Q for bipolars who are or have been pregnant

First off, I don't use medication to manage my bipolar. It's not severe enough to require lithium or similar meds and anticonvulsants didn't really do anything to help me before. Other than that, I'm just one of those people who prefers not to take medication for anything. I never liked the thought of requiring a prescription to get by mentally. I found methods of controlling myself (or having DHs assistance) when an episode comes on. I can't stop them from happening, but between myself and DH, we can keep me from killing anyone or spending every cent in our bank account.

Since I've been pregnant, I haven't had a single bipolar episode. This is very unusual for me. I used to have fairly frequent (and long) manic episodes. And when I'm manic, I love being manic. It's like a drug. In a normal state of mind, I know that it's not a good thing.

I'm not complaining, but has anyone else had this happen? During pregnancy, TONS of things in your body chemistry change. I'm assuming that has something to do with it... and if so, what exactly?

Just musing....

My bipolar requires medication. I went for a very long time not needing it (nor being properly diagnosed****il I DESPERATELY needed it.  That wasn't until after my 3rd child was a year and a half old.  My pregnancies were GREAT and it wasn't until 6 months post partum that I would become what I call "off my rocker".  I hospitalized myself after my 3rd child, got on medication and finally felt like my life was my own. It was so good to be in control. During my last pregnancy however, I had to go off all meds and I was scared of what would happen.  Aside from my husband being a stressor everything was fine. I think the hormones from the pregnancy leveled me out.  But a year and a half after her birth (and still no meds) I had to be hospitalized again.  I've been back on meds for about 5 months now and I'm still struggling.  My anxiety especially is at a super high level. Docs and I are working hard to get the right med combination.

I love the manic too. I can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! My house is clean, I cook 3-5 course meals, laundry is done, shopping is done..so on and so on.  My longest manic state had me away for 23 days straight, that's when I first went into the hospital. 23 days with no sleep does things to a person's mental state....so not nice.

Sorry for the life story.  Thought I'd muse with you.

I don't have experience in this but I have a friend who does. She said that she has NO problems when she is pregnant. For some reason the hormones take care of balancing her out. Good luck!

I am not bi polar but am super moody most of the time, EXCEPT when pregnant. My husband actually said he wanted to keep me pregnant...LOL So seriously pregnancy hormones really help sometimes! Good Luck and if you need medication after the birth get them, I was dead set against medication for my ADHD but just knew I needed it. Most days I feel fantastic!

Vanessa,
How is Nylah doing with Savannah.  Any tips on preparing Hannah for baby boy?
Amy

Amy,

Doing a little better, she is still a bit jealous and actually she had a melt down tonight and I put her in her bed at 7:30 and she just stopped a few minutes ago. I was getting to soft and giving into her every want and cry but you have to be stern. I never leave her out I always get her food ready or drink or whatever but when I tend to the baby she tells me to put her down and if I am feeding her and cant at that moment she throws things and has a tantrum then I put her in time out. SO no advice cuz I am bad at this. I just try to get thru the days.

Thanks everyone. One thing that didn't occur to me until just now was how being bipolar might effect my possibility of getting PPD. I think I was bipolar for a long while and never knew it. It wasn't until a 3-4 years ago that things got bad enough to see a psych. My DD is 6 and I didn't have any PPD with her, but I had never had depression issues before I had her. Since then, I've had a couple of long stints of depression (about 6 months or so, maybe longer).

I'll definitely have DH on the lookout for symptoms with my psychs phone number on speed dial.