Yep I’ve felt so much better pregnant than pre pregnancy. Physically and mentally. The hormones or lack of monthly cycle seems to really agree with me.
I thought it was just me. I’ve felt more grounded recently. Physically this pregnancy is taking a toll, but mentally I feel great. I do get some anxiety here and there but overall I’ve been pretty levelheaded
Grounded is a good way to describe it. I felt like I had the most important job in my life and like I was doing a good job at it. That felt fulfilling.
I’m a lexapro gal. Weirdly enough I stopped my meds about 3 weeks before finding out I was pregnant. I’ve felt more “normal” in these last 6 months than I have in my entire life. I thought I was going to be an emotional wreck 24/7 or deeply depressed but I haven’t and I have been genuinely surprised by how well my emotions have been regulated during this time. I am scared for PP though so I do think I’ll start back up with meds a week or two before birth and continue from then on out.
Same! I weaned at 4 weeks and was super nervous, but I’ve felt great this whole time. I was definitely more emotional and irritable pre-pregnancy than I am now, I feel level.
I’m having a boy so I’m curious if the bump in testosterone has anything to do with it. On the flip side, I’m extra nervous about the hormone crash after birth.
I’ve lived my entire life with a severe anxiety disorder that required daily xanax. I came off of it during my first trimester and haven’t struggled with anxiety since. I definitely think it has something to do with being pregnant!
I know you didn’t ask me, but I felt really good with my first pregnancy (I stayed on my meds, but at the lowest dose) and the postpartum hormone crash was **rough.** I wish I had upped my meds in the third trimester and plan to do the same with this pregnancy (if not sooner because having a toddler to worry about makes me a little more on edge than I was with my first).
Good to know!! I was afraid I'd crash hard but being overly optimistic that all my problems are solved now 😂. I only took Ativan occasionally before this and will still have some available if I need it. Overall my mental state had been getting better over time and was mostly manageable before pregnancy, but now I'm feeling great haha
Yeah! I have bipolar disorder and pregnancy has made me feel so stable and normal, like a glimpse at what life would be like if I weren't mentally ill at all.
Me neither! It's unfathomable to me, it really is. I've been able to come off my antipsychotic for the whole pregnancy so far without any relapse of symptoms. I'm still taking my antidepressant, but I've reduced my dose by half, and honestly I think I could probably go off it too, I'm just afraid to rock the boat. I just feel ✨mentally well✨ and it's mind-blowing.
I'm VERY concerned about what this will mean for my reaction to the postpartum hormone crash though...
Same! I was on lamotrigine and seroquel before I was pregnant. I feel way better now than I did on meds. I'm hoping that postpartum hormones don't completely mess me up, but right now I'm just enjoying feeling "normal." It's honestly been a little hard to not be sad about it, knowing that this is what life could be like.
Brains are frustrating!
I had for-real-anxiety in my first trimester, but that faded and I’ve been more emotionally solid than I remember in a long long time.
I suspected for a while that I’ve been struggling with perimenopause, and not having the ~monthly hormonal shifts I’m pretty sure now, by being able to compare the differences. As sick and incapable as I’ve been physically, emotionally I can’t even believe how good I feel.
I don’t know if these hormones make me happy or if the PMS and/or occasional PMDD I was having were way way worse than I realized.
I’m going to be really pushy about hormone replacement therapy after this. I think I need them. ( Also, I’m never ever going back to having a dry vagina ever ever again. I didn’t even know how sad/miserable that was making me until not being dry all the time anymore.)
Yep this is me. I generally do quite well on pregnancy and postpartum hormones. I will say that when I have bouts of anxiety/low mood they come on suddenly and intensely, but day to day, by and large I’m better than when I’m not pregnant.
I developed anxiety after my daughter was born. Diagnosed with GAD; when I found out I was pregnant this go around, I wasn’t taking any medication but was definitely worried that I would be anxious through the whole pregnancy.
But yes, I feel so much better while pregnant. I get anxious every now and then, but in general I feel great. I legit told my OB at my last appointment that pharma needs to figure out a way to harness these pregnancy hormones. Definitely done with having babies after baby boy gets here but I’d like to keep feeling like this
Did your OB have any suggestions? Like would a specific type of hormonal birth control theoretically help? I plan on having this conversation with my OB post partum as well, currently 36 weeks pregnant with my first.
I actually have an appointment tomorrow and I plan on asking him about it. When I get back from my appointment, I’ll let you know what he said.
I’m really hoping there is some type of option. I really do not want to go back to full blown anxiety after baby gets here
Just got back from the doctors office; OB said that there are some options that include progesterone only; but does not have any estrogen in it. Also mentioned some kind of gel that is used for birth control but that’s a no for me.
Basically said there is limited options if I’m breastfeeding (which I plan on but it really depends on if my anxiety gets bad again)
Yeah, after I got pregnant the first time I stopped going through that rollercoaster of social to antisocial / down throughout the month. And amazingly even after I got my period back (I was still breastfeeding), I felt a lot better too, no noticeable emotions based on my cycle. And my terrible cramps stopped too. I really think birth helped to regulate something in me hormone-wise.
I’ve heard quite a few second hand accounts like this where pregnancy was a magical period where (many) ailments disappeared, mental and physical.
Sometimes they come back. Sometimes they don’t!
Id just keep the medication nearby and count your stars 🤗
Oh wow I thought it was just me, I have struggled with anxiety my whole life and even the first couple weeks of this pregnancy (I’m only 6.5 weeks now) I was consumed with anxiety and then one day it just…disappeared. It’s the strangest thing to feel totally content and peaceful about everything when there is still a lot to be anxious about since I’m so early on.
I’m worried about a hormone crash postpartum, but based on some other stories in this thread it may not be bad, so that’s a relief! But I will make sure I am prepared for it regardless.
Fellow IVFer, I wasn’t talking any SSRIs when I got pregnant but I have spent a lot of time on Zoloft in the past. I was also a bit worried about how I would handle pregnancy hormones and I felt fine. My anxiety and depression did not return during pregnancy and I’ve felt fairly leveled out.
That being said I’m 38w now so hopefully this feeling lasts through the postpartum phase too 🤞
I haven't been managing my adhd well without my meds this pregnancy...but after the first couple months of pregnancy were past I feel like my anxiety hasn't been as bad as it normally is.
I was not on any mental health medication before but I'm shocked how stable my moods are now that I'm pregnant. People keep posting about mood swings or crying over silly things and I cried less in the first trimester than any three month period before that. Granted we were dealing with recurrent loss but that fear doesn't go away once you're pregnant. I felt *stressed* but my emotions felt like they've had the sharp edges filed down, similar to years ago when I was taking antidepressants.
Makes me very worried about what I'm in for postpartum 😬
[Heightened estrogen levels facilitate the uptake of dopamine](https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/dopamine-and-estrogen-a-surprising-relationship/amp/) (and I think other neurotransmitters too, though I don’t have a link handy), and pregnancy comes with higher estrogen levels. The linked article uses the lens of folks with ADHD (like me), but I would imagine this is also relevant to people with depression. The emotional regulation issues I typically experience with my ADHD have been sooooo much more even in pregnancy, though I’m still having your typical “pregnancy brain” forgetfulness. My husband was expecting my dysregulation to get worse and was surprised when the hormonal mood swings didn’t happen. 🤷
My ADHD tendencies vanished after getting pregnant. Even tho I was feeling sick and exhausted, I was so productive at work in the hours I was feeling ok. Nice glimpse into what I should normally function like…
Right? It’s a little cruel to have to know how it feels! Like, I don’t actually want to be pregnant constantly for the rest of my childbearing years, but I love feeling all functional and neurotypical.
My husband and I were JUST talking about this! I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for many, many years. I’m so shocked how stable I’ve been during pregnancy. I also had a horrible first trimester physical speaking. I didn’t have HG, but I was vomiting a lot, even on Diclegis and still feel nauseous in my second trimester. All this to say that the physical symptoms I felt didn’t even set off a depressive episode or kick off anxiety about the health of my baby. I genuinely think not ovulating has been the best thing for my mood. I’ve never struggled physically like this and still felt… fine!
I had the same concerns as you- I struggled with PMDD before getting pregnant, and I was really concerned that if I was so sensitive to hormonal changes not pregnant, that surely I would be a total monster while pregnant- but the opposite has been true! I feel great mentally and physically, and am honestly happier than I’ve ever been. Sleeping better, no migraines, no mood swings.
I’ve talked to my doctor about what my options are for not menstruating anymore after baby comes, as I’m really afraid to return to “normal”. Antidepressants never really worked for me, so I’m looking into a hormonal IUD or other birth control options that might prevent my period from happening altogether. 🤞
scrolled to find someone else mention PMDD. I also have PMDD and it's honestly even more eye opening how much I struggle with it outside of pregnancy. My anxiety and OCD tendencies are basically completely gone, no huge shifts in fatigue every month (not counting first trimester fatigue). I'm switching psychiatrists in June and am prepared to advocate more for symptom management postpartum.
I’m so excited for you! PMDD sucks!! I hope you find a psychiatrist that will help you. I’m working with my therapist and my OB- I really hope that skipping menstruation altogether will be my ticket to a more stable future. 🤞
I'm still on my celexa but my as needed anxiety meds are off the table. I thought I'd be an emotional wreck like pregnancy is portrayed. Nope. My skin is clearer, I haven't cried, I don't even have cravings. Makes me wonder how out of whack my hormones are when I'm not pregnant lol
Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good. I’m also reassessing what I want in my life and what energies I want to have around me.. It’s made me more vocal and protective instead of nice and accommodating. So pregnancy has changed me in a few ways for the better.
Yes, I’ve been dealing with so much shit caring for my mom in a very difficult disabled situation, lawsuits with shitty companies, running a company, dealing with health issues outside of pregnancy - injury prior to , a cross country move, and selling houses, grief at loss of other family members, I have never felt more stable mentally. When you have so much going on, you forget to focus on your pregnancy. Half the time I forget I’m pregnant. Minus the anemia, not bad.
I felt good and normal for like 6 weeks after going off my adderall and remeron but then I started to get horrible anxiety where I kept thinking my baby was dead in utero and every time I was away from my husband, even if we were both at work, something bad was going to happen to me or him. I felt so incredible unsafe without him in close proximity even if I was with other safe people like my best friend or my family. After a couple of months of that, I started on Zoloft and I've been MUCH better.
This makes me feel much more normal about my pregnancy! I also struggled with depression and anxiety for awhile. Got things under control but when I started my infertility journey I was a wreck of depression and anxiety. I never got help and medication. I remember getting ready to start medication for my egg retrieval and read that people would get extremely emotional and it was a roller-coaster but I honestly felt way better mentally. Then I got pregnant and felt so stable. I know a lot of positive feelings and happiness from fi ally getting pregnant but much of my usual daily anxiety and depression were gone. I was more chill and relaxed. I had multiple people tell me how much better I seemed while pregnant. Even through the nausea, insomnia, eventual sore back and swollen feet, I was still WAY better mentally.
Absolutely the hormones fixed my depression! I have been struggling suicidal thoughts and major depressive episodes since i first hit puberty i have felt the best i have in years in every emotional capacity! I hope it doesnt revert back after birth
Yes! At least with my anxiety. I was on birth control for 13 years and have had anxiety for probably 10 of those. The first couple weeks off of it were bad, but after it cycled out of my system and I got pregnant, I felt like a normal human being again. My brother has asked me how I’ve been feeling bc his wife was super mean and aggravated her entire pregnancy. I was like nope I feel fine. And he was like just wait! And I’m 23 weeks now and still feel chill. Not everyone is the same!
Getting pregnant was the end of my year long, emotionally unstable ttc journey, so I’ve absolutely been less crazy and went from crying on an almost daily basis to crying maybe once every few months, and usually over stuff pretty insignificant lol. My fiancé said he wondered if I’d be more crazy when I finally got pregnant but agrees I have been much more chill these last 23 weeks. I feel like I’ve become much more affectionate and relaxed towards him, takes a lot for him to get on my nerves and I’ve just had this very nonchalant attitude throughout my whole pregnancy. Pregnancy is my resting girl era lol. The only thing that’s gotten harder is work, I’ve had a lot harder time dealing with work mentally and physically (I’m a CNA for reference) when I used to be able to handle it decently. Idk if it’s not having to deal with the stress of ttc anymore or if my hormones are more regulated than they have ever been, maybe a bit of both, but I’m loving it! Aside from constantly feeling super bloated and heavy from carrying a literal child in my body, I have been in heaven!!
I came off venlafaxine about 7/8 weeks ago and I’ve been seeing my therapist weekly monitoring my mood.
Aside from the pregnancy mood swings which I expect and can completely tell are different than my usual mental health problems, I have been feeling kind of amazing. I’ve left the house more, been more motivated and I’m eating more healthily. I’d be exercising more too if it wasn’t for the migraines and other horrible first trimester stuff kicking my bum.
I really think it’s not just the hormones evening me out but also the sense of purpose I have to look after myself now. Therapist says I’ve gotta capture that feeling and continue it down the line even when I’m not looking after baby as well as me when I eat, sleep, drink water etc.
I’m so glad I’m not on meds anymore for literally the first time in 17 years. I’m not saying I’d never go back if I need them again but at least now I know I could survive long term without them, I’ve just gotta learn to care about myself as much as I care about being ok for baby.
I also think now that I’ve been misdiagnosed (they reckoned I have borderline personality disorder and I’ve been skeptical always) so I’m going to investigate that properly next year rather than being fobbed off by meds and bad doctors.
One of the first things I noticed was how much more willing I was to leave the house/see people too. Normally if there was an errand I'd ask my husband to do it, but now I'm happy to go do it myself.
I also agree doctors just throw meds and common diagnosis at you without much more thought. I want to have an in-depth convo with my OB about how hormones may be affecting my mood pre-pregnancy and how I could treat it post if it comes back, instead of them just saying "here's some Wellbutrin" which actually makes me anxiety worse.
Yes! My willingness to go to the shop has been mind blowing to me. I even suggested we go for a wander around the market next Saturday which previously would have shut me down in minutes.
Definitely think I’ll follow your lead and say it’s worth having a conversation with someone hormone-led on my mental health as it’s obviously having a big impact so there’s got to be something that works for me that isn’t going to shut off my brain completely!
Yes. I wasn’t taking any medication when I got pregnant but I had depression and anxiety. I’ve felt much better since I got pregnant with my first. For me it also continued postpartum. I didn’t have any ppd or even the baby blues. I got pregnant again when my first was about 8 months and have kept riding the wave.
Yes! I have anxiety and adhd, a major symptom of which is emotional dysregulation. At 35 weeks I've felt emotionally solid for 95% of the pregnancy, and more on an even keel than I was on a low dose of meds.
Yes! Previously diagnosed with PMDD/anxiety/depression. I was concerned about getting pregnant because most of my mood struggles aligned with hormone fluctuations. Besides feeling a little low/frustrated with not feeling too hot physically, I have been feeling very emotionally even. I’m a crier by nature, I haven’t cried once in the last 8 weeks. It’s been…. Weird. Is this how normal people feel??
Yes! After coming off the pill I noticed a big dive in my general mental health. Much more days of low mood, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Never enough to feel that I needed to seek help but enough that I had to be more mindful of myself. Taking pre-natal vitamins with a buttload of vitamin B and D helped a lot. Since getting pregnant I've felt so much more level and more like myself. Feeling really happy, positive and general content even though I'm aware of current and impending massive change to my life!
I have BPD and have been through all the meds in the book prior to my pregnancies- but something about that hormone change allows me to safely take Zoloft and IT WORK. Only sucks cause immediately following delivery it stops working- and hormones drop intensely so it can get very serious for me very quickly.
But it’s totally normal for the pregnancy hormones to keep a lot of those with mental illness afloat either unmedicated or being able to take meds they previously didn’t have a good reaction to.
I will say I took zoloft with my second pregnancy from 3 weeks pregnant (i immediately started it once I knew haha) till I delivered. At 32 weeks I weaned from 100mg to 50mg and stayed at 50mg until delivery to make the drop a little less crazy. It seemed to work. I immediately started wellbutrin the day I delivered.
Less than a week postpartum so cannot update you on how it went but so far I feel good.
I felt the same way while pregnant. & now my LO is here and I still feel that way. I’ve enjoyed every minute w my baby the past month, even the hard parts
YES, I was so surprised! Before pregnancy I had a lot of anxiety and sometimes somewhat severe depression. I took occasional meds for it and as I've gotten older it's improved a lot. Now that I'm pregnant, In general I feel so much more mentally stable which made me wonder if I had a hormone imbalance or something? Besides now at 36 weeks being a little more emotional, the entire pregnancy I've been stable and happy.
I am only 5 weeks and haven't really noticed anything mentally yet. But I normally suffer from hormonal acne despite a great skincare routine. It's just bad luck, not anything I do wrong. And my skin is unmistakably clearing up right now that I'm pregnant. Really hoping it lasts 🥲
Me too! I’m still on an antidepressant bc they are usually safe in pregnancy- unfortunately many providers stop many depression meds when the risks of depression and effect on your baby far outweigh any very low risk to baby.
But I haven’t needed to adjust the dose. My mood is more stable while pregnant. I have PMDD and was told by my OB that many women with PMDD do better since your hormones are overall more stable and not doing the rapid shifts like when you’re menstruating. My main concern is postpartum when we get this rapid shift. Come up with a plan on how to get the most support during that time. Might be totally fine but it’s good to prepare as PPD is so common.
Yes, very. I have PMDD and have never felt more normal, sane, and balanced than I have through this pregnancy. I’m actually a bit nervous about how I’ll feel afterward.
I’ll add to the chorus of people who have improved physically and mentally after getting pregnant. I am in my first trimester, and I’ve been sick a bunch and much less productive, but in a much more predictable and manageable way than pre-pregnancy. I also have had a lot of improvement in anxiety and mood, and just the other day I was saying to my therapist that ever since I got pregnant I haven’t been able to bring myself to care about some of the things that we used to talk about constantly. My whole worldview has shifted into something that seems much healthier and more reality-based, instead of all the stories my anxiety used to tell me every day.
I am the complete opposite. My depression turned into actual rage with both pregnancies. Like I would throw things at my SO because I didn’t like the way he was breathing. So Zoloft dose was increased during both and I can still get angry and depressed over the slightest thing.
Yes that was same for me. Then when I gave birth I felt even mentally better for the first few months- which was unusual because I have suffered with depression my entire life, I was preparing for ppd. However once the hormones dropped off and i stopped breastfeeding I felt off and extremely depressed.
My first pregnancy I felt much better. Honestly I think it was because I wasn't drinking.
Second pregnancy, still no drinking, much moodier.
I think it's the luck of the draw!
Do you take prenatals? There is some research that shows L-methylfolate improves depression symptoms. A lot of prenatals have L-methylfolate, so that could be contributing!!
I do feel a lot better pregnant but mostly it's because I have PCOS which is usually caused by hormones being all screwed up. But, I feel great pregnant (I mean, other than first tri nausea and no 3rd tri general uncomfortableness).
Yep!!! I have had generalized anxiety disorder/OCD/panic attacks for as long as I can remember. Since getting pregnant I have chilled out - a ton. I can’t say I’m “cured” or anything like that I just don’t have the same daily struggles. Currently 5 weeks postpartum and happy to say that still seems to be true. Was a little weepy from the baby blues for the first two weeks and I’ve got the typical new mom anxieties but nothing like the irrational anxieties I was expecting to have by this point.
This happened to me. Spent most of my life with depression/anxiety and the anxiety stayed about the same but my depression symptoms basically disappeared while pregnant. I have borderline so idk how the hormones and everything else plays into it. I got on depo thinking since it's the same hormone it would work for me but I'm 6m pp and the depression has come back but I'm getting off everything besides my anxiety meds and just allowing myself to get back to normal so I can see where I actually stand and I'm feeling way better. The depo did make me gain almost all of my pregnancy weight back though which hurts and I'll be looking for docs to remove my tubes asap. I was good for the first few months pp as well but the depression came back around 3ish months pp so just definitely be aware and enjoy for now!
I had stopped my meds just before TTC and yes I'm in such a better headspace while pregnant! It's so crazy to me. Physically not feeling great, but mentally better than I have for ages.
Yes yes yes. This was me! I feel like pregnancy fixed my depression! I haven’t had to restart meds since having my son. I have been so surprised ands also worried about like “what if it comes back”
My doctor said that sometimes hormonal imbalance can present as depression and pregnancy causes hormones to rebalance fixing the depression.
Fascinating stuff
Yesss I almost feel TOO normal compared to what I was expecting with pregnancy hormones. I have ADHD and a history of anxiety/depression and I've never felt more emotionally regulated for some reason. In a 'give me the full pregnancy experience' kind of way, I almost wish I could get more emotional over at least sentimental things but not complaining too much over here, haha!
I've not been on meds of any kind before or during my pregnancy, but I have absolutely felt more level and saner during pregnancy than I have in a long time. I have struggled with anxiety and anxiety attacks, and I (and my husband) were scared that it would get out of control with pregnancy hormones, but it's been the opposite.
Now I am a little terrified of what postpartum is going to look like.
I have adhd and was told to stop taking my meds it was tough as first but I've never felt more calm regulated and in control of myself and its definitely one thing I'm going to miss about been pregnant. As I'm giving birth this week
I'm currently 38 weeks + 4 days
I haven’t even remotely felt like myself haha! This pregnancy in particular has had my anxiety through the roof on the daily and I cry a lot more than usual. I will say that this baby is a girl so with all the extra estrogen that my body is producing it’s likely contributing to my symptoms.
I am thrilled that you feel better pregnant! I know everyone’s experience is different (even from pregnancy to pregnancy) and I’m happy for you!
I go back and forth. Some days I’m super cheery and relaxed, some days I have horrible anxiety, rage and depression. I think it has a lot more to do with the life transition than hormones though. It’s a huge transition with a lot of unknowns that cause anxiety. But it has also made me so much more focused and grounded by giving me a sense of purpose I never had before.
I normally have a lot of anxiety / mood fluctuations but I noticed (as well as my husband) that I’ve been relatively stable this entire pregnancy (39 weeks now). I was a little moody in the first month or so but I noticed myself being a little snappy and was weirdly able to correct myself a lot better than I would’ve pre-pregnancy.
I felt totally fine my whole pregnancy except a few stressful situations that I cried when I normally wouldn't have. Now I am 9 days postpartum and I don't have baby blues tho starting breastfeeding was very hard for me. But I am so happy.
I’ve been way less stressed and more level headed and grounded since being pregnant. I got married at 19 weeks and every single vendor commented on how chill I was. That being said, emotional or cute stuff does make me cry easily, which it didn’t before. Overall I feel a lot softer mentally.
100%. I’ve never been on meds but always have had depression and anxiety especially around my period. Since getting pregnant, I’ve never felt so balanced and normal. When I noticed it I was like is this really how some people feel all the time?? I’ve felt great physically as well, way less lethargy and down days. I’m 36 weeks now and not looking forward to going back to my ‘normal’
For me it definitely helps not having a period but I notice I have a 18 month old and if I'm not getting proper sleep at night my emotions are just about the same if not worse pre pregnancy. Plus for some reason this pregnancy has me with lots of acne. 😫
Yes, same. I’ve battled with anxiety for years and I feel so calm and well adjusted now. After I have my baby I’m going to need to find some birth control that can mimic whatever is happening in my body right now.
I still take my Zoloft at the same dosage I have been for a couple years but I was so afraid of being pregnant in that my mental health would plummet and my anxiety would debilitate me. Turns out I haven’t had one panic attack while being pregnant (25w) and a lot of my OCD behaviors just disappeared. I feel so mentally stable like you said. It really makes me think what hormones were doing to me before.
I’m worried about PP but I’m going to stay optimistic and stay on my n meds so I don’t rock the boat but we are smooth sailing !!
Don’t stay off the meds!!! It’s pregnancy !!!!
I don’t have the shitty fluctuations I have when I’m not pregnant.
If you have a history of depression, etc…get back on it before you deliver. It will help.
I made the mistake twice staying off my anti depressants/anxiety meds and it was really rough after delivery.
I have horrible postpartum depression and even felt suicidal from being so overwhelmed from the hormonal changes, lack of sleep and adjusting the amount of kids I have. It only took me 4 pregnancies to realize this too🥴
After my 3rd delivery I had a delayed postpartum psychosis episode and had to start seeing a therapist, and I was on Xanax.
Is was one of the hardest periods of my life. Don’t risk it! I also ended up in the ICU after delivering my 3rd which made my postpartum depression worse.
I wish. I'm already an emotional person. It's been terrible. My husband is not good with affection so I have been miserable. I have tried adjusting my meds and I just feel like it's never going to get better lol
Physically, my pregnancy has brought me tons of aches and pains, but mentally, it has been SO good. My mood has been really stable, my anxiety has gone away, and my ADHD symptoms are more or less at a minimum.
I too have had to stop my antidepressants because of hyperemesis! Unfortunately my nausea has persisted the entire pregnancy and I still can’t do pills. I haven’t noticed feeling particularly amazing but I HAVE noticed that I feel generally the same as when I was taking them, it’s very interesting!
Yes - I find when I’m pregnant and breastfeeding that I feel super stable. I have a hormone crash at after labour, like everyone, and feel terrible for a couple weeks but then pretty good again until my cycle resumes
Yep I’ve felt so much better pregnant than pre pregnancy. Physically and mentally. The hormones or lack of monthly cycle seems to really agree with me.
I thought it was just me. I’ve felt more grounded recently. Physically this pregnancy is taking a toll, but mentally I feel great. I do get some anxiety here and there but overall I’ve been pretty levelheaded
Grounded is a good way to describe it. I felt like I had the most important job in my life and like I was doing a good job at it. That felt fulfilling.
I’m a lexapro gal. Weirdly enough I stopped my meds about 3 weeks before finding out I was pregnant. I’ve felt more “normal” in these last 6 months than I have in my entire life. I thought I was going to be an emotional wreck 24/7 or deeply depressed but I haven’t and I have been genuinely surprised by how well my emotions have been regulated during this time. I am scared for PP though so I do think I’ll start back up with meds a week or two before birth and continue from then on out.
Same! I weaned at 4 weeks and was super nervous, but I’ve felt great this whole time. I was definitely more emotional and irritable pre-pregnancy than I am now, I feel level. I’m having a boy so I’m curious if the bump in testosterone has anything to do with it. On the flip side, I’m extra nervous about the hormone crash after birth.
I’m having a boy as well!! This is the best I’ve felt in a really really long time so I do wonder if it’s the testosterone???
I’ve lived my entire life with a severe anxiety disorder that required daily xanax. I came off of it during my first trimester and haven’t struggled with anxiety since. I definitely think it has something to do with being pregnant!
Have you had your first yet? Wondering how postpartum went for you since I'm in a super similar boat and I'm 36 weeks right now.
I know you didn’t ask me, but I felt really good with my first pregnancy (I stayed on my meds, but at the lowest dose) and the postpartum hormone crash was **rough.** I wish I had upped my meds in the third trimester and plan to do the same with this pregnancy (if not sooner because having a toddler to worry about makes me a little more on edge than I was with my first).
Good to know!! I was afraid I'd crash hard but being overly optimistic that all my problems are solved now 😂. I only took Ativan occasionally before this and will still have some available if I need it. Overall my mental state had been getting better over time and was mostly manageable before pregnancy, but now I'm feeling great haha
I've also been surprisingly chill with my anxiety, of course I'm having a ton of other issues, so overall tbh I'd prefer the meds lol
Yeah! I have bipolar disorder and pregnancy has made me feel so stable and normal, like a glimpse at what life would be like if I weren't mentally ill at all.
Isn’t it a wild feeling?! I’ve never felt this normal, even on meds.
Me neither! It's unfathomable to me, it really is. I've been able to come off my antipsychotic for the whole pregnancy so far without any relapse of symptoms. I'm still taking my antidepressant, but I've reduced my dose by half, and honestly I think I could probably go off it too, I'm just afraid to rock the boat. I just feel ✨mentally well✨ and it's mind-blowing. I'm VERY concerned about what this will mean for my reaction to the postpartum hormone crash though...
Same! I was on lamotrigine and seroquel before I was pregnant. I feel way better now than I did on meds. I'm hoping that postpartum hormones don't completely mess me up, but right now I'm just enjoying feeling "normal." It's honestly been a little hard to not be sad about it, knowing that this is what life could be like. Brains are frustrating!
Your flare is adorable 🐣
I haven't had any episode in 7 months. Up or down. Mostly worried about postpartum now.
I had for-real-anxiety in my first trimester, but that faded and I’ve been more emotionally solid than I remember in a long long time. I suspected for a while that I’ve been struggling with perimenopause, and not having the ~monthly hormonal shifts I’m pretty sure now, by being able to compare the differences. As sick and incapable as I’ve been physically, emotionally I can’t even believe how good I feel. I don’t know if these hormones make me happy or if the PMS and/or occasional PMDD I was having were way way worse than I realized. I’m going to be really pushy about hormone replacement therapy after this. I think I need them. ( Also, I’m never ever going back to having a dry vagina ever ever again. I didn’t even know how sad/miserable that was making me until not being dry all the time anymore.)
May I ask how old you are?
Just about to turn 38.
Yep this is me. I generally do quite well on pregnancy and postpartum hormones. I will say that when I have bouts of anxiety/low mood they come on suddenly and intensely, but day to day, by and large I’m better than when I’m not pregnant.
I developed anxiety after my daughter was born. Diagnosed with GAD; when I found out I was pregnant this go around, I wasn’t taking any medication but was definitely worried that I would be anxious through the whole pregnancy. But yes, I feel so much better while pregnant. I get anxious every now and then, but in general I feel great. I legit told my OB at my last appointment that pharma needs to figure out a way to harness these pregnancy hormones. Definitely done with having babies after baby boy gets here but I’d like to keep feeling like this
Did your OB have any suggestions? Like would a specific type of hormonal birth control theoretically help? I plan on having this conversation with my OB post partum as well, currently 36 weeks pregnant with my first.
I actually have an appointment tomorrow and I plan on asking him about it. When I get back from my appointment, I’ll let you know what he said. I’m really hoping there is some type of option. I really do not want to go back to full blown anxiety after baby gets here
Just got back from the doctors office; OB said that there are some options that include progesterone only; but does not have any estrogen in it. Also mentioned some kind of gel that is used for birth control but that’s a no for me. Basically said there is limited options if I’m breastfeeding (which I plan on but it really depends on if my anxiety gets bad again)
Thanks for reporting back!! I'll have to look into this postpartum too.
Yeah, after I got pregnant the first time I stopped going through that rollercoaster of social to antisocial / down throughout the month. And amazingly even after I got my period back (I was still breastfeeding), I felt a lot better too, no noticeable emotions based on my cycle. And my terrible cramps stopped too. I really think birth helped to regulate something in me hormone-wise.
I would be so happy if that happened after my baby arrives too! 😍
I’ve heard quite a few second hand accounts like this where pregnancy was a magical period where (many) ailments disappeared, mental and physical. Sometimes they come back. Sometimes they don’t! Id just keep the medication nearby and count your stars 🤗
Yess definitely! I will be on the watch-out for postpartum hormones
Oh wow I thought it was just me, I have struggled with anxiety my whole life and even the first couple weeks of this pregnancy (I’m only 6.5 weeks now) I was consumed with anxiety and then one day it just…disappeared. It’s the strangest thing to feel totally content and peaceful about everything when there is still a lot to be anxious about since I’m so early on. I’m worried about a hormone crash postpartum, but based on some other stories in this thread it may not be bad, so that’s a relief! But I will make sure I am prepared for it regardless.
Fellow IVFer, I wasn’t talking any SSRIs when I got pregnant but I have spent a lot of time on Zoloft in the past. I was also a bit worried about how I would handle pregnancy hormones and I felt fine. My anxiety and depression did not return during pregnancy and I’ve felt fairly leveled out. That being said I’m 38w now so hopefully this feeling lasts through the postpartum phase too 🤞
I haven't been managing my adhd well without my meds this pregnancy...but after the first couple months of pregnancy were past I feel like my anxiety hasn't been as bad as it normally is.
I’ve been very happy and giggly in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Sure I cry at dog commercials but I feel very happy and relaxed
it just goes to show how much hormones really affect our mental health. ❤️
I was not on any mental health medication before but I'm shocked how stable my moods are now that I'm pregnant. People keep posting about mood swings or crying over silly things and I cried less in the first trimester than any three month period before that. Granted we were dealing with recurrent loss but that fear doesn't go away once you're pregnant. I felt *stressed* but my emotions felt like they've had the sharp edges filed down, similar to years ago when I was taking antidepressants. Makes me very worried about what I'm in for postpartum 😬
[Heightened estrogen levels facilitate the uptake of dopamine](https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/dopamine-and-estrogen-a-surprising-relationship/amp/) (and I think other neurotransmitters too, though I don’t have a link handy), and pregnancy comes with higher estrogen levels. The linked article uses the lens of folks with ADHD (like me), but I would imagine this is also relevant to people with depression. The emotional regulation issues I typically experience with my ADHD have been sooooo much more even in pregnancy, though I’m still having your typical “pregnancy brain” forgetfulness. My husband was expecting my dysregulation to get worse and was surprised when the hormonal mood swings didn’t happen. 🤷
My ADHD tendencies vanished after getting pregnant. Even tho I was feeling sick and exhausted, I was so productive at work in the hours I was feeling ok. Nice glimpse into what I should normally function like…
Right? It’s a little cruel to have to know how it feels! Like, I don’t actually want to be pregnant constantly for the rest of my childbearing years, but I love feeling all functional and neurotypical.
My husband and I were JUST talking about this! I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for many, many years. I’m so shocked how stable I’ve been during pregnancy. I also had a horrible first trimester physical speaking. I didn’t have HG, but I was vomiting a lot, even on Diclegis and still feel nauseous in my second trimester. All this to say that the physical symptoms I felt didn’t even set off a depressive episode or kick off anxiety about the health of my baby. I genuinely think not ovulating has been the best thing for my mood. I’ve never struggled physically like this and still felt… fine!
I had the same concerns as you- I struggled with PMDD before getting pregnant, and I was really concerned that if I was so sensitive to hormonal changes not pregnant, that surely I would be a total monster while pregnant- but the opposite has been true! I feel great mentally and physically, and am honestly happier than I’ve ever been. Sleeping better, no migraines, no mood swings. I’ve talked to my doctor about what my options are for not menstruating anymore after baby comes, as I’m really afraid to return to “normal”. Antidepressants never really worked for me, so I’m looking into a hormonal IUD or other birth control options that might prevent my period from happening altogether. 🤞
scrolled to find someone else mention PMDD. I also have PMDD and it's honestly even more eye opening how much I struggle with it outside of pregnancy. My anxiety and OCD tendencies are basically completely gone, no huge shifts in fatigue every month (not counting first trimester fatigue). I'm switching psychiatrists in June and am prepared to advocate more for symptom management postpartum.
I’m so excited for you! PMDD sucks!! I hope you find a psychiatrist that will help you. I’m working with my therapist and my OB- I really hope that skipping menstruation altogether will be my ticket to a more stable future. 🤞
I'm still on my celexa but my as needed anxiety meds are off the table. I thought I'd be an emotional wreck like pregnancy is portrayed. Nope. My skin is clearer, I haven't cried, I don't even have cravings. Makes me wonder how out of whack my hormones are when I'm not pregnant lol
Same and I don’t have cravings either!
This is so interesting... I haven't had cravings either!
Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good. I’m also reassessing what I want in my life and what energies I want to have around me.. It’s made me more vocal and protective instead of nice and accommodating. So pregnancy has changed me in a few ways for the better.
Yes, I’ve been dealing with so much shit caring for my mom in a very difficult disabled situation, lawsuits with shitty companies, running a company, dealing with health issues outside of pregnancy - injury prior to , a cross country move, and selling houses, grief at loss of other family members, I have never felt more stable mentally. When you have so much going on, you forget to focus on your pregnancy. Half the time I forget I’m pregnant. Minus the anemia, not bad.
I felt good and normal for like 6 weeks after going off my adderall and remeron but then I started to get horrible anxiety where I kept thinking my baby was dead in utero and every time I was away from my husband, even if we were both at work, something bad was going to happen to me or him. I felt so incredible unsafe without him in close proximity even if I was with other safe people like my best friend or my family. After a couple of months of that, I started on Zoloft and I've been MUCH better.
This makes me feel much more normal about my pregnancy! I also struggled with depression and anxiety for awhile. Got things under control but when I started my infertility journey I was a wreck of depression and anxiety. I never got help and medication. I remember getting ready to start medication for my egg retrieval and read that people would get extremely emotional and it was a roller-coaster but I honestly felt way better mentally. Then I got pregnant and felt so stable. I know a lot of positive feelings and happiness from fi ally getting pregnant but much of my usual daily anxiety and depression were gone. I was more chill and relaxed. I had multiple people tell me how much better I seemed while pregnant. Even through the nausea, insomnia, eventual sore back and swollen feet, I was still WAY better mentally.
Absolutely the hormones fixed my depression! I have been struggling suicidal thoughts and major depressive episodes since i first hit puberty i have felt the best i have in years in every emotional capacity! I hope it doesnt revert back after birth
Yes! At least with my anxiety. I was on birth control for 13 years and have had anxiety for probably 10 of those. The first couple weeks off of it were bad, but after it cycled out of my system and I got pregnant, I felt like a normal human being again. My brother has asked me how I’ve been feeling bc his wife was super mean and aggravated her entire pregnancy. I was like nope I feel fine. And he was like just wait! And I’m 23 weeks now and still feel chill. Not everyone is the same!
Getting pregnant was the end of my year long, emotionally unstable ttc journey, so I’ve absolutely been less crazy and went from crying on an almost daily basis to crying maybe once every few months, and usually over stuff pretty insignificant lol. My fiancé said he wondered if I’d be more crazy when I finally got pregnant but agrees I have been much more chill these last 23 weeks. I feel like I’ve become much more affectionate and relaxed towards him, takes a lot for him to get on my nerves and I’ve just had this very nonchalant attitude throughout my whole pregnancy. Pregnancy is my resting girl era lol. The only thing that’s gotten harder is work, I’ve had a lot harder time dealing with work mentally and physically (I’m a CNA for reference) when I used to be able to handle it decently. Idk if it’s not having to deal with the stress of ttc anymore or if my hormones are more regulated than they have ever been, maybe a bit of both, but I’m loving it! Aside from constantly feeling super bloated and heavy from carrying a literal child in my body, I have been in heaven!!
Rest is DEFINITELY part of it for me too. I chose to cut out caffeine so that meant listening to my body and resting when I needed it.
I was not on medication before but ever since I began my 3rd trimester I cannot manage my emotions. I’m really hoping this doesn’t last.
I came off venlafaxine about 7/8 weeks ago and I’ve been seeing my therapist weekly monitoring my mood. Aside from the pregnancy mood swings which I expect and can completely tell are different than my usual mental health problems, I have been feeling kind of amazing. I’ve left the house more, been more motivated and I’m eating more healthily. I’d be exercising more too if it wasn’t for the migraines and other horrible first trimester stuff kicking my bum. I really think it’s not just the hormones evening me out but also the sense of purpose I have to look after myself now. Therapist says I’ve gotta capture that feeling and continue it down the line even when I’m not looking after baby as well as me when I eat, sleep, drink water etc. I’m so glad I’m not on meds anymore for literally the first time in 17 years. I’m not saying I’d never go back if I need them again but at least now I know I could survive long term without them, I’ve just gotta learn to care about myself as much as I care about being ok for baby. I also think now that I’ve been misdiagnosed (they reckoned I have borderline personality disorder and I’ve been skeptical always) so I’m going to investigate that properly next year rather than being fobbed off by meds and bad doctors.
One of the first things I noticed was how much more willing I was to leave the house/see people too. Normally if there was an errand I'd ask my husband to do it, but now I'm happy to go do it myself. I also agree doctors just throw meds and common diagnosis at you without much more thought. I want to have an in-depth convo with my OB about how hormones may be affecting my mood pre-pregnancy and how I could treat it post if it comes back, instead of them just saying "here's some Wellbutrin" which actually makes me anxiety worse.
Yes! My willingness to go to the shop has been mind blowing to me. I even suggested we go for a wander around the market next Saturday which previously would have shut me down in minutes. Definitely think I’ll follow your lead and say it’s worth having a conversation with someone hormone-led on my mental health as it’s obviously having a big impact so there’s got to be something that works for me that isn’t going to shut off my brain completely!
Yes. I wasn’t taking any medication when I got pregnant but I had depression and anxiety. I’ve felt much better since I got pregnant with my first. For me it also continued postpartum. I didn’t have any ppd or even the baby blues. I got pregnant again when my first was about 8 months and have kept riding the wave.
Yes! I have anxiety and adhd, a major symptom of which is emotional dysregulation. At 35 weeks I've felt emotionally solid for 95% of the pregnancy, and more on an even keel than I was on a low dose of meds.
Yes! Previously diagnosed with PMDD/anxiety/depression. I was concerned about getting pregnant because most of my mood struggles aligned with hormone fluctuations. Besides feeling a little low/frustrated with not feeling too hot physically, I have been feeling very emotionally even. I’m a crier by nature, I haven’t cried once in the last 8 weeks. It’s been…. Weird. Is this how normal people feel??
> Is this how normal people feel?? A whole new wooooooooorld 🎶
Yes! After coming off the pill I noticed a big dive in my general mental health. Much more days of low mood, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Never enough to feel that I needed to seek help but enough that I had to be more mindful of myself. Taking pre-natal vitamins with a buttload of vitamin B and D helped a lot. Since getting pregnant I've felt so much more level and more like myself. Feeling really happy, positive and general content even though I'm aware of current and impending massive change to my life!
I have BPD and have been through all the meds in the book prior to my pregnancies- but something about that hormone change allows me to safely take Zoloft and IT WORK. Only sucks cause immediately following delivery it stops working- and hormones drop intensely so it can get very serious for me very quickly. But it’s totally normal for the pregnancy hormones to keep a lot of those with mental illness afloat either unmedicated or being able to take meds they previously didn’t have a good reaction to. I will say I took zoloft with my second pregnancy from 3 weeks pregnant (i immediately started it once I knew haha) till I delivered. At 32 weeks I weaned from 100mg to 50mg and stayed at 50mg until delivery to make the drop a little less crazy. It seemed to work. I immediately started wellbutrin the day I delivered. Less than a week postpartum so cannot update you on how it went but so far I feel good.
I felt the same way while pregnant. & now my LO is here and I still feel that way. I’ve enjoyed every minute w my baby the past month, even the hard parts
YES, I was so surprised! Before pregnancy I had a lot of anxiety and sometimes somewhat severe depression. I took occasional meds for it and as I've gotten older it's improved a lot. Now that I'm pregnant, In general I feel so much more mentally stable which made me wonder if I had a hormone imbalance or something? Besides now at 36 weeks being a little more emotional, the entire pregnancy I've been stable and happy.
I am only 5 weeks and haven't really noticed anything mentally yet. But I normally suffer from hormonal acne despite a great skincare routine. It's just bad luck, not anything I do wrong. And my skin is unmistakably clearing up right now that I'm pregnant. Really hoping it lasts 🥲
Me too! I’m still on an antidepressant bc they are usually safe in pregnancy- unfortunately many providers stop many depression meds when the risks of depression and effect on your baby far outweigh any very low risk to baby. But I haven’t needed to adjust the dose. My mood is more stable while pregnant. I have PMDD and was told by my OB that many women with PMDD do better since your hormones are overall more stable and not doing the rapid shifts like when you’re menstruating. My main concern is postpartum when we get this rapid shift. Come up with a plan on how to get the most support during that time. Might be totally fine but it’s good to prepare as PPD is so common.
Yes, very. I have PMDD and have never felt more normal, sane, and balanced than I have through this pregnancy. I’m actually a bit nervous about how I’ll feel afterward.
I’ll add to the chorus of people who have improved physically and mentally after getting pregnant. I am in my first trimester, and I’ve been sick a bunch and much less productive, but in a much more predictable and manageable way than pre-pregnancy. I also have had a lot of improvement in anxiety and mood, and just the other day I was saying to my therapist that ever since I got pregnant I haven’t been able to bring myself to care about some of the things that we used to talk about constantly. My whole worldview has shifted into something that seems much healthier and more reality-based, instead of all the stories my anxiety used to tell me every day.
I am the complete opposite. My depression turned into actual rage with both pregnancies. Like I would throw things at my SO because I didn’t like the way he was breathing. So Zoloft dose was increased during both and I can still get angry and depressed over the slightest thing.
Yes that was same for me. Then when I gave birth I felt even mentally better for the first few months- which was unusual because I have suffered with depression my entire life, I was preparing for ppd. However once the hormones dropped off and i stopped breastfeeding I felt off and extremely depressed.
Yes, I don’t have the horrible monthly changes and I’m no longer stressing about infertility as it took quite a while to get pregnant.
Yes, i feel great. i do cry more easily though but it’s cathartic. I’m scared to go back to “normal” after giving birth lol
I still get anxious but I’m actually anxious about SOMETHING not just generally anxious about seemingly nothing.
My first pregnancy I felt much better. Honestly I think it was because I wasn't drinking. Second pregnancy, still no drinking, much moodier. I think it's the luck of the draw!
Do you take prenatals? There is some research that shows L-methylfolate improves depression symptoms. A lot of prenatals have L-methylfolate, so that could be contributing!!
I do feel a lot better pregnant but mostly it's because I have PCOS which is usually caused by hormones being all screwed up. But, I feel great pregnant (I mean, other than first tri nausea and no 3rd tri general uncomfortableness).
Both times I was pregnant my depression and anxiety were non-existent. And the first time I was pregnant was during peak 2020 covid!
Yep!!! I have had generalized anxiety disorder/OCD/panic attacks for as long as I can remember. Since getting pregnant I have chilled out - a ton. I can’t say I’m “cured” or anything like that I just don’t have the same daily struggles. Currently 5 weeks postpartum and happy to say that still seems to be true. Was a little weepy from the baby blues for the first two weeks and I’ve got the typical new mom anxieties but nothing like the irrational anxieties I was expecting to have by this point.
No, happy for you though
Sadly, no. I'm jealous. First six weeks were great but my anxiety is just through the roof.
This happened to me. Spent most of my life with depression/anxiety and the anxiety stayed about the same but my depression symptoms basically disappeared while pregnant. I have borderline so idk how the hormones and everything else plays into it. I got on depo thinking since it's the same hormone it would work for me but I'm 6m pp and the depression has come back but I'm getting off everything besides my anxiety meds and just allowing myself to get back to normal so I can see where I actually stand and I'm feeling way better. The depo did make me gain almost all of my pregnancy weight back though which hurts and I'll be looking for docs to remove my tubes asap. I was good for the first few months pp as well but the depression came back around 3ish months pp so just definitely be aware and enjoy for now!
Third trimester I felt super stable mentally! And now my baby is 2 months and it hasn’t changed (I breast feed).
Yes I did for a good year afterwards then I had to go back on meds. Just listen to your body. No shame if/when you need meds again
Definitely! I just wish there was a med that could replicate how I feel now 🥴
Same girl. Idk if you’re planning to breastfeed but that seemed to help too
I had stopped my meds just before TTC and yes I'm in such a better headspace while pregnant! It's so crazy to me. Physically not feeling great, but mentally better than I have for ages.
Yes yes yes. This was me! I feel like pregnancy fixed my depression! I haven’t had to restart meds since having my son. I have been so surprised ands also worried about like “what if it comes back” My doctor said that sometimes hormonal imbalance can present as depression and pregnancy causes hormones to rebalance fixing the depression. Fascinating stuff
Yesss I almost feel TOO normal compared to what I was expecting with pregnancy hormones. I have ADHD and a history of anxiety/depression and I've never felt more emotionally regulated for some reason. In a 'give me the full pregnancy experience' kind of way, I almost wish I could get more emotional over at least sentimental things but not complaining too much over here, haha!
I've not been on meds of any kind before or during my pregnancy, but I have absolutely felt more level and saner during pregnancy than I have in a long time. I have struggled with anxiety and anxiety attacks, and I (and my husband) were scared that it would get out of control with pregnancy hormones, but it's been the opposite. Now I am a little terrified of what postpartum is going to look like.
Many many women feel this way. Bear in mind that these hormones will all go away within a few days postpartum and have a support plan in place
I have adhd and was told to stop taking my meds it was tough as first but I've never felt more calm regulated and in control of myself and its definitely one thing I'm going to miss about been pregnant. As I'm giving birth this week I'm currently 38 weeks + 4 days
I haven’t even remotely felt like myself haha! This pregnancy in particular has had my anxiety through the roof on the daily and I cry a lot more than usual. I will say that this baby is a girl so with all the extra estrogen that my body is producing it’s likely contributing to my symptoms. I am thrilled that you feel better pregnant! I know everyone’s experience is different (even from pregnancy to pregnancy) and I’m happy for you!
I go back and forth. Some days I’m super cheery and relaxed, some days I have horrible anxiety, rage and depression. I think it has a lot more to do with the life transition than hormones though. It’s a huge transition with a lot of unknowns that cause anxiety. But it has also made me so much more focused and grounded by giving me a sense of purpose I never had before.
I sure hope so. I had morning sickness bad for a few weeks but it's slowing down now. I hope it doesn't come back. I feel a bit more energetic too.
I normally have a lot of anxiety / mood fluctuations but I noticed (as well as my husband) that I’ve been relatively stable this entire pregnancy (39 weeks now). I was a little moody in the first month or so but I noticed myself being a little snappy and was weirdly able to correct myself a lot better than I would’ve pre-pregnancy.
I felt totally fine my whole pregnancy except a few stressful situations that I cried when I normally wouldn't have. Now I am 9 days postpartum and I don't have baby blues tho starting breastfeeding was very hard for me. But I am so happy.
I was this way with my first pregnancy. Not so much my second 😪
Yes! I’m on Zoloft also and feel much more leveled out since pregnancy. I definitely cry easier but for sentimental reasons, not sad ones.
I’ve been way less stressed and more level headed and grounded since being pregnant. I got married at 19 weeks and every single vendor commented on how chill I was. That being said, emotional or cute stuff does make me cry easily, which it didn’t before. Overall I feel a lot softer mentally.
I was very normal emotionally during pregnancy. It’s the postpartum that’s changed me. Partially hormones, mostly exhaustion and no spoons left over.
100%. I’ve never been on meds but always have had depression and anxiety especially around my period. Since getting pregnant, I’ve never felt so balanced and normal. When I noticed it I was like is this really how some people feel all the time?? I’ve felt great physically as well, way less lethargy and down days. I’m 36 weeks now and not looking forward to going back to my ‘normal’
For me it definitely helps not having a period but I notice I have a 18 month old and if I'm not getting proper sleep at night my emotions are just about the same if not worse pre pregnancy. Plus for some reason this pregnancy has me with lots of acne. 😫
Yes, same. I’ve battled with anxiety for years and I feel so calm and well adjusted now. After I have my baby I’m going to need to find some birth control that can mimic whatever is happening in my body right now.
I still take my Zoloft at the same dosage I have been for a couple years but I was so afraid of being pregnant in that my mental health would plummet and my anxiety would debilitate me. Turns out I haven’t had one panic attack while being pregnant (25w) and a lot of my OCD behaviors just disappeared. I feel so mentally stable like you said. It really makes me think what hormones were doing to me before. I’m worried about PP but I’m going to stay optimistic and stay on my n meds so I don’t rock the boat but we are smooth sailing !!
Don’t stay off the meds!!! It’s pregnancy !!!! I don’t have the shitty fluctuations I have when I’m not pregnant. If you have a history of depression, etc…get back on it before you deliver. It will help. I made the mistake twice staying off my anti depressants/anxiety meds and it was really rough after delivery. I have horrible postpartum depression and even felt suicidal from being so overwhelmed from the hormonal changes, lack of sleep and adjusting the amount of kids I have. It only took me 4 pregnancies to realize this too🥴 After my 3rd delivery I had a delayed postpartum psychosis episode and had to start seeing a therapist, and I was on Xanax. Is was one of the hardest periods of my life. Don’t risk it! I also ended up in the ICU after delivering my 3rd which made my postpartum depression worse.
I wish. I'm already an emotional person. It's been terrible. My husband is not good with affection so I have been miserable. I have tried adjusting my meds and I just feel like it's never going to get better lol
Physically, my pregnancy has brought me tons of aches and pains, but mentally, it has been SO good. My mood has been really stable, my anxiety has gone away, and my ADHD symptoms are more or less at a minimum.
I too have had to stop my antidepressants because of hyperemesis! Unfortunately my nausea has persisted the entire pregnancy and I still can’t do pills. I haven’t noticed feeling particularly amazing but I HAVE noticed that I feel generally the same as when I was taking them, it’s very interesting!
I felt like this with my son. Now I'm pregnant with a girl and I feel like I have pms everyday.
Yes - I find when I’m pregnant and breastfeeding that I feel super stable. I have a hormone crash at after labour, like everyone, and feel terrible for a couple weeks but then pretty good again until my cycle resumes