :-) I will write an update post soon.
ReplyDeleteI take zoloft for my OCD everyday normaly but I stop taking it when pregnant, my doctor went over risk vs. reward with me and then let me make my own decision.
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