I have suffered with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I've tried many natural alternatives and supplements to alleviate my symptoms with moderate success. But during pregnancy I discontinued their use due to a lack of research on safety. And then I got pregnancy induced hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure and anxiety are like the chicken and the egg, which came first? I was incredibly stressed out and high strung during my pregnancy. I had lots of irrational thoughts, some of them were rational but hyped up to the extreme. I couldn't wait to have this baby just so I could feel better.
Guess what? I didn't feel better. I felt worse. Aside from developing Postpartum Preeclampsia, even now almost 6 months postpartum I still have prehypertension. And I'm still dealing with broken sleep. I was so worried about the baby and every little thing, I couldn't relax. I didn't sleep well, when I did get to sleep, and I would have nightmares. I cried multiple times a day. And to top it all off, we were thrown off our farm (the family farm that was for life) with no means for income and all our savings sunk into that business.
Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of, it is a real medical condition. Your body is working hard to get itself back to "normal." Your hormones are haywire, you aren't getting enough sleep, and your sleep cycles are broken, you aren't eating properly, you aren't getting out of the house as much, and you are probably freaking out about what to do with this little person. It is stressful! But, postpartum depression doesn't always strike right away. It can take months before you may have any symptoms. A friends doctor told her it could take up to 2 years before her body is back to normal.
When my symptoms lasted more than the first two weeks after birth, I decided to go to a postpartum specialist. She prescribed me an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), appointments to monitor my progress, and I was on my way. I soon found out that SSRIs weren't the magic pill I wanted them to be. While my anxiety was tamed for about 3 weeks, I had a slew of side effects that almost cancelled out the benefits. So when my anxiety returned I decided to taper off the SSRI, under my nurse practitioners supervision. I remembered about my old tried and true supplements.
I've been back to the supplements now for over a month and while they help, I'm still having anxiety and depression problems partly due to my new lifestyle of staying at home with the baby. But the other day I bought facial tissues for the first time in months because I'm not crying much anymore. It felt like a victory.
I realized that I neglected to differentiate between Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis. The former is what I and many women suffer from after giving birth for a variety of reasons but typically related to hormone changes and what I call new baby isolation. Postpartum Psychosis presents a very serious situation where the person suffering may want to hurt herself and/or her baby AND this seems like a logical or reasonable solution. Please get help. You can visit Postpartum Support International to find help near you.
Showing posts with label Preeclampsia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preeclampsia. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Supplementing During Pregnancy
Supplements (not vitamins or minerals) are not studied for health benefits the way prescription drugs are. So, there isn't a whole lot of information on the safety of use during pregnancy. And legally they can't be recommended, except by a Doctor, who probably won't recommend their use because s/he either doesn't know a whole lot about supplements, or just wants to play it safe to avoid a law suit.
So how can you know what is safe to take? Hopefully my own knowledge and experience will enlighten you on the topic. While I am not a Doctor or Medical Practitioner, I have studied natural remedies for years and worked professionally in the field for 3 years. Below are the 4 best supplements for women, in my opinion. As always, discuss with your doctor, do your own research, and make your own best choices for you. I do not recommend or suggest you take the following supplements, I only share with you my experience and findings.
Prenatal Multi-Vitamin: Your Doctor definitely wants you to take these, and will even prescribe them once your pregnancy is confirmed. In fact most Doctors would suggest you start taking them a few months prior to conception. The idea is to get Folic Acid built up in your system since it has been shown to reduce birth defects. It, like most vitamins, is water soluble so you waste what your body doesn't absorb. It is with that knowledge that one-a-day vitamins are not giving you the best benefit or the most for your money. Also, synthetic nutrients are not as readily absorbed, which is why a food sourced, multiple is best. I used New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal. It is a 3-a-day, small and easy to swallow, that you can even take on an empty stomach. It did not increase my morning sickness and did not make me constipated. I only took 2 a day, because that's what made me feel my best. I was also eating fortified cereals so I felt confident I was getting enough folic acid.
Probiotics: None of my medical practitioners could advise me on the safety of taking Probiotics during Pregnancy. Since I couldn't eat dairy during my pregnancy, yogurt (a natural source of Probiotics) was off the menu. Probiotics are natural "good" bacteria that support your intestinal flora by increasing good bacteria and suppressing the bad. I figured Probiotics were alright to take during pregnancy, just not the "green" kind. I have to say, I am sorry I didn't start taking them sooner. In addition to supporting my immune system, essential during pregnancy and cold and flu season, Probiotics seemed to ease my anxiety and depression, and kept me regular. I have long suffered a slow digestion which means two things, constipation (why I avoid dairy), and bacterial overgrowth (leads to all sorts of health problems including depression). I ended up using Solaray MultiDophilus 12 Billion. I took one a day at bedtime. Probiotics also slowed down my pregnancy weight gain, but so did giving up dairy. I researched the link between weight gain and dairy, which is not a myth, and discovered that only yogurt doesn't make you gain weight because of the Probiotics.
Calcium: Because I was not eating dairy, I needed to supplement with Calcium. Pregnant women should aim for at least 1,200-2,000mg a day. But, your body can only absorb 500mg at a time. It is best to find a supplement with only 500 per capsule. Also, Calcium Citrate Malate is the best form for supplementation. Calcium Carbonate does not get utilized as well, and has been linked to Kidney Stones. I chose Solaray Calcium with an 85 percent Citrate Malate to 15 percent Carbonate. It was 250 per capsule, I took 2 a day. I was still able to eat cheese, legumes, leafy greens (all excellent sources of calcium), and my dairy substitutes (almond and coconut milk) had Calcium Carbonate supplementation. It is entirely possible that the reason I didn't get Preeclampsia during my pregnancy, and my postpartum Preeclampsia was not as severe, was due to Calcium supplementation. It is thought that 1,500-2,000mg a day can lesson severity of Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (which I had).
Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids: I was so hesitant to use fish oil during pregnancy because of my fear of mercury contamination. Even though I had a top brand, it tasted "fishy" which usually means spoilage. I know how these products are produced, packed, and shipped, but once in the store it's anyones guess how long they've been on the shelf, exposed to heat and sunlight. It is always best to put in a special request for the next shipment. They will pull it once it comes in and put it in a drawer, calling you that day so you can pick it up immediately. The only brands of liquid I use are Carlson's and Nordic Naturals. Get one with lemon to make it more palatable. The gel caps will give you fish burp and are more expensive, but NN makes a prenatal omega 3. This supplement supports every part of your body, including your stretching skin, which can help reduce stretch marks. I regret not taking this regularly. Although when I did take it, it would make me weepy for some reason, even postpartum. Since I switched to NN, I have not felt weepy. There is no medical evidence to support the claim that fish oil reduces your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. However, there have been some studies that suggest there are other pregnancy risks with fish oil supplementation (not mercury contamination). I only supplemented during the last trimester and at most 1 teaspoon of oil every other day. But I use it every day otherwise, and it in my opinion is the best supplement for your whole body.
So how can you know what is safe to take? Hopefully my own knowledge and experience will enlighten you on the topic. While I am not a Doctor or Medical Practitioner, I have studied natural remedies for years and worked professionally in the field for 3 years. Below are the 4 best supplements for women, in my opinion. As always, discuss with your doctor, do your own research, and make your own best choices for you. I do not recommend or suggest you take the following supplements, I only share with you my experience and findings.
Prenatal Multi-Vitamin: Your Doctor definitely wants you to take these, and will even prescribe them once your pregnancy is confirmed. In fact most Doctors would suggest you start taking them a few months prior to conception. The idea is to get Folic Acid built up in your system since it has been shown to reduce birth defects. It, like most vitamins, is water soluble so you waste what your body doesn't absorb. It is with that knowledge that one-a-day vitamins are not giving you the best benefit or the most for your money. Also, synthetic nutrients are not as readily absorbed, which is why a food sourced, multiple is best. I used New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal. It is a 3-a-day, small and easy to swallow, that you can even take on an empty stomach. It did not increase my morning sickness and did not make me constipated. I only took 2 a day, because that's what made me feel my best. I was also eating fortified cereals so I felt confident I was getting enough folic acid.
Probiotics: None of my medical practitioners could advise me on the safety of taking Probiotics during Pregnancy. Since I couldn't eat dairy during my pregnancy, yogurt (a natural source of Probiotics) was off the menu. Probiotics are natural "good" bacteria that support your intestinal flora by increasing good bacteria and suppressing the bad. I figured Probiotics were alright to take during pregnancy, just not the "green" kind. I have to say, I am sorry I didn't start taking them sooner. In addition to supporting my immune system, essential during pregnancy and cold and flu season, Probiotics seemed to ease my anxiety and depression, and kept me regular. I have long suffered a slow digestion which means two things, constipation (why I avoid dairy), and bacterial overgrowth (leads to all sorts of health problems including depression). I ended up using Solaray MultiDophilus 12 Billion. I took one a day at bedtime. Probiotics also slowed down my pregnancy weight gain, but so did giving up dairy. I researched the link between weight gain and dairy, which is not a myth, and discovered that only yogurt doesn't make you gain weight because of the Probiotics.
Calcium: Because I was not eating dairy, I needed to supplement with Calcium. Pregnant women should aim for at least 1,200-2,000mg a day. But, your body can only absorb 500mg at a time. It is best to find a supplement with only 500 per capsule. Also, Calcium Citrate Malate is the best form for supplementation. Calcium Carbonate does not get utilized as well, and has been linked to Kidney Stones. I chose Solaray Calcium with an 85 percent Citrate Malate to 15 percent Carbonate. It was 250 per capsule, I took 2 a day. I was still able to eat cheese, legumes, leafy greens (all excellent sources of calcium), and my dairy substitutes (almond and coconut milk) had Calcium Carbonate supplementation. It is entirely possible that the reason I didn't get Preeclampsia during my pregnancy, and my postpartum Preeclampsia was not as severe, was due to Calcium supplementation. It is thought that 1,500-2,000mg a day can lesson severity of Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (which I had).
Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids: I was so hesitant to use fish oil during pregnancy because of my fear of mercury contamination. Even though I had a top brand, it tasted "fishy" which usually means spoilage. I know how these products are produced, packed, and shipped, but once in the store it's anyones guess how long they've been on the shelf, exposed to heat and sunlight. It is always best to put in a special request for the next shipment. They will pull it once it comes in and put it in a drawer, calling you that day so you can pick it up immediately. The only brands of liquid I use are Carlson's and Nordic Naturals. Get one with lemon to make it more palatable. The gel caps will give you fish burp and are more expensive, but NN makes a prenatal omega 3. This supplement supports every part of your body, including your stretching skin, which can help reduce stretch marks. I regret not taking this regularly. Although when I did take it, it would make me weepy for some reason, even postpartum. Since I switched to NN, I have not felt weepy. There is no medical evidence to support the claim that fish oil reduces your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. However, there have been some studies that suggest there are other pregnancy risks with fish oil supplementation (not mercury contamination). I only supplemented during the last trimester and at most 1 teaspoon of oil every other day. But I use it every day otherwise, and it in my opinion is the best supplement for your whole body.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Postpartum Preeclampsia
Three days after the birth of my child, and one day home from the Hospital, I was surprised when I got on the scale and had only lost 5 lbs from the delivery. My baby alone weighed almost 9, and with the amniotic fluid and placenta I was betting on a loss of at least 15 lbs.
That night, for no apparent reason, my feet and legs swelled up severely in a matter of minutes and began twitching. I couldn't wiggle my toes and my ankles were folded. It didn't hurt, other than feeling tight, and I could walk. So I did what we all have been taught to do with swelling, R.I.C.E.-rest, ice, compression, elevation. I had some Chamomile tea and tried to relax. It was 11 pm. I then did a little research on what the problem might be and came across Postpartum Preeclampsia. The condition itself is pretty scary and the only remedy would be going back to the hospital and having Magnesium Sulfate run through my body. We decided to wait and see. Luckily for me I did not suffer a seizure, this is not a "wait and see" condition.
By the next morning my legs were still swollen and now so were my face and hands. We contacted the emergency line for my OB/GYN. My Doctor called us back and said I needed to have my Blood Pressure checked, and was I feeling stressed out? But with a 4 day old and little to no sleep, what is the normal amount of stressed? Earlier that day my husband was trying to relax me with a little joking around and I told him "Don't F*** with me!" For me I'd say that was a good indication.
We got my BP checked it was very high, but not catastrophic. When I called my Dr. back she said go to the Hospital. Thankfully my Doctor did not ignore my symptoms and had contacted the ER letting them know I was coming and the condition I might have so they would not shrug off my symptoms. I've read horror stories about this happening and the results. We drove into the city (30 miles away), back to the hospital.
Hours later, I was finally admitted and checked. I was diagnosed with Postpartum Preeclampsia. This condition can lead to seizures, stroke, organ failure, heart disease and in some cases death. It can occur anytime after delivery up to 10 weeks. The symptoms can vary but include swelling or edema, blurred vision, pain in your abdomen often radiating toward your shoulder, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea or vomiting, high blood pressure 140/90 or higher, and protein in your urine. Unfortunately this condition is often misdiagnosed. If you go to your Doctor or the ER make sure they know you are Postpartum. To read more about it check out the article in For The Record or go to Preeclampsia.org
Before I had even been diagnosed, I had used the bathroom twice and both times it felt like I had peed a liter. The Doctors explained to me that I was retaining fluid in the space between my muscles and skin, that is why I was so swollen. Once you are admitted and on a drip, get a Catheter. You will not believe how much fluid is going to come out of you and on Magnesium you can't just get up and go to the bathroom. I had a hard time even telling if I had to go while on Magnesium. After failed attempts with a bedside toilet and an overflowing of my bedpan, I opted to make it easier on myself and my nurses.
Magnesium makes you feel awful. But it is necessary. I won't say anymore on this topic.
Once I was off the drip, I stayed for observation for one day. We were able to move back to the Mother/Baby unit to be more comfortable. After discharge, I had to monitor my weight every day for 2 weeks, if I gained more than 3 lbs in one day I was to call my Dr. I stayed on blood pressure medication for 7 more weeks slowly tapering off. But that wasn't the end of my high blood pressure. At 4 months postpartum my pressure was getting close to normal. Thankfully I had no further complications with Preeclampsia.
I have never had blood pressure problems before pregnancy, but by the end of my pregnancy I had been diagnosed with chronic hypertension. During delivery my BP readings were alright, and afterward they were perfect for two days in the hospital. I can't be sure, but something that might have saved me from getting Preeclampsia while pregnant, and from my condition postpartum being more severe was supplementing with Calcium. Since I was unable to drink milk during my pregnancy I decided to supplement with 500 mg of Calcium daily. Some of the milk substitutions that I used, such as Almond milk and Coconut milk, also had Calcium added. Research has indicated that supplementing with as much as 2,000 mg per day can be beneficial in preventing the condition.
Postpartum Preeclampsia still isn't entirely understood. In Preeclampsia the cure is birth. Afterwards, no one is sure why some women get it, or if it might reoccur after medication. Also, the condition can show up anytime from after birth to as much as 10 weeks postpartum.
That night, for no apparent reason, my feet and legs swelled up severely in a matter of minutes and began twitching. I couldn't wiggle my toes and my ankles were folded. It didn't hurt, other than feeling tight, and I could walk. So I did what we all have been taught to do with swelling, R.I.C.E.-rest, ice, compression, elevation. I had some Chamomile tea and tried to relax. It was 11 pm. I then did a little research on what the problem might be and came across Postpartum Preeclampsia. The condition itself is pretty scary and the only remedy would be going back to the hospital and having Magnesium Sulfate run through my body. We decided to wait and see. Luckily for me I did not suffer a seizure, this is not a "wait and see" condition.
By the next morning my legs were still swollen and now so were my face and hands. We contacted the emergency line for my OB/GYN. My Doctor called us back and said I needed to have my Blood Pressure checked, and was I feeling stressed out? But with a 4 day old and little to no sleep, what is the normal amount of stressed? Earlier that day my husband was trying to relax me with a little joking around and I told him "Don't F*** with me!" For me I'd say that was a good indication.
We got my BP checked it was very high, but not catastrophic. When I called my Dr. back she said go to the Hospital. Thankfully my Doctor did not ignore my symptoms and had contacted the ER letting them know I was coming and the condition I might have so they would not shrug off my symptoms. I've read horror stories about this happening and the results. We drove into the city (30 miles away), back to the hospital.
Hours later, I was finally admitted and checked. I was diagnosed with Postpartum Preeclampsia. This condition can lead to seizures, stroke, organ failure, heart disease and in some cases death. It can occur anytime after delivery up to 10 weeks. The symptoms can vary but include swelling or edema, blurred vision, pain in your abdomen often radiating toward your shoulder, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea or vomiting, high blood pressure 140/90 or higher, and protein in your urine. Unfortunately this condition is often misdiagnosed. If you go to your Doctor or the ER make sure they know you are Postpartum. To read more about it check out the article in For The Record or go to Preeclampsia.org
Before I had even been diagnosed, I had used the bathroom twice and both times it felt like I had peed a liter. The Doctors explained to me that I was retaining fluid in the space between my muscles and skin, that is why I was so swollen. Once you are admitted and on a drip, get a Catheter. You will not believe how much fluid is going to come out of you and on Magnesium you can't just get up and go to the bathroom. I had a hard time even telling if I had to go while on Magnesium. After failed attempts with a bedside toilet and an overflowing of my bedpan, I opted to make it easier on myself and my nurses.
Magnesium makes you feel awful. But it is necessary. I won't say anymore on this topic.
Once I was off the drip, I stayed for observation for one day. We were able to move back to the Mother/Baby unit to be more comfortable. After discharge, I had to monitor my weight every day for 2 weeks, if I gained more than 3 lbs in one day I was to call my Dr. I stayed on blood pressure medication for 7 more weeks slowly tapering off. But that wasn't the end of my high blood pressure. At 4 months postpartum my pressure was getting close to normal. Thankfully I had no further complications with Preeclampsia.
I have never had blood pressure problems before pregnancy, but by the end of my pregnancy I had been diagnosed with chronic hypertension. During delivery my BP readings were alright, and afterward they were perfect for two days in the hospital. I can't be sure, but something that might have saved me from getting Preeclampsia while pregnant, and from my condition postpartum being more severe was supplementing with Calcium. Since I was unable to drink milk during my pregnancy I decided to supplement with 500 mg of Calcium daily. Some of the milk substitutions that I used, such as Almond milk and Coconut milk, also had Calcium added. Research has indicated that supplementing with as much as 2,000 mg per day can be beneficial in preventing the condition.
Postpartum Preeclampsia still isn't entirely understood. In Preeclampsia the cure is birth. Afterwards, no one is sure why some women get it, or if it might reoccur after medication. Also, the condition can show up anytime from after birth to as much as 10 weeks postpartum.
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