Seeking support early
It’s common to have a first experience of bipolar disorder during pregnancy.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar before you are pregnant, it is a good idea to plan your pregnancy with the help of a doctor.
However, if your pregnancy has been confirmed and you're already taking medications to manage bipolar, don't stop taking your medications abruptly - speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Some medications used to treat bipolar aren't recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Accessing help early means your care team may slowly taper you off some medications or switch you to another medication.
It's important to do this under the guidance of your care team to minimise unwanted side effects and to ensure you receive the best possible care for you and your baby.
Support to manage bipolar disorder during pregnancy is usually a collaborative process between you, your partner (if you have one) and your doctor and other mental health care providers.
You can speak to your care team about this (doctor, obstetrician, midwife) and set up a care plan for your pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Helpful Information
Priya’s story: Managing bipolar and psychosis in the perinatal period
Be open and honest with your care team and support people if you notice any changes to your mental health. It’s important to tell your doctor or midwife that you have a bipolar disorder as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant.
It’s a good idea to have regular appointments with your either your GP or mental health care provider. If your mental health worsens after your baby is born, your doctor may discuss other treatment options with you. This can include an inpatient admission for mental health support at hospital.
Having a bipolar disorder is not a barrier to becoming a parent. It involves careful planning with your healthcare providers and your personal support network of family and friends.
Pregnancy is a big change so make sure to prioritise some self-care including looking after your mental, emotional physical, social and practical needs.
Read more about bipolar disorder
PRIYA’S STORY: MANAGING BIPOLAR AND PSYCHOSIS IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD
"In October 2015 I started reducing the medication, and in February I started getting manic again. And that’s when she confirmed it was bipolar.
This time I realised immediately, because I was not able to sleep. I started writing again and having racing thoughts. They changed my medication and I stabilised quickly.
Now, life just feels like it did before my diagnosis, only I am more in sync with my inner knowing and have emerged stronger and more capable of managing my emotions and state.
Know that it is possible to live a full life no matter the diagnosis. I have done it."
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Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Helpful Information