Pregnant & Bipolar. Do you continue your medications?

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You ask you doctor if it's safe or not.

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I stopped everything - even if I need them I am doing my best to manage without. Some days it's easier than others but for the most part I've cut out the negativity in my life and dialed down the drama to prevent the need for it. I just want a healthy baby after our last loss at 16 weeks and even tho I realize it wasn't medication caused, it still scares me and makes me think "what if..."

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There are certain mood stabilizers that do not cross the placental barrier. Therefore, there is no harm to the fetus. If your symptoms include harming yourself or others, I would say stay on your medication. But of course talk to your dr first

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One of my aunts is type one bipolar and she was hospitalized for both of her pregnancies when she came off her medication. The best you can do is talk to your doctor. They are the only ones who can tell you if it is safe or not.

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Definitely talk to your doctor! 😊

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My aunt has type 2 bi-polar and schizophrenic, and when she was pregnant with my cousin she got off her meds and took some lower form of mood stabilizers she got from her doctor after talking to him about it, she didn't want to go completely without medication because she didn't want to harm herself or others. She did have a few episodes though still, but they were more manageable. The only thing you can really do is talk to your doctor about it and check your options. I know her doctor asked her if she would be interested in taking edibles (marijuana) but my aunt is allergic so she had to do knee medications.

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I stopped as soon as I found out I was pregnant and started a different medication that my doctor said was safe while breastfeeding immediately after I gave birth.

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I learned that there are a decent amount of safe medications for pregnancy. ***Always consult your doctor!*** I started mine in my second trimester, leaving the first trimester in the clear. I forget what week I was in my pregnancy but, my doctor informed me by the third trimester the babies brain is fully developed so medication is no longer an issue the way it may have been in previous weeks/months. I took Lamictal (lamitrogine generic version) for my bipolar as my mood stabilizer, which is pregnancy safe. I felt MUCH MUCH BETTER! Folic acid was a needed additional pill to take along with the lamictal. So I was taking my pre natal vitamin alongside additional folic acid and my lamictal (50mg-200mg). I Am soooo happy I took action regarding my heavy depression while pregnant. I wasn't mobile or functioning- I couldn't imagine having to feel that way throughout my pregnancy especially finding out it would have all been for no reason! So please if you struggle with mental stability it's ok to ask for help when you are pregnant!!!! You can't take care or be healthy for your baby if you aren't happy and healthy yourself!!! Never forget! Take care of yourself and always ask questions 😊👌🏼you can do this! 😘

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I'm off my meds for bipolar disorder since about 4 weeks pregnant... even before that I didn't take it regularly (I'm bad with meds).  
I've been a lot better off of it but the first few weeks were terrible for me and I almost begged to be put back on.

It's something you ask your doctor for advice about though... everyone's different and sometimes the pros outweigh the cons in continuing meds.

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I stopped mine as soon as I found out, I'm back on them now though. I wish I talked to my doctor about it though cause I had such a rollercoaster crazy pregnancy cause I didn't have my meds, so definitely ask if you can still take them or if they can offer a safe alternative! 😊

Pregnant & Bipolar. Do you continue your medications?

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