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[broknashleydoll]

ok i feel a little exposed asking this but do any of you have mental health problems that are maybe exacerbated by pregnancy. i dont take meds, not that i could while pregnant. but im bipolar and im worried that the imbalance i have normally is going to be worse with the hormonal stuff on top of that.

Comments

[feelingfroggy80]

I didn't have any mental health issues prior to getting pregnant other than very mild seasonal depression and really who doesn't get down every once in a while... At about 13 weeks or so I was just not happy, lashing out for no reason,crying all the time, and irrational fears. I spoke to my OB. I was put on Zoloft. It worked wonders I was a much happier person. I am now 34 weeks and have weaned off. They say to wean a week or two before delivery but I weaned really early as I wanted to make sure baby didn't go through any kinds of withdrawls. I found that excerising helped balance my moods once I went off the zoloft. Talk to your doctor. Good luck to you!

[hikerpoet]

Yes and no. I made a post about this once, but I was sexually and physically abused as a child. I'd disassociate (basically self-hypnotize without realizing what I was doing) to deal with it. I had years of therapy, and have been feeling great and been really well-adjusted for years.
But I am a bit nervous about what the pain and intensity of labor might trigger. Some have pointed out it good be a good thing--I might have an amazing hypno-birth experience with no need for classes. Or I might react oddly. Although I guess we all have that risk for various reasons.
But no other issues, and no history of some of the more physical chemical imbalances, so I can't advise there.

[cityofgods]

i have a lot of anxiety problems & i'm a recovering drug addict. after having chloe those problems definitely seemed to come back/get worse. i felt a strong need to use because of all the anxiety i was having. i'm back on track now but childbirth can definitely cause your mental health problems to increase or come back if youve had them under control. i'd discuss it with your obgyn/midwife or therapist if you have one.♥

[destinymanifest]

I have bipolar (ii) and had to be off the Depakote for my first trimester. I was pretty balanced, and when the second hit, I started going back to my 'old ways' and was able to be back on my meds. If you are having troubles, I would highly recommend talking to an OB about them. They can find medications that are safe for pregnancy, and can offer other suggestions to help keep you stable, especially if your hormones tend to make things worse. Good luck, and remember you're not alone.

[broknashleydoll]

i have bipolar II as well, but i have been off meds for years. ive been able to keep myself functional but with the extra hormones its harder. id rather not be on meds but im worried.

[beaching]

My Type O OCD was insanely worse with pregnancy, and even worse after I had my son.
There are some meds you can take, that are okay with pregnancy. If you feel it's too much to handle, you can talk to your OB about maybe getting on a low dose of meds to calm it down a little.
I havent been on meds for my OCD since I was 14, and I dont plan on doing it again. But not because of pregnancy or breastfeeding, I just prefer to live with it then have it go away.