I think I need to take something for anxiety/stress, but I'm pregnant

[Anonymous]

Start with a counselor, and medically-approved cardio-vascular exercise. Even very gently elevated heartrates (i.e. a swim, quick walk thru the neighborhood) will markedly reduced generalized anxiety. It changes your neurochemistry. Don't wait to start exercising, just make sure it's ok with your dr. and while you're waiting for an appt with a counselor get moving....good luck and god speed,

[Anonymous]

Unless you are paralyzed, start with talk therapy. It is a long-term solution, whereas NO ONE wants drugs to be a long term solution. If the counselor thinks you need more than talk therapy, talk to them about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

A psychiatrist RX'd them to me at the beginning of the third trimester. We spent time discussing the risks and benefits.

Also, I can see the benefit to therapy and other forms of treatment. If someone has a disorder before becoming pregnant, the change in hormones will make it worse. Sometimes, the benefits outweigh the risks and sometimes not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started seeing a counselor for my anxiety during this pregnancy. It has made all the difference. Literally. Changed my life.

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.

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.

Show me the peer-reviewed studies on the effects of SSRIs on the baby (while in utero) and now that kid, who was exposed, at 10, 15, and 30 years old???

[Anonymous]

exercise, eating and sleeping regularly can help with anxiety. Mediation and visualization can help too.

[Anonymous]

I found that meditation was great for my anxiety. I took a cheap (but good) course, then used the tapes from the course at home when I needed to. 15 years later I still have no anxiety and can calm myself quickly when needed using the techniques I learned.

[Anonymous]

Psychologist here....who is all taking psychiatric meds during pregnancy to treat anxiety/depression. Untreated anxiety can be very dangerous during pregnancy to your baby......anxiety is a medical condition, resulting in biophysical changes in your body..... obviously, less invasive interventions are preferred (exercise, talk therapy).....OP, start an exercise regimen, and schedule simultaneous appointments with a psychiatrist who specializes in treating women during pregnancy ( dr. wendy hookman in rockville) as well as a counselor. You can always hold onto the prescription......and see if the exercise/talk therapy helps...if not, you have the script that you can try. Zoloft and Prozac are commonly prescribed to pregnant women. Yes, there are some risks with them, but there are also risks to not treating your mental health issues. If you had diabetes, lupus, etc., no one would hesitate to prescribe you medication. The stigma of mental illness, and that a person brings it on themselves, incurs a distorted perception that appropriate medical treatment should be withheld at all costs.

[Anonymous]

you don't need to take meds if you don't want to. i see an acupuncturist: LIFE SAVER!!!
http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncturist/125042