r/PregnancyIreland

I knew this would be hard but it’s been harder than I anticipated. I’ve always struggled with depression and anxiety. I thought a baby might be a distraction rather than a trigger, thought parenting would give me more purpose, something to focus on besides my self etc but it seems to be going to opposite way instead and I’m just feeling very lonely, isolated and kind of trapped. I was on a bit of a high the first month but as the weeks go on I just get more and more sleep deprived and depressed. I don’t have family who are able to help with babysitting.

I know about postpartum depression but this doesn’t feel hormonal more like I feel this way as a result of the lifestyle change and being deprived of the things that were helping my mental health. Like sleep, the gym, reading, working etc. People have already suggested I join mother and baby groups but I don’t think that’s going to help me. I’d rather do some kind of activity. Also my baby is too young to play with other children yet so makes mother and baby groups seem even more pointless in my case.

Has anyone been in a similar situation who might be able to offer me some words of wisdom? I feel so down these days that I’m honestly starting to wonder if I made a mistake. I do love my baby but maybe I’m not cut out for being a mother. Im in cork by the way just incase there’s any other bored, lonely, depressed, single mammys who’d want to connect x

5 weeks post partum and the last week or so I've had terrible joint pain, pins and needles and weakness. Wrist and fingers mainly but sometimes in my toes and feet. I know some of it is strain from breastfeeding and repetitive movements picking up baby and doing tasks such as poppers and zippers. Im supporting baby when feeding but if anyone has any other suggestions or tips please shout. Back with GP next week and will be looking for physio referral

Hi everyone,

I’ll be 22 weeks pregnant on Saturday. Since around 17 weeks, I’ve been feeling what I’m pretty sure are baby movements. Last week I was on holiday, and during the first few days he was extremely active - I noticed different movements throughout the day.

Toward the end of the trip, I felt like I wasn’t noticing him as much during the day compared to those earlier days. Since coming home, the movements still seem less frequent, although I am still feeling him.

I’ve been feeling really anxious and worrying that something could be wrong. I have my anatomy scan on Monday, and I tend to get especially anxious in the days leading up to scans because my mind jumps to worst-case scenarios.

I’ve read that movement can still be inconsistent at this stage since babies are small and don’t yet have an established pattern, which gives me some reassurance. But I’m still unsure whether I should wait until Monday and try to stay calm, or go to the hospital to get checked for peace of mind.

Has anyone experienced something similar around this stage of pregnancy?

Just about 19 weeks now! Haven’t felt any movement yet from baby. Had a scan on Monday & doctor said baby is still sitting very low.. is this normal? How will I know when baby is kicking? What does it feel like?

Also at most recent scan doctor said to look away if I didn’t want to know the gender. She said they were kicking and she was getting a good look at whatever baby was! Do we think this means it’s a boy? The doctor also cropped from the legs down out of the baby scan.. we’re keeping it a surprise but open to thoughts 🙈