Bipolar and Pregnant?

Question

My wife and I have been married for almost a year. We want to have a kid at some point. She is Bipolar (actually "Bipolar 2.) She is on a lot of meds and I believe if she were to get pregnant, she would have to be off of the medications. I was wondering if anyone is, or knows anyone who is bipoar and has had a kid or is having one. And, whay effects are there? And, also, whay other risks? Thanks

Answer 1

Definitely ask her doctor about going off the medication.    

Some bi-polar medications like Geodon cause birth defects, so be careful.  

Good luck!  

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure there are some antidpressants and some mood stabilizers that aren't a problem to be on while a woman is pregnant.  Her doctor, and/or you two, should do some research on what is and isn't safe.  Lithium may be ok and Depakote may not (or vice versa).  MAOI inhibitors are most likely a no no, but SSRI's may be fine.  Etc... It's not going to be a simple process, but I can't imagine being depressed and pregnant and what it would be like for the two of you once the child is born if she starts out depressed.

Answer 3

I think the best person to be asking this question would be her doctor.

Answer 4

very serious, but here is some information

Many women with chronic mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, become pregnant or plan to have children at some point in their lives. Managing bipolar disorder throughout a pregnancy is a delicate balance of the risks and benefits of the illness versus treatment, and should be done in close collaboration with knowledgeable professionals, both psychiatric and obstetric. Many women are concerned about the impact of a pregnancy on their illness and about the potential effects of medications they take on their child. Because bipolar disorder typically emerges during young adulthood and persists throughout the lifespan, the illness usually overlaps with a woman’s prime childbearing years.

hope this helps and congrat  :>

God Bless!!!

Answer 5

Her psychiatrist should be the best source of info.  If s/he hasn't had many pregnant patients, she may want to shop a little.  Her OB may also be a good source of info.  In general, my understanding is that it's best to be off meds 100% during the first trimester.  After that, there are a few meds with relatively low risks.  Some of the issues are whether those meds are good stabilizers for your wife, and of course the benefits/risks on both mother and child.  Under some circumstances, unmedicated can be more harmful to the child than med free.  One of the biggest things to prepare for is serious post-partum depression possibly with psychosis.  She'll need to get on meds asap if she chooses to go med free.  (This is one of the reasons to not go med free, btw.  There is an impact to the child as well as the mom.)

Answer 6

if being bipolar isn't life threatening, then it won't hurt for her to be off meds till she has finished nursing, if she nurses. If not, after the baby is born. Definitely don't take medication while pregnant, unless the doctor says it's ok. If you want more information on why, pull up your wife's medication on the internet and read up on the side effects of the medication on pregnant women and the fetus. The baby's health is your priority. Also, be mindful that her children have a high chance of inheriting the disorder, or even other disorders that are related, keep in mind all disorders that run in your families, you always have a chance of passing them on. If not your kids, then at least your grandchildren. But bipolar isn't too big of a deal I wouldn't think, but having children is a big decision and a big responsibility, consider everything.