That's a very hard road you are on....I've been there. All I can offer is my own experience. Chamomile tea, to calm. Different types of meditation on utube. Exercise like walking, to get the jitters out. A good routine of sleep, eating and selfcare.
A Damn Good Therapist!
Don't know what I'd have done without mine!
Best To You!

I’m just curious. Why can’t youvtake meds? I would love my own kids someday in an ideal world but I’m terrified of going off my meds

I will not take meds because I have a high risk pregnancy. Pretty much all meds for bipolar are considered class c which means animal studies show risk to the fetus and there aren't a lot of studies on women. It is a choice for all pregnant women. If you want to have kids talk to your Dr before making decisions. I had decided not to get pregnant because of all of my issues but I wasn't allowed to tie my tubs. So now I find myself in a very tough spot. I can't find a good Dr at all that I agree with or who is willing to help and not put me on meds.

I took my meds during my 2nd son and he was born perfectly, normally healthy. So, you can safely take certain BiPolar meds during pregnancy. Your Pdoc and OB/GYN have to work together to make sure your on a safe regimen.

You can do just as much damage to a fetus, not being medicated and bouncing back and forth between Mania and Depression and having chemical and hormonal shifts back and forth.

I agree what a hard road indeed.

Sounds like you have to find a routine and stick to it...walking is a great way to get grounded, lavender is easy to find and great to smell and it will calm you...as will camomile tea...

Sounds hard, I'm hoping you have a therapist....

Vala I just found out I’m pregnant and my Dr told me it was healthier to stay on meds than like Kat mentioned going up and down. Everyone is different and just make sure you take care of yourself. I hope you have a great therapist. Namaste and congratulations bless you and your little one too.

I agree that your Obgyn and your pdoc can consult on this for your wellbeing as well as your baby's ….xo

Thank you mlro853 and mayB for your advise. Like I said I am looking for NON med advice on dealing with mania. It is everyone's choice and everyone is different, I don't feel like sharing my whole story as it's tough. I am just looking for some real help. Therapists are great but sadly I can't find one willing to help. Thanks again to the few that gave real advise.

Ummm...we all give "real advice' here, it may not always be what you want to hear, but it's advice we have to give based on experiences we have been through.

Some of us have dealt with BiPolar Disorder for 30 years and had children through it and raised those children. Some of us actually worked in the field of Psychology so we know the risks.

Please don't discount advice that people give you, there's never only 1 side of any piece of advice.

And I will tell you, without meds and a willing Pdoc and Therapist to work with you, the odds of being able to manage your BiPolar through a pregnancy is almost impossible.....you have to have a Mental Medical Team that will work closely with your OB/GYN or this will never work.

Thanks for the help. Guess I'm not mention to have kids.

I also took meds while pregnant and my son is fine. As soon as I got pregnant I ended up hospitalized due to mania and I knew without meds I wouldn't be able to nourish my body and keep us safe like I wanted to...it was a no brainer for me even though I had been medically non compliant for 6 years prior.. There are risks of course but you have to weigh those risk. Like in an airplane they tell the mom to put on her oxygen mask first bw cause if she isn't well that child doesn't stand a chance.

Thanks for the advice I really am looking for NON med ways to help. If you are just suggesting meds I don't want to know. please respect my decisions as I respect yours for taking meds. I don't think I'm at the point where it's a danger to my child I just want to help the mania since it does get worse as time goes on. Thank you for the meditation advise as that may be actually helpful.

Please understand people can reply as they see fit as long as it isn't abuse. Effectively once you post you can't really control the conversation.