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Mood disorders and pregnancy

vintagetxbudgetbridevintagetxbudgetbride member
in Babies on the Brain
Sorry so long and a little disorganized-
My husband and I have just started TTC. I'm supper excited but I have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (currently being called into question due to stability on just an antidepressant) and PTSD. I just wanted to ask any of y'all that have any kind of mood disorders or abuse related PTSD and have been pregnant- what made the journey easier or more positive for you? I have had a preconception appointment with a psychiatrist specializing in pregnancy. I'm working on strengthening relationships with friends and family rather than allowing myself to self-isolate. I am happiest when I have a plan in place and I really only struggle with anxiety nowadays. What helped with your anxiety? Thank you for any advice.
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Re: Mood disorders and pregnancy

  • BeachBride1216BeachBride1216 member
    Have a treatment plan (meds, counseling, support system) and make sure it is in place and works for at least a year before getting pregnant.  It sounds like you're on the right track.
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  • vintagetxbudgetbridevintagetxbudgetbride member
    Thank you! I've been on the same rx for 3 years and the specialist said it's probably one of the better options. I've wanted to be a mother as long as I can remember and am so glad there are so many more "safer" options now than there were when I was first diagnosed.
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  • KinniBKinniB member
    Sorry, I have no pregnancy advice, but I am bipolar also! My husband and I are ready to start TTC. I have been stable and off medication for about 3 years now, but my husband and I (and our families) have discussed what could happen due to the change in hormones during and after pregnancy. It's definitely something I worry about! 
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  • kcmichelkcmichel member
    I had a diagnosis of Bipolar when I concieved my 1st son. Like you I had begun questioning the validity of the diagnosis at that time. The biggest thing I did at that point was knowing that I was off medications for the baby (I was on 3) - I worked 10x harder to use coping skills from years of therapy and meditation techniques to make it through. Made sure I had good people to talk to, I stayed very self aware so if I was on emotionally shaky ground I could catch it and calm myself down. At one point my intense anxiety started getting the best of me on a regular basis and I went back on a cat. B medication at the lowest dose possible to lessen risks to baby. Was not an easy decision. But once I delivered I was determined to try unmedicated again for the sake of breastfeeding and then the 2 pregnancies that followed. Its been over 3 years now. : )
    Hope this gives you some hope and confidence.
    My biggest advice outside of coping skills and support network:
    Be honest with yourself about how you feel. If you are in the throws of a meltdown - contact your doctor. But dont be ashamed to seek professional help if it is truely needed, even if its not for the meds they may have other techniques, advice etc. Sometimes its good to hear it all again or to get a refreshed sense of confidence
    Best of luck to you on your journey!!
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  • rrr222rrr222 member
    Bipolar runs in my family - especially in the women. I've never been diagnosed, but I grew up knowing the symptoms and may have simply self-managed. I think it is awesome that you are strengthening your support system. That's one of the tips I would have given you. The others are:

    2. Remove any current stressors that you can before TTC. Can you take time off work? Or let go of any other obligations that you aren't a huge fan of? You are right to think about the hormones - they are unpredictable and affect all women differently. I don't think you need to fear them though - they are meant to help us create healthy babies. Keep in mind that they may make a woman without bipolar seem like she has bipolar episodes while making a woman with bipolar feel symptom free. You don't know until you get there.

    3. That being said, get in the habit of writing. Not neccessarily analyzing yourself, because that can induce anxiety (does for me). But just writing 10-15 minutes a day. Then read your entries a few times a week to witness your moods. If you recognize ups and downs, reach out to a friend or family member that can help you find that balance.

    4. Be understanding of yourself! If you feel really moody when you're pregnant, blame it on the pregnancy and not the bipolar. Positive pregnancies will be the most enjoyable and memorable! I know from having both a happy one and a not so happy one. 

    5. Create a safe haven - a happy place you can go to that no one else bothers with. For me, it's my walk-in closet. I put a comfy chair in there, decorated the walls and go in there to read and write and cry or whatever. no one else ever goes in there, so it feels sacred to me and my feelings/space. 

    Congratulations on starting a new chapter of life, and I'm sure you will be a great mom! It's 99% attitude, and you've got it right it seems. :)
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