Bipolar and Pregnant? Know This?
Published: Sun, 08/22/10
Hi ,
How's it going?
Hope you are doing well.
I've run into a problem lately that I've 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't pregnant yet, and was doing
what she needed to do to keep it that
way, but she really wanted a baby.
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't?
Well, I can't 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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's 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.
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.
Many pregnant women, even ones who
do not have bipolar, are likely to "eat
for three," even if they are not having
twins.
This causes unnecessary weight gain, and
can even cause other problems in certain
situations.
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.
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.
What are your thoughts on this?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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