Anybody had bipolar while pregnant?

[LittleBlackCat22]

I’m really struggling without my meds. I’m moody, miserable and crying all the time. I’m paranoid about my partner and I’m a terrible mother to my 6 year old. Doctors just suggest going on meds but they might harm the baby. I don’t know what to do or if I’m going to survive this pregnancy.

@LittleBlackCat22

I’m really struggling without my meds. I’m moody, miserable and crying all the time. I’m paranoid about my partner and I’m a terrible mother to my 6 year old. Doctors just suggest going on meds but they might harm the baby. I don’t know what to do or if I’m going to survive this pregnancy.

This is a lovely and supportive section of the Mumsnet forum:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/feeling_depressed

I was on lithium in pregnancy after the first trimester. I had to go into hospital one day a week for blood tests and a heart rate check for the baby, but it was fine. My healthy baby had to go to SCBU for 48 hours just as a precaution. Don’t suffer in silence, take the help they’re offering.

Aripiprazole is thought to be (limited evidence due to lack of clinical trials on pregnant women) the safest option for bipolar whilst progenant or breastfeeding. Worth discussing with your GP and midwife. Is there a perinatal mental health team local to you?

Have you got a MH nurse? How far along are you.

Not bipolar but severe depression, I took paroxetine through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Slight risk but higher risk to not take it. DS was (and is apart from teenage troubles!) fine. Slight withdrawal problems after birth but that was due to staff being poorly informed, which I think would be better now (more recognised problem).

I have a meeting with a consultant tomorrow with the perinatal team, I’m 19 weeks.

Not personally, but I had a friend in this situation.

The main thing to remember is that none of this is your fault. If you need medication, you need medication. Plans can be put in place to monitor your baby. It isn't your fault you have a medical disorder, and it isn't in your baby's best interest for you to become really unwell either.

My friend had to make a plan about what would be best if she became more unwell after having the baby, and she was able to have a place at a mother and baby unit reserved for her (though she didn't need this in the end). She found having the plans in place very reassuring though.