Is prepartum depression a thing?

Question

You hear talk of postpartum depression and anxiety often now. However, is it possible to have prepartum depression? I am just so worn out and tired. I try so hard to be motivated and energetic for work, that I am so burnt out by the time I get home. I still have my husband and almost 3 year old who both want my attention as well. I have no motivation to do anything, I do not feel connected to my current pregnancy, I am constantly trying to fight off tears, I feel miserable and useless because it takes so much out of me to just get into the shower at the end of the day. It takes so much effort to put on a happy face for the day. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy to be pregnant again, I just feel lost. I do have an appointment coming up where I plan to speak up about this. I have not said anything to my husband yet, but know I need to. I am just starting to notice myself. I am worried how I will be after giving birth in December. Anyone feel this way? What have you done to help?

Answer

I believe it’s call prenatal depression, but I’m not 100% sure on that. You should call your OB for an appointment and discuss how you are feeling. They’ll be able to help with any treatments you might need.

Answer

Right now it sounds like you have ante-partum depression which is like postpartum but before you have the baby. I had it, I talked to my doctor and because I have a history of postpartum we nipped it in the butt early. I got counseling to help with it! I am 30.6 weeks and was diagnosed with it at at 15 weeks and right now I feel 100%; I felt just like you I had no connection with this baby, I laid in bed all day only getting up when my other 2 kids needed me, I didn’t wanna leave the house, cool, clean, shower anything. Now I feel like I have my life back one of my number reasons I got better was my support system! My SO, mom, dad, step mom, doctors, kids etc them being there and helping me through it put me back at ease. No one ever made me feel like I was a bad person or mom because of it, it is very common but because some are afraid of the out comes of telling people they don’t say anything which makes it worse in the future. No one will judge you, you need help and that’s ok! Talk to someone before it get worse.

Answer

Absolutely is a thing. Your hormones are going through ALOT right now. I remember the day that my mood just flipped. I talked to my doctor and they told me it was completely normal as long as i wasn’t thinking about killing myself. I felt with it, some days better than others because getting in medicine can be very risky but sometimes those risk outweigh. I got through my pregnancy and after birth I was a freaking emotional wreck to say the least but I started taking St. John’s wort and it does help, I’m not a huge medicine person. During birth I refused all pain meds so being in serious medicine isn’t something I want to resort to unless I can’t control myself anymore. But I’m ok now!!! It does get better in time!!! You just have to get your hormones balanced out! I surround myself with friends and family and I have good days and not so good days (usually around my period because those hormones freak out again). I just kept a strong mindset, and still do. Try to occupy my mind so it doesn’t go crazy. Definitely talk to your doctor though! Everyone is different, but what you’re going through is common.

Is prepartum depression a thing?

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