Bipolar and pregnant

[Ellebelle86]

Hi everyone
I am new to the pregnancy thing and to posting on forums etc.
Just looking for a bit of advice/others experience of being pregnant with bipolar.
I am 23 weeks and iv been off all my meds for about 6weeks. At first I seemed to be coping ok but the last couple of weeks I am really struggling with horrible anxiety and feelings of dread. Nothing to do with the baby or pregnancy at all I cant wait for baby to arrive but just unexplainable dread really its not specific to anything just that I am terrified something awful is going to happen (but I dont know what) despite being in a great marriage with a very supportive and understanding husband and having good family and friends around me I feel really lonely and paranoid that people are judging me or dont actually like me.
I really dont want to go back on meds but im struggling to sleep/work or socialise at all just now between my mental health and pregnancy sickness (still) im just worried I might be causing the baby more stress by not looking at help. Anyway any advice or opinions are most welcome

 

[Uni tsi]

Elle, sorry to hear you're dealing with all that. Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster all by itself, even before adding in something like bipolar. When I was in my 2nd trimester last time, I cried for two hours because I'd gotten the wrong salad on my carry out order and I thought my DH was angry at me for spending money on it (he wasn't). The hormones make it a wild ride.

I'm just dealing with regular pregnancy anxieties, but I am aware that there are medication options that are safe during pregnancy. You're right that stress itself can be a problem, so it is a good idea to go ask for help. Talk to your doctors about what options are available. Some of the meds are considered to be pretty safe to take while pregnant.

My advice is that's it's worth asking the docs to find out what your options are. Let me know how you're doing. Congrats on your sticky bean!

 

[DaisyDreamer]

You are not alone Definitely get those same feelings too. As PP said pregnancy is a very emotional time in itself. Maybe this is the time to take an opportunity to try things other than medication to manage your anxieties! There may be some good pre-natal yoga classes you can go to a few times weekly. Or trying some at-home meditative practices like deep-breathing, going for a walk and clearing your mind, making a yummy meal and focusing intensely on every step/flavor of cooking, etc.
There are a lot of things you can do to manage your feelings and slowly start working towards the fact that you are beautiful and loved--you do deserve happiness and it's already inside you.

GL and congrats

 

[lesondemavie]

Hi Elle,

My best friend is bipolar, and she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in May 2014. She ended up staying on a low dose of lamictal. She tried for years to go off completely and ended up in the hospital before she could even start trying for a baby. She had what I only describe as a perfect pregnancy. There was a small risk with the medicine, but it was low and when compared with the risk of her swinging manic worth it. It was the after that was tough. We're all risk for postpartum. Well her anxiety was really bad, she couldn't, sleep, and she ended up swinging manic. She had to spend some time away from her baby while go back on her meds full force. She's great now and her baby is thriving, but I know she would give anything to get that time back. I wish she had chosen to forego breastfeeding and go straight back on her meds after the birth. That time is a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone, but must esp hard for someone with a mood disorder. Everyone is different. You and your doctor have to talk about the risks and benefits and make the best decision for you. All the best to you