Hi, how\u2019s it going? Hope you are doing well.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve run into a problem lately that I\u2019ve ran into a lot over the years. People come to me and ask me what to do about pregnancy and bipolar disorder. There was one woman in specific recently. She wasn\u2019t pregnant yet, and was doing what she needed to do to keep it that way, but she really wanted a baby.<\/p>\n
She was stuck in a moral dilemma. Should she have the baby, knowing all of the risks involved? Or should she just deal with the fact that she shouldn\u2019t? Well, I can\u2019t really answer that question; it is a personal choice that should be discussed with the members of your treatment team. But I can go over the risks and the good news about pregnancy in bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n
Many people are already aware of some of the risks involved. One of the ones that concerns many people is that bipolar disorder is, in part, genetic. The good news about that one is that it only provides a genetic predisposition, and that with a positive environment, teaching of good coping skills, and early intervention as needed, the risk can be minimized.<\/p>\n
Another risk that concerns many people is medications and pregnancy. Many medications have not been tested during pregnancy, or have mixed results. Some people who have bipolar that find themselves pregnant choose to go off of their medications during the course of the pregnancy. For some, this is fine.<\/p>\n
But the general belief is that if you are going to become suicidal when off your medications, that it is much safer for the baby if you are on the medications. After all, the rate of fetuses surviving medications is much higher than the rate of them surviving suicide.<\/p>\n
Another thing to consider is how severe your other symptoms may become when off medications. You need to talk to your doctor and your treatment team about the risks and benefits of medication during pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Another thing to consider is the added stress of pregnancy hormones on top of your bipolar symptoms. For many people, this will only exasperate the course of the illness. Not to mention, it\u2019s likely to drive your supporters bonkers. LOL. But with minor adjustments to your treatment plan, and by following your treatment plan, you should be able to minimize your mood swings.<\/p>\n
Another thing to consider is weight. People who are on certain bipolar medications are likely to already have problems or concerns with their weight. When you add the appetite and statistics of weight gain during pregnancy, this concern can grow.<\/p>\n
Many pregnant women, even ones who do not have bipolar, are likely to \u201ceat for three,\u201d even if they are not having twins. This causes unnecessary weight gain, and can even cause other problems in certain situations.<\/p>\n
When you already have weight concerns due to stress, depression, and bipolar medications, you need to be extra careful to eat healthy with moderate proportions, and to talk with your doctor about appropriate weight gain.<\/p>\n
Having a baby is always a wonderful thing. Having a baby when you have bipolar disorder can still be a wonderful thing. You may have to take extra precautions, but if you choose to become pregnant, then it can be worth it in the end.<\/p>\n
What are your thoughts on this?<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how\u2019s it going? Hope you are doing well.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve run into a problem lately that I\u2019ve ran into a lot over the years. People come to me and ask me what to do about pregnancy and bipolar disorder. There was one woman in specific recently. She wasn\u2019t pregnant yet, and was doing what she needed to do to keep it that way, but she really wanted a baby.<\/p>\n
She was stuck in a moral dilemma.<\/p>\n