Bipolar and Pregancy

Loula · ‎13-09-2016

Random question.

Im at an age and stage in my life where my husband and I are having the baby talk.

Im really scared about let alone that I've got PCOS and Endo which will make it harder for me to get pregnant or keep my child. I've had a loss a few years ago. But now with my bipolar I'm so scared. Like really scared.

I'm scared I'm going to lose it while pregs, I'm scared I'm going to freak out and stress out after having the baby im scared I'm not going to be able to the be best I know I can be. I'm scared I'm going to screw up my child. Im scared if I have a loss or can't conceive I'm going to lose it.

Has anyone on here with bipolar have a family and been through this journey. If you don't mind letting me know what it's like that would be great pleas

TheSteve · ‎14-09-2016

Hi Loula,

Thanks for sharing. Many of your fears are quite normal for first-time parents. Clearly, yours are somewhat enhanced by the BPD and this is understandable.

While we are here to support you through whatever it is you need, family planning while dealing with a condition like BPD or the others you deal with should be done with the help and support of a professional. See you doctor and talk with him/her, and also get a referral to a mental health expert. Getting this all out and having a professional walk you through it, and help you plan it, is the way to go.

You can and will have a normal, healthy family. But please take the right actions first, no need to rush in. All the best.

Steve

Loula · ‎14-09-2016

Hey Steve,

Thankyou for your reply. When I do start to actually start having a family I would 100% be discussing everything with my GP and over doctors as its not about me anymore.

But my doctor dosent have Bipolar. I can't talk to him on the same wave level with someone that actually has it. He's answers are formal and medical which is fine but not enough.

Thats why I like the group on here because I can actually talk to people going through exactly what I'm going through. People that understand me. And it also makes me feel not alone or like a freak knowing there are others out there living life to the fullest.

Kazzl · ‎15-09-2016

Hi Loula - I agree with Steve, but I would add that you need to do your own research as well (using reputable sources). Look at the Blackdog Institute for example.

From what I read, there is no reason you can't have a child but it may present further issues that need to be managed, especially during the pregnancy. With good care from your doctor and support from your husband that is entirely possible.

I gather one of the key concerns is possibly having to go off medication, especially in the first trimester. I understand you're not medicated, so that doesn't apply.

Do talk to your doctor after you've done some reading and make sure you get all your questions answered. Take your hubby along too so he knows what to expect.

Very best to you

Kaz

Loula · ‎16-09-2016

As I've stated above obviously I will be talking to my doctor about this. But my doctor does not have bipolar. He has medical facts about bipolar.

I want information about it from people who have bipolar and have had kids with it. I want to know the real truth behind it. How they managed it, what was hard from them. Not the doctors check of on a list points.

PolarPeach · ‎18-02-2019

Dear Loula,

How did you go with family planning?

I was diagnosed with Bipolar type 1 2 years ago after having a hyper manic episode. After being hospitalised for it I have been stabilised on medication since then. Like you, my partner and I have been tackling the intricacies of working out our future. I am constantly grappling with whether I will be ok as a mum? Will I cope?

Me live rurally and finding a doctor has confused me also being statistically rare to find a gp with experience here.

I would love to hear about some success stories in the Bipolar community of people who managed their relationships and becoming a mum with support.

I too am aware of psychological and GP advise, and medication changes I will need. It’s the conversations around it before you approach your GP I find hard, especially when my partner remembers my full blown hyper manic episode, but my brain has repaired and helped me forget.

quirkywords · ‎18-02-2019

Polarpeach,

Welcome to the forum .

Thanks for your post.

My children are probably around your age so my personal experience is from a few decades agao.

At the time I was in denial of my bipolar and so was not medicated. I had support from my parents .

I joined a mothers group and playgroup so had friends who had babies the same age as mine.

I was lucky my moods were ok except for the normal ups and downs of pregnancy and looking after young babies and toddlers.

I know a couple of women who are thinking like you and have bipolar but they live in a city so have more access to professionals. I think finding the right medication to use during pregnancy seems very important. Also having the support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born is very important.

Polarpeach, this thread is an old thread, so you may like to start your own thread so more people will see it.

Also There is a thread This bipolar Life, which you may like to have a look at. It is a relaxed space with friendly people where you can ask questions or just have a chat.

Thanks for your post.

Quirky