Is pre natal depression a thing?

I'm worried I'm never going to feel any real connection to this baby. I feel so guilty saying this but so far I have really struggled to connect to it, the idea seems really weird to me, and it doesn't feel real. I see all these lovely mums so in love with their babies already and I feel nothing. I had a glimmer of hope in pregnancy yoga tonight and then it went again and I feel detached. Is anybody else feeling like this? I haven't said a word to my SO or mum and my best friend lives in  Australia so I'm feeling a bit isolated. I feel like I spent the whole first trimester waiting for a disaster to happen so I haven't allowed myself to admit it to myself even- anybody experiencing something like this? I feel like a terrible mother already 😓💙
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COMMENT (3)

Li

Posted at
It's very real and it happens to the best of us. I suffer from Dystimia, and it's rare that I feel any great positive emotion. I was happy and cried a little when my son was born, but the overwhelming feeling of joy other women describe was foreign to me. It doesn't make you a bad mom, it makes you human. It will hit you, sooner or later. When you feel kicks and it's more tangible that holy crap, there's a little person in there. But for now take care of yourself, watch for warning signs like thoughts of harming yourself or others, or difficulty getting out of bed or losing interest in doing things you once enjoyed, and definitely bring it up at your next appointment. If it gets any worse, your doctor may refer you to a therapist to talk it out

Ja

Posted at
Definitely a real thing. Talk to your doctor, most meds are a no but talk therapy can be useful and some people do "light" (literal light) therapy. I'm not too sure on the science behind it, but it seems to help some people. Also massage, acupressure and acupuncture can be good alternatives if your doctor OKs them.

Ok

Posted at
I had the same problem. I was so worried that I was gonna lose the baby that I couldn't get attached or be happy about it. These feelings will go away 💞. Keep your head up !