Depression during pregnancy

Amanda started a discussion in the pregnancy group about Depression during pregnancy. I thought this was a wonderful topic! Much has been covered about postpardem depression, but you don't hear too much about depression during pregnancy.

Do you still take your medication?

Will the medication hurt the baby?

Will not taking the medication hurt you?

Does the depression get better or does it increase?

What happens afterwards?

My first pregnancy was wonderful (I basically slept or slept walked through my second so I barely remember it). I had no morning sickness. I was almost giddy. My blood pressure was rock solid (until the day I was induced and then it skyrocketed). I gained an excessive amount of weight (the subject for another post) but other than that my pregnancy was text book.

But what if you start off needing medication? Most doctors take you off all of your medication. But that may not be the best course of action.

This article from psychguidelines.com breaks it down and takes you through the best course of action from conception through pregnancy.

Depending how severe the depression is, removing the medication may not be the best course of action.

Another perspective is given by Equal Writes and although most people look at what is best for the baby, what about what is best for the mother? And maybe what is best for the mother IS best for the baby in the long run.

If you've suffered from depression and have been pregnant, what course of action have you taken? Was it the right one for you or do you wish you would have taken another one? What do your readers say?

Visit Amanda's discussion Depression during pregnancy to continue the conversation.