[Asil1990]

I hear pregnancy and bipolar dont mix. I also hear the bipolar brings out more raging hormones in pregnancy. I have been diagnosed with bipolar and I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with a boy.
My concern about it all is that I have been on 75mg of Effexor and 10mg of Abilify during this entire pregnancy. Up until two weeks ago, I got off my Effexor and got onto a natural supplement that helps depression and anxiety. Its called Sunny Mood and its a great pill for me so far. That is my worry though, that I've been on such potent drugs during the first half of my pregnancy, I am scared and would like some advice or some peoples opinions so I can either relieve my worries or share my worries and concern.

[Kev's BG]

One of the options that many bipolar patients explore during pregnancy is ECT. If you're having episodes, and are concerned about taking meds, ECT may be right for you. It works immediately, no long wait for the meds to kick in, and from what I've read, there are less safety issues for the baby. What has your OB/GYN said regarding the meds? If she/he has issues with the meds then a chat with your pdoc might be in order.

Best of luck and congratulations on your baby boy!

[BlackPup]

I was on abilify and tofranil during my pregnancy. My baby boy is 4 mths old and healthy so far. I was better during my pregnancy than any other time

[faerie_moon_x]

I was never on meds for my 3 pregnancies, and only diagnosed for one of them. I actually due really well during pregnancy. Even in trauma (2 of my pregnancies I had emotional trauma happening,) I did very well. During my 2nd pregnancy I was homeless and had to give over custody of my oldest son to his dad. I then had to move 900 miles to a place where I had a place to live. My oldest son was 3 and I didn't see him for a year, I went to that from being an at home mom. It was horrible. The 2nd trauma was my husband changed suddenly and basically cut me out of his life for about 4 months, and it's taken us 2 years to heal up as much as we have and still recovering.

After my first I had post pardum depression really bad, though. After my 2nd I was having other trauma so I was very depressed. After my 3rd I didn't have post pardum and I did very well despite everything. My OB was aware I had bipolar that time but no treatment.

So, really, it is an individual thing. I do really well. Some people don't do as well. It just depends.