Pregnancy, Bipolar & Hospital?

[Fierybush]

Hello,

I am wanting advice/help in my situation at the moment.

I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with bipolar. I’m having a psychotic depressive episode. At the beginning of the week my perinatal team set about finding me a bed on a mother and baby unit, (I was in one before with my first child when I had a mixed psychotic episode after she was born). Yesterday we found out my admission was declined from a mother and baby unit as I am under 32 weeks pregnant. Apparently they have now changed the criteria for admission.

My perinatal team is saying my only other option for a bed is on a normal acute mental health ward. I have only ever been admitted to a mother and baby unit so I am only aware of the acute wards through work, which have always looked unpleasant.

Does anybody know of a safe unit? Or can recommend a hospital that feels safe for a pregnant lady dealing with psychosis & depression? I am in the North West area of England.

If anyone has any advice or knowledge, please share.

Thank you.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Fierybush

Welcome to the forum where you will find lots of support. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I'm sorry you are having a psychotic depressive episode and your admission to a mother and baby unit has been declined.

Unfortunately I don't have any info about a safe unit. I had PP twice many years ago, before mother and baby units, and can understand your apprehension about being admitted onto an acute mental health ward. I was 23 at the time of my first admission to the mixed ward of a general psychiatric hospital, which was a very unsettling place to be, without my baby. I did eventually recover but then had a depressive episode which seemed endless.

I'm sure there will be other mums here to offer advice and shared experiences. Take care.

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Good morning Fierybush,

Yes, congratulation on your pregnancy and a warm welcome.

This forum has helped me so much 5yrs after PPP. I struggled for many years as my cycling BP was not diagnosed until receiving support via APP.

I am so sorry that you have been struggling with an episode this week. I hope some mums will be able to give you some advise on MBU's within your area. I was offered a place in Manchester, which was too far and our needs were not met.

My experience unfortunately has been very negative in a mixed gender psychiatric unit. It was closed down and refurbished after I was released or shall we say rescued by my partner. One of the reasons why I have been so passionate in my awareness raising of PPP, but also contributing to further improvement and research (MBU Exeter project and BP research).

In my opinion mum has to be together with the new born baby and it is vital to receive gynaecological support. It is important to have peri & post natal specialists within the hospital, who are experts in mental health conditions such as PPP, BP and depression.

I hope your question will be answered, soon. I very much hope there will be appropriate help and support in due course. Wishing you well.

x

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi fiery bush

I’m really sorry you are unwell in your pregnancy. I’m glad you’ve got the support of the perinatal team. I hope you can lean on them for support, and perhaps be guided by them about what they feel may be best for you, whether to stay at home with intensive support or go to hospital.

I’m really sorry you’re not eligible for a MBU yet. I’ve taken a look at the criteria and you’re right, they don’t accept patients until they are 32 weeks pregnant.

I’m afraid I don’t know much about the general psychiatric wards in your area. I think it depends so much on the staff I imagine. I wonder if it’s possible for you to visit to see what it’s like, perhaps with someone from the perinatal team?

It’s really good you have found us and reached out. We are here for you. Do Know that you can write here whenever you need to.

Take care

Ellie x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Fierybush

I hope your perinatal team is supportive in helping you through what must be a frightening episode for you.

Take care.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Fierybush

Just wondering how you are and hope you are having ongoing care from the perinatal team. Thinking of you .... take care.

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Sending you positive vibes. Hope you are doing fine. No, need to respond.

Take good care of yourself.

x

[Pikorua Volunteer]

… and I love the cat in the picture of yours