Bipolar and Pregnant Help Please

[joannabail]

I was diagnosed with bipolar 6 years ago. I am 6 weeks pregnant with baby #3. In my previous pregnancies I chose not use medication. This time around i have more depression and anxiety is through the roof. I was wondering if there are any s ad e medications i could talk to my doctor about to help with my bipolar and anxiety. Thanks for any and all advice!

[EllaMari]

Check out Truehope.net they sell a vitamin that is as effective as lithium and safe for pregnant women called EmPower+. I have used it and so have many of my family members with success

[smerritt1]

I had the same issue with my last pregnancy. I asked my doctor and after the first trimester they prescribed welbutrin it seemed to really help with my down times.

[joannabail]

Ty. It wont hurt to ask. Im scared to take medication during pregnancy so thats why i opted out the last times, but everything hit me back to back. I just want a healthy baby boy or girl without any complications. Thanks again

[KristiGG]

But like TA283 said, if you need to take medication it does not make you a bad mom.  You health is very important.   Just work with you doctor to find the best thing for you and baby with the most research done with pregnant woman.  And try to test dosage to get it as low as you can.  Good luck! Sorry about all you are dealing with and hope things start to look up soon!

[KristiGG]

There is this supplement called L-Theanine.   I used it for severe anxiety between my pregnancies.  I started it while nursing my son when he was 9 months.  My naturopath said it was completely safe.  I was nervous and only used when I really needed it and half doses.  But it really is pretty safe stuff.  A lot of people use it for different things from depression to severe OCD, to avoid the harsh medicines doctors give.  I dont know if it is safe when pregnant or if it would help with bipolar.   It says consult a doctor before using when pregnant.   But maybe, if it worked, it could be a safer more natural choice.

[joannabail]

Ty. Yes this is my hardest pregnancy yet. I just got laid off of my job. The father ran out bc he couldnt handle the stress of three children. So I am at home with my parents until I find another job. So these were all unexpected trials i am faced with during this pregnancy unlike the last ones. I have the support of my family and church family but the depression is a bit overwhelming. Thabks for the adviced.

[TA283]

Sit tight for now and be very adamant to your doctor to give you specific numbers. Find out if there were any trials done with pregnant women, how long your medicine has been around, etc.
Five years ago in my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I practically begged for my Celexa, as the dad had run out on me and I was living in my dad's basement, etc. My doctor absolutely refused. So I went through my entire first pregnancy single, forced to deal with schizophrenic symptoms for the first time.
A couple years ago, sure enough, it was "suddenly" discovered that Celexa caused cleft palate, heart problems, and other birth defects.
It's hard to do it and it does feel impossible pretty frequently, but if there is any way you can hang in there without medicine, or cut down your doses, please do it. If not, you're no less a good mom. Take good care of yourself.