- What Happens To Bipolars During Pregnancy?
QUESTION:
Dear Doctor,
I am 38 years of age and actively trying to get pregnant. I have suffered with manic-depressive illness most of my life and am very afraid of being completely off of medications (which as of today, I am). How will this effect the baby, and am I more prone to postpartum problems? Does Manic-depressive illness affect the baby if I am not on any medications?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER:
The medications for bipolar can be dangerous during pregnancy, but they are not a contraindication. If you go manic and do dangerous things during the pregnancy you can seriously injure the baby. Depression in pregnant moms has been shown to hurt the baby as well, and probably increases the risk of postpartum depression. It’s a tough call – and requires lots of questions of your practitioners.
