postnatal depression?

Question

hi i had this with my second child who is now 2 and only the last year i got treatment but have been feeling good i am pregnant again 9 weeks and i am terrified i will get it again is my chances of it coming back high? is there nothing the doctors can do to stop it coming back?

Answer 1

One of the risk factors for developing postnatal depression is having had it with a previous baby, so there is a good chance you might run into it again, unfortunately.
There are steps you can take to minimise it, though. The most important thing is to set things up now for after the birth.
Get as much support as possible for the last few weeks of pregnancy, and set up a system of support for the first six months after baby is born. Enlist the help of all your friends and family, or if you don't have anyone to draw on, then really consider paying someone to come in to help with the housework and cooking and minding the older two children.
Fatigue is a HUGE factor in postnatal depression, so don't underestimate the importance of making your days as light as possible for the first few months. Make youself lie down, make yourself go to bed with the kids, make yourself eat at least three (preferably four or five) solid meals of decent food every day - which can be the hardest thing to do with kids to look after. If you start to get run down, you're heading into trouble.
Get your husband/partner to understand that you're going to need concrete help from him. Do out a timetable with him, asking for his help in an organised way that you can depend on.
Try to do what you can to sort anything that's worrying you now, before baby comes - financial worries, living arrangements or any other concerns you have about anything. The more stress you're under, the quicker you're going to feel symptoms, and the worse they'll be.

Finally, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Ask him about getting help straight after the birth - I mean in terms of support groups and health visitors calling in very often. Talk to your midwife and ask for as much support as possible following the birth, and find out through her about any community support groups.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

Just be prepared that it is a possibility. Now you know what signs to look out for, you can stop it from getting as bad by getting treatment. you could also consider going for some counselling before and for the first little while after baby is born. That might help make sure that even if you do feel depressed, you are already getting treatement, so it won't have a chance to get as bad as the first time around.

Answer 3

No, they can't do anything. But you can't spend the next 8 months anticipating depression. Depression is more a mental thing than anything else. Anticipating it is almost like inviting it. Every birth is different. Postpartum depression is related to hormonal changes and lifestyle changes. Bringing another baby into the house is not going to be as big a change as it was to bring in the first one. It is a little more hectic, but not too bad. With our first babies, we find ourselves in shock because where it used to be all about us it is now all about them. The second one is not as nearly as bad. But remember that you always need to have time to yourself, and too much time to yourself is not good. Let you spouse take care of the kids and you go read a book or take a long bath or both. Do your nails, get your hair done. Make time for yourself anyway, even when you feel like you can't. The world is not going to fall apart just because you need a little time to yourself. And if you feel like crying, cry. But remember, you have other things to do and you can't be crying all day. Good luck! It's not that bad. Also, if you do get depressed and it last more than a couple weeks, see a doctor, don't just hang around waiting for it to go away. or see a pastor or minister, amazing what a little prayer can do.

Answer 4

hi, i understand what you are going through, i have 3 children now but after i had my second, i suffered quite badly with post natal depression, there are only 11 months between my first two, and i found it very hard, i was put on anti depressants and they did help, but then i got preganant with my third, my other 2 were 2 and 3 by this time, and i was petrified that i would be the same again, there is a higher possibility that you will have it, but that doesnt mean that you will, thankfully i didnt have it with my third, so i could enjoy him when he was born, something i couldnt do when my daughter was born. I wish you all the best and hope you have a happy life with your family.......

Answer 5

i had postnatal depres,after my 3rd child i understand why you are worried its not the nicest thing is it!!1st no doctors cant do anythin til you actually have it!2nd,i no its hard but you have got to try not think about it coz you are going to drive yourself mad worryin about it!if you do have it you no the signs and be able 2 get treated straight away the quicker you treat it the sooner it goes!it is highly likely you will have it but for now enjoy your pregnacy an cross that bridge when you come 2 it!!!!GOOD LUCK HOPE IT ALL WORKS OUT 4 U!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

The chances of having Postpardum depression are higher if you have had it before, or have Depression even when not pregnant. They can medicate you for it w/ anti-depressants and also therapy helps. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent this.

Answer 7

it is always possible that may be this time u may not even go through the depression again all u can do is keepa positive attitude and i am sure it will not happen again,think of all the good things that u would do when the baby is born,so cheerup

Answer 8

be prepared for it, but make sure you ve got a strong network of people around you, make sure you speak to someone about it.