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I think I need to take something for anxiety/stress, but I'm pregnant
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Anonymous
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Can you take something when you're pregnant? I really am having more bad days than good. I've never taken any medication but honestly, I've come to a point where I seriously need to calm down. I have a toddler and I want to enjoy my time left with him as my old child, and not be a constant ball of anxiety.
This isn't work related, I SAH. So taking time off isn't going to help. I don't know if I have time to resolve these issues with therapy alone, but I'm not averse to therapy in addition to medication. So questions are a) can I take something b) what can I take c) what to say to a therapist to get something d) should I also do therapy |
Anonymous
| There are some medications you can take while pregnant, but I don't know what they are. As an alternative, you might try taking Omega 3-6-9 vitamins (DHA/RHA, aka fish oil). My psychiatrist recommended them when I was pregnant and they seem to work for me. I've noticed that when I don't take them, I'm grumpier. |
Anonymous
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You can take some different meds at different points of pregnancy. A benzodiazaprine (Xanax, Valium, etc) can be taken, but not until later in pregnancy. It can cause malformations if taken in the first trimester and dependency in the baby if taken in the last weeks. Sometimes they will prescribe SSRIs, but won't always start those because of pulmonary risks to the baby at birth if started later in pregnancy.
You will need to see a psychiatrist because GPs aren't up on these meds during pregnancy. |
Anonymous
| There are meds that can help you during pregnancy - as other posters have said, see a psychiatrist who is specifically trained in working with women and pregnancy (ask when you call). Also, therapy may be helpful - cognitive behavioral therapy is specifically supposed to be good for anxiety, but at this point, it sounds like anything might help. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| I started seeing a counselor for my anxiety during this pregnancy. It has made all the difference. Literally. Changed my life. |
Anonymous
| How about a behavioral psychologist? They've got lots of nice strategies for managing symptoms - that's part of what they believe is the right path. |
Anonymous
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Why are you so sure that medication is the answer? I think your real statement/question is: "I am feeling stressed and want to know how to deal with this." Is that right?
I agree it's hard when #2 is on the way. Besides worrying about the new life, you worry about the impact on DC #1 - will he/she be sorry and get less attention? Will he/she resent the new baby? Will I? How will I ever have enough time for both? How will I ever have time for me? These are all logical, good queries. My second arrived when DC1 was 2 1/2. The first few weeks were about the hardest of my life, especially when both were crying and I could only deal with one at a time. However, please know that the toddler will likely ADORE the baby and likely be a help to you in many ways. I hope you find the help you are seeking. |
Anonymous
| Pregnancy hormones whacked me out, and I had a history of depression and anxiety. Omega 3 fish oil pills were my saving grace. I planned to try them for a month and if they didn't help, I was going to ask for drugs. But they worked just fine. I'd definitely try them. If you are feeling very badly, talk to your doctor about it now to discuss options. There are drugs that are safer during pregnancy. |
Anonymous
| Have you tried yoga or meditation? |
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| Ask your OB for referrals to a pyschiatrist or psychologist who specializes in this. There are many options. Don't go it alone. |
Anonymous
Same here. I would avoid meds because although the studies say they are safe, there are no LONG TERM studies on the effects of meds, esp SSRIs, in pregnancy. |
Anonymous
Actually this is not true. Some meds have been studies for 30 years or more such as Prozak. Some of the newer ones haven't been studied, sure, but you can't say that there have been no long term studies. Some of the meds are perfectly fine and highly recommended if the mother is in danger of not taking care of herself or her new born baby as a result of depression. OP, definitely find a psychiatrist who is familiar with prescribing meds during pregnancy. I saw Dr. Richard Greenberg and he helped me a lot. |
Anonymous
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I recommend acupuncture if you can afford it. I took Prozac through my whole pregnancy-no problems at all.
It has been around for more than 30 yrs. |
Anonymous
| PP here BTW Xanax, and anti-anxiety meds are not safe during pregnancy. Any doctor will tell you that. Besides I would think they are too strong for most pregnant women SAH. They will knock you out. |
Anonymous
| My OB advised that Lexapro was safe during pregnancy. Also, try taking Vitamin B6, it really helps to even things out and take the edge off. |