I can’t believe it myself but I’m pregnant again at 40. I have all kinds of health problems that I’m actively managing. I’ve already been to the Doctors to discuss which meds I can and can not take. I’m still really early and honestly there’s a good chance I could lose this baby because of health problems or they might even recommend that I terminate the pregnancy because some of the issues could be life threatening to myself and/ or the child. I don’t know what they are going to tell me honestly. But anyhow, I wanted to share with you guys. If anyone has experience being pregnant while managing SZ, I’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks.
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Just had a sudden attack just now too. I have been so good for at least a month. And suddenly have an attack this morning sucks. Paranoia, delusion attack
I’m sorry you had an attack… this must all be very scary for you and I’m sorry about that
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Thanks. I called the nurse hotline for a different reason and we started talking about my meds which occupied my mind for a few minutes. I feel better. But thank you for caring. Much appreciated!
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You’re welcome I’m glad you were able to calm down
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I’m pregnant (due end of next month). What country are you in ? I’m in the UK and we have perinatal mental health services you can get refered to. They are very helpful.
My pregnancy has been normal so far. Fortunately I didn’t have to come off my medication. I have sz and a heart leak.
When you give birth they will want to monitor you In Hospital for a few days. This is because apparently on days 3-5 after giving birth your hormones plummet and it can cause a relapse.
It is early days like you say. I’m 37 this month and this is my first baby. However many people in their 40’s have healthy babies and pregnancies.
Good luck.
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I’m in the USA. I’ll look into see if they have pregnancy mental health somewhere around here. I haven’t heard of it so far where I live. Yes, they are also keeping me on my meds and thank you for wishing me Good luck!
Congratulations on having your first baby! You must be excited!
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congrats to both of you. i had a baby while sz and i am never sorry i did. she is such a joy to me and after she was born i felt strong reason to live and to try to be well.
judy
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I went through pregnancy with schizophrenia. The baby was planned and is the best and most loving being ever. I can sit next to her and feel the love from her. It is better to have a loving Mum with schizophrenia than no love at all. Kids provide an excellent distraction and focus for the mind. I am in much better health than I thought possible and my daughter is now three.
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Are you going to breastfeed while on meds? What have doctors said?
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No I am not going to be breast feeding. Doctors advised against it.
I’m thinking of getting pregnant and will do the same as you. Did you ask then if your meds are ok before getting pregnant?
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Yes I asked if my medication was ok. They said there is a slight risk of being a small baby. However all my growth scans have shown he is normal size. They said it’s better to remain on my medication than come off it and get unwell cause the problem with me is when I’m unwell I’m very unwell and that will have more risk to the pregnancy than the medication.
I’m on aripiprazole and a very small dose of qutiapine.
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Yeah I’ve asked before and that’s what they told me as well. Risk of being off medication is bigger than being off. Congratulations. How exiting. How far along are you?
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33 weeks at the moment.
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Cool good luck.
They will monitor the baby for 24 hours after birth for any signs of withdrawal due to my medication. But I have to stay in for 3-5 days.
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Oh I see. Do you have to stay in 3 to 5 days because your on meds?
I love that they are doing this for you. The doctors there really sound like they are on top of things.
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They said to stay in for 3-5 days after birth cause that’s the most common time people with sz relapse. It’s due to hormones plummeting after birth. To be honest I’m not looking forward to it. Not even allowed visitors during that time cause of covid.