Managing Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy and Postpartum

According to one study, 70% of women who have previously experienced bipolar disorder had a recurrence of related symptoms during their pregnancy. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, there’s a significant chance that you’ll experience a relapse during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Pregnancy can be the catalyst for the first presentation of bipolar disorder among women, especially if there’s a history of the condition in the family. 

If you have any concerns about bipolar disorder and how it may impact your pregnancy, remember that while there’s no way to prevent the condition completely, there are effective management strategies you can utilize to reduce your risk and minimize the severity of symptoms should the condition occur. 

In this post, we’ll outline everything you need to know about bipolar disorder, including what it is, how it can affect pregnancies, and how to manage the condition during and after your pregnancy.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40. It influences your mood and is marked by periods of mania and depression. These mood changes are much more severe than typically experienced, and these cycles can last from days to months. 

The frequency of bipolar disorder episodes varies from person to person. Some people have two or three in their lifetime, while others can have two or three in a year. Major life events such as pregnancy can increase the likelihood and severity of an episode.

Some of the common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

Mania

A person in the mania phase of bipolar disorder may feel a surge of ecstasy and energy, which can result in the individual taking risks they usually would not take. In severe cases, a person with bipolar disorder may not even remember what they have done during their manic episode. Symptoms of severe mania include:

• Engaging in reckless behavior
• Fast thought processes
• Feeling euphoria regardless of what’s happening in your life
• Having a surge of ideas
• Having difficulty focusing on a task
• Jumping from one thing to the next
• Making impulsive decisions

Depression

The depressive side of bipolar disorder is essentially the opposite. During these periods, the individual may feel low in mood and energy and find it difficult to focus. They may feel hopeless and pessimistic about the future. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling a sense of hopelessness
• Inconsistent sleep patterns (too much or too little)
• Less interest in things you usually like
• Low energy
• Low mood
• Weight gain/loss

How Can Bipolar Disorder Affect Pregnancies? 

Multiple studies have shown that symptoms of bipolar disorder can worsen during and after pregnancy.  In one study, it was found that pregnant women who have bipolar disorder are up to seven times more likely to be admitted to hospital during pregnancy than pregnant women without bipolar disorder.

It’s thought that bipolar disorder, as with other mental health conditions, worsens due to the hormonal and mood changes that women usually experience during pregnancy. It’s vitally important to seek treatment if you have bipolar disorder and are planning to become pregnant. Bipolar treatment can worsen without treatment.

While bipolar disorder can be passed on genetically, having the condition while pregnant is not known to affect the baby. However, during pregnancy, that is not a primary concern among healthcare professionals, who are more concerned with ensuring the mother, who is at greater risk, is kept well.

Medication Considerations

Bipolar disorder can be managed effectively with meditation and other treatment solutions, such as therapy. However, while many women continue to take bipolar medication during pregnancy without any adverse effects, research suggests that some common bipolar disorder medications may increase the risk of birth defects.

In most cases, healthcare professionals weigh up the risks of potential birth defects against the risks of untreated bipolar disorder. 

Let’s take a look at some of the common bipolar disorder medications and how they may impact pregnancy:

• Carbamazepine increases the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects.
• Divalproex can cause birth defects and learning difficulties.
• Lamotrigine can impact a child’s behavior and learning capabilities but poses a low risk. 

Preparing for Pregnancy

Living with bipolar disorder does not mean that you can’t have a successful pregnancy. Many women living with the condition go on to have healthy babies. However, you must take additional steps to ensure your pregnancy runs smoothly.

There’s an increased risk of falling unwell both during and especially after birth. Approximately 30% of women with bipolar disorder who give birth go on to develop postpartum psychosis.

You’ll need to speak to a healthcare professional to determine whether or not to continue taking your bipolar disorder medication, as well as to come up with a broad treatment action plan.

Managing Bipolar Disorder During and After Pregnancy

High stress levels, which tend to occur during pregnancy, can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some effective ways to manage your stress levels include:

• Appropriate amounts of exercise
• Engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy
• Getting adequate rest
• Maintaining a balanced routine

Getting routine checkups as part of prenatal care provides peace of mind and ensures that you are in the healthiest possible headspace. as it should. Utilizing your support networks is essential, especially during challenging moments.

Reach Out to Jackson House for Support

You can have a successful pregnancy with bipolar disorder, but you’ll have to take extra precautions and steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

For expert bipolar disorder treatment and support in Southern California or Oregon, contact Jackson House today.