Antepartum depression what to look for?

Disclaimer: This is my own account of having antepartum depression. Any concerns you should reach out to a healthcare professional.

We’re currently six months postpartum and going strong. I’ve been able to combat my postpartum depression the day I gave birth to Micah. After having a breakdown the next morning following my scheduled c-section. A lot of being able to combat postpartum depression was going through Antepartum depression while being pregnant the second time around.

Last Summer I shared about antepartum depression while I was pregnant on Instagram. It was hard but the community was so inviting.

One morning I texted my husband about reaching out to my OBGYN and getting help. Some women don’t even get that far. Plus my doctor stated you’re more likely to end up with antepartum depression if you had postpartum depression in the past.

My whole pregnancy my obgyn would check in and ask how I was feeling for that very reason. One thing about pregnancy. You’re a hot mess as it is. How did I know I was suffering?

I’m an introvert so I keep a lot of things in as well. One night I was having so much anxiety and for 3 days straight suffered alone. Crying myself to sleep after my husband would go to bed and having negative thoughts I just couldn’t get out of my head.

Antepartum depression during pregnancy

Did you know? Research suggests that about 7% of pregnant women experience depression during pregnancy. Rates might be higher in low and middle income countries via Mayo Clinic.

When reaching out to my OBGYN they had me connect with my PCP. As soon as I called they were so inviting and glad I was reaching out. I had a nurse reach out. I was assigned a nurse specifically for mental health and pregnancy.

When speaking with my PCP they offered medication. I was in the middle of my second trimester and didn’t feel fully comfortable with medication during pregnancy. That’s why I opted for therapy. I didn’t feel my depression was so bad I felt like hurting myself so therapy was a good way to cope.

A lot of my thoughts were validated. With so many women at the time dying or losing their babies towards the end of their pregnancy I would think. A week prior I heard about New England Patriot Devan Mccourty wife losing their baby in her late third trimester.

What if that happens to me? My oldest couldn’t survive without me. My husband and I even talked about this and he was also scared. He even said he couldn’t do it without me. Having surgery you have no idea if something could go wrong during or after birth.

How to find the right therapist

I’ve always used Psychology Today to help find a doctor for Avery I figured why not. That’s when I found the best therapist. The #1 thing I was looking for was a therapist who would be able to do virtual visits even if the pandemic slowed down. Having a newborn and a child in virtual school would’ve been hard to get to an office. I probably wouldn’t have ended up going.

The therapist I found has been amazing. Ironically she also has PCOS which helps. She understands me even better postpartum.

It’s okay to start medication

Earlier I explained I had a breakdown the day after giving birth. That’s when I opted to start meds that were breastfeeding safe. It was a game-changer for me. Ultimately I decided to stop the medication and continue with therapy which has helped my mental thoughts.

Having antepartum depression is hard. Your body is going through so many changes as it is. Knowing the signs can help but even with that, you may not know.

If you feel depressed or have thoughts of harming yourself please reach out HERE