Is being preg stopping my mood swings?!
Question: OK, I'm bipolar and I normally take meds, but since I've been preg I've had less mood swings and stopped taking my meds (I haven't taken them in 6 months) I've had no ill effects from stopping my meds and don't feel like I need them, my depression is near nil, and for 6 months I've been pretty stable without my meds.
Are the preg hormones somehow equaling out my normal imbalance? I know once I have the baby I'll more than likely need to get right back on the meds and I do keep some in supply in case I have a relapse. But the main thing I wonder is if, somehow, the normal imbalance I have is being counteracted by the imbalance caused by being preg. My doc is pretty baffled by this as are most people I've talked to about it and, needless to say, I'm really confused about it. What do all of you think?
Answers: OK, I'm bipolar and I normally take meds, but since I've been preg I've had less mood swings and stopped taking my meds (I haven't taken them in 6 months) I've had no ill effects from stopping my meds and don't feel like I need them, my depression is near nil, and for 6 months I've been pretty stable without my meds.
Are the preg hormones somehow equaling out my normal imbalance? I know once I have the baby I'll more than likely need to get right back on the meds and I do keep some in supply in case I have a relapse. But the main thing I wonder is if, somehow, the normal imbalance I have is being counteracted by the imbalance caused by being preg. My doc is pretty baffled by this as are most people I've talked to about it and, needless to say, I'm really confused about it. What do all of you think?
I've heard it both ways, but usually it's that mood swings get worse during pregnancy. However, there are a few who claim that the most stable period of their life was when they were pregnant.
I've been diagnosed with Bipolar II and I'm 25 weeks pregnant. My mood swings were out of control during the first trimester, but since about the third month I haven't had any problems and I feel great (with the exception of a few physical pregnancy symptoms).
It's a good idea to be on the lookout for relapse and come up with a treatment plan for post-partum, since we're at higher risk for post-partum depression/psychosis. And enjoy the calm, however baffling it may be. :)