pregnant and on an anti depressant... am I a bad mom?

Question

I've been on lexapro for a couple of years for panic attacks and depression. My doctor explained to me that there are not many studies showing whether or not there are effects on a baby. The panic attacks make me have seizures and the depression causes me to not eat or want to go to work. I feel like a bad mom that I can't just tough it out, but I'm so scared of getting back to a mentally unhealthy place while pregnant. :(

Answer

I'm a therapist and I'm choosing to stay on Zoloft during my pregnancy! My OBGYN said the baby could withdraw when it's born so she recommended I titrate off a few months before giving birth.  This way I can stay anxiety free and the baby doesn't have to experience any withdrawals after it's born. Win win! If you're uncomfortable off of the medication, it doesn't make you a bad mom to continue taking it. It might even be less risky!

Answer

I'm pregnant and on Zoloft. I've been on it for almost 12 years and the few times I've tried to come off were horrible. My psychiatrist said Zoloft is one of the safest to stay on while pregnant and with my panic attacks and constant anxiety, the risks of NOT taking it are more harmful to the baby. You are not a bad mom at all. Feel free to reach out if you need to talk

Answer

I'm on lexapro also. My doc just took me off abilify. I don't think your a bad mom you have to take care of yourself and make sure you're healthy.

Answer

I'm with you too. I'm on Celexa and my doctor recommended me to stay on it mostly because depression and massive anxiety during pregnancy is worse for the baby than the minor risks involved in taking the medication at the lowest possible dosage. The fact that you are even questioning this proves that you are going to be great mom. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your pregnancy.

Katie

Answer

You're not a bad mom. You have to take care of you too. If your dr is aware of your pregnancy I'm sure they put you on the safest one for pregnant women. Millions of women have to take antidepressants and anxiety meds while pregnant

Answer

Hello Mackenzie! I have similar problems with the seizures. I know depression is a hard one to control and I have done many things without using the medications, from coloring books to writing in a journal! For me what I've found is a wonderful book that has helped me a lot! It is called A Mind of Your Own and it truly has helped. I'm sorry you have to go through everything you are. I hope for a wonderful and healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Life is hard to get through sometimes, but there are times where the sun shines through!

Answer

Do not feel bad!!!!!! You take what you need to keep your head on straight!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Answer

I'm pregnant and on Effexor. My mental health is very important for not only my own sake but as well as my baby's. I tried to come completely off of it and was super depressed and had panic attacks almost daily. I think it causes more harm to the baby with you stressed out and having panic attacks than the meds themselves. Just stay on the lowest dose possible and you and baby will be fine!

Answer

I don't think you're a bad mom, however I would be really careful and look for alternative options.. find a good doctor who knows more about the stuff. my brothers (ex)wife took lexapro and their son was born with some kind of bone disorder in his skull. he has to have a spring in his head til he's like 21.

Answer

I'm also on celexa and although a locum dr. Suggested I come off it cold turkey, my actual doctor said it was ok to continue and that the benefits outweigh the risks. I have halved my dosage and decided to try and come off it in the second trimester as apparently you get a surge of serotonin then which can help, however if I start to struggle I will start it again as I want to be happy and relaxed for my baby! You are NOT a bad mum ❤️

pregnant and on an anti depressant... am I a bad mom?

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