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Posted 9/4/2005 11:01 AM (GMT 0)
Bipolar and Pregnancy – Hi everyone   Before I post my question I will tell you a little about myself so as to cover all aspects regarding my query.   My name is Cara, I’m 28 y/o and I’m from Victoria, Australia.   I was diagnosed with bipolar 6 years ago, I’ve had two relapses (mania) followed by depression both relapses being early in the illness.   I’ve been stable for the past four years and the medication I’m being treated with is seroquel 200mg once a day, Quilonum 450 (lithium) twice daily and thyroxine for an under active thyroid.   My question is this.. my partner and I have made the decision to have a baby whilst I continue on these medications, we have seen a professor that specialises in bipolar and pregnancy and given the implications to the baby and myself the benefit of staying on the medication right through the pregnancy far outweighs the risk (being a relapse) or in the baby’s case (Ebstein’s disease less than 1%).   So I guess what I’m asking is that is there anyone or does anyone know of any cases that a women with bipolar has remained on her medications during pregnancy and what I’m also concerned with is the post natal period, even being on medications throughout the pregnancy there is still a high risk of relapse during this period, does anyone know of any preventatives to avoid this high risk period?   I would appreciated any information regarding this and look forward to any replies, Regards Cara  
Posted 9/4/2005 1:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, caramaree

I personally do endorse staying on meds during pregnancy - the risk to the fetus is extremely small, but relapses of depression/mania are guaranteed if you stop, and are worse for the fetus than the meds.  It has been studied that depression can actually kill a fetus.

Your doc is right; the postpartum depression is very severe and happens most every time for BPs.  This  is a very serious state for even non BPs, and prohibits bonding with the baby, and that effects the bonding for life.

Ask your doc about trying Lamictal.  It is also a mood stabilizer although it's not effective at controlling mania by itself; it is used as an antidepressant, and only has the benefit of AD for bipolars, not clinical depression.   It keeps us from going to low, just like lithium keeps us from going too high.  There have been no deliberate studies on the effect of Lamictal on pregnancies, other than a small one on 100 women, all of whom delivered perfectly healthy babies.   SSRI medications are thought to be safe, but are very dangerous for BPs, because they tend to bring mania and even psychosis to us.  Mood stabilizers with it don't seem to stop it.   Lithium has been thought to have a little influence on controlling depression, too, so it might be a combo worth asking your doc about.

Bottom line, it's your choice in the end.  

Posted 9/4/2005 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
I cannot add having to make that choice here, because I wasn't on the meds while I was pregnant. What I can add, is that I wasn't on meds while I was pregnant. I would sit on my bed and sob for hours. I would rage and scream at anyone standing close enough to hear. I would either clean house like a maniac or let it go for days. These are not stressers that could possibly be good for an unborn child. While my children were healthy at birth they each have their own challenges with the mental illness genetics brought them, so do please watch that carefully in your own child. Good luck to you, may I suggest Helen Joy for a little girl because I assure you she will be both!! You'll enjoy every minute of it.
Posted 9/4/2005 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome. I truly cannot comment on what the meds will do to a fetus. However, I am 27 ( about to be 28) and had a daughter almost 4 yrs. ago. At the time I was on 0 meds. I wasn't even dx yet. Anyways, I can tell you about post partum depression, unlike Tom Cruise I believe I went through it. DAH! It was horrible for me. I couldn't adjust to this new lifestyle. I used to get up and go before I had my daughter, then all the sudden I had to pack a diaper bag, get the baby dressed...  etc... I just couldn't handle the whole situation. I hit the hardest depression I probably have ever hit. ( well almost) I would make sure after the baby is born, that your doc keep a very close eye on ya. Make sure if you do experience post partum depression on top of BP, that you seek help . Adjust your meds, whatever you have to do. It should be a joyous time, not a paralyzing one. ( well for me it was) So good luck to you and I wish you a very happy healthy pregnancy. :-) P.S. Now me and my daughter are great, the way it should be.
Posted 9/5/2005 4:23 AM (GMT 0)

Hi.. I'm new here!!  I'm 18 weeks pregnant now and I haven't been on meds for a while now.  I was taking effexor for anxiety but I don't think it was helping anyway. I was diagnosed bi-polar years ago and I don't think I've found the right meds yet.  Well...anyways, I also have a 21 month old son and I didn't take meds with him and I'm not now.  My advice is.....take the medication!!  If you are working with a doctor and they are confident it won't hurt your baby I would take the medication.  It is extremely hard being bipolar and pregnant.  Pregnant women that aren't bipolar have a hard enough time staying stable.  It's been hard for me to not be on medication for so long.  I am in the air force so it was hard staying with one doctor.  I'm going next week though to a new doctor at my new base.  Good luck with trying for a baby!!  My son has really been a blessing..especially helping me stay strong during very emotional times for me. 

Posted 9/5/2005 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stephanie, Welcome
Posted 9/6/2005 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
thankyou so much to everyone that posted a response to my query regarding bipolar and pregnancy, it's such a wonderful thing to bring life into to the world but also scary with a condition like bipolar disorder thats why I'm just trying to get as much info as I can before I take that wonderful and important step, thanks again guys :-)
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