Should I try to concieve even though I'm bipolar?

Question

I really want a baby, but I worry about what will happy during the pregnancy because I am an several medications for manic depression. I know if I get pregnant I will have to go off my medications and I am very unstable while unmedicated. I live with my mother who would be able to watch over me if things got out of hand, but I also worry that I may become pregnant and not go off my medications in time to prevent harm to the baby.

What should I do?

Answer 1

go for it  

Answer 2

Are you even in a relationship? If you still live with your mother then I would say no. If you can't even be on your own how would you take care of a baby? I would suggest to get your own life in order first and then start thinking about having kids. And I would recommend being in a stable relationship as well. Having someone there to support you will make a big difference, and if you ever do have hard times then you know there will be someone there for the child too.

Answer 3

Okay not trying to be rude, but here's what I think:

My sister in law has three kids. The first came out fine, the second, after taking medicine, is always sick and her immune system is weak. When she was pregnant with her third she claimed to be so clinically depressed (which is BS cause she was fine, she just wanted attention because that's how she is) she took depression medicine, smoked, and even took pain pills to stop the baby from hiccuping because it was "annoying". This is sort of off of the subject, but with her third kid because of her medicine, she also has a weak immune system and was born a month early. It could be from the medicine, or because this girl is psychotic, but two of her children have problems because of the medicine. I know doctors can prescribe medicine that is okay for the baby, but you really shouldn't risk it. I have bipolar too, and didn't take anything when I was pregnant with my son. If you think you can go without the medicine, try it. But if you absolutely need it, I know your doctor will help you out or may even try to refer a counselor.

If you have trouble conceiving now, those medicines you are on could be the problem also.

Good luck!

Answer 4

This is something that needs to be discussed and planned out from the beginning with your doctor.  There are meds that are pregnancy friendly.  Your doctor may need to wean you off of what you are taking and start you on a different protocol designed for pregnancy.  However, sometimes the risks of changing meds outweigh the benefit, so some women stay on their current regimen.  It all depends on your circumstances which is why it's something that should be decided between you and your doctor before you start trying to conceive.

Good luck.

Answer 5

u should not have a child just because u want one and being bipolar is a reason not to have a child i have it too but its quite mild and i can see in my kids a lot of my behavior flaws if u wanna have kids baby sit for a few years and see how the kids like u and how u handle them especially when they Miss behave.

Answer 6

there are some meds that u can take during pregnancy for depression.

Answer 7

if your absolutely sure about wanting a baby then talk to your consultant or have a chat with MIND. i don't want to sound patronizing but i think you also need to think beyond pregnancy, having a baby is real tough on your mental health, even without a pre existing condition. are you confident you would be a good mum? I'm not judging you, I'm speaking from experience as a mum and as a person who has suffered with depression.  good luck and good mental health x

Answer 8

Hey honey, my honest opinion : I think you should try to ease yourself off your medication with the help of a therapist before getting pregnant. It sounds a bit risky to me and possibly not the most stable environment to bring a baby into just yet.

There are tablets the doctor will give you to take whilst you are pregnant too. When you're pregnant your hormones will go crazy and this may not help your disorder.

As you still live with your mum, I would suggest you wait a while until you have your own place and a loving partner (I am very sorry if I have got this part wrong!)

Good luck x*x

Answer 9

If you are living with your Mother I would have to answer no!  Having a child is traditional between a man and a women!  Being alone and with your Mom would lead me to think that having a baby at this time is not such a great idea.  Give it some time and rethink in a while when you are committed to a mate!

Answer 10

Some medications are okay to take during pregnancy, that is something you would have to discuss with your doctor because you should not just stop taking your meds. You may be able to switch to a medication that crosses the placenta less.

In regards to your question though, I think you, your partner and your doctor would be the best people to answer this question. Do you think you are capable of taking care of a baby? Does your partner? Does your doctor? Are you in and out of hospitals because of episodes you may have? Are you a danger to yourself or anyone else? These are all valid questions you have to ask.

Best wishes and good luck :)

P.S I'm sorry if you get a lot of mean answers from people...don't take it to heart, there are thousands of ignorant fools on YA!.