Bipolar disorder and pregnancy

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-11-2005
Bipolar disorder and pregnancy
2
Tue, 01-11-2005 - 3:56pm
Hello. I'm new to this board, but I could really use some advice. I have a serious boyfriend, and we are considering getting engaged. I love him very much, but he says that he wants to have children, and if I'm on meds he thinks the child would be born with lots of birth defects. I know that lots of women with bipolar disorder taper of their meds for the pregnancy, and that there is always ECT therapy if it's needed during the pregnancy. What can I say to him to help him feel better about this issue? Please give me some feedback. Thanks so much!
~Amy
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Tue, 01-11-2005 - 4:09pm

Hi Amy,

I just want to welcome you to the board. You'll like it here. One of the ladies on this board just went through having to make choices about this very subject. I'm sure as soon as she reads your post she will give you some ideas.

Love,

Jamie

Love,

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2003
Tue, 01-11-2005 - 7:08pm

My husband was the same way, thought even a tylonel would make the baby come out with 11 fingers. But with my first child, I had to take Paxil, and now my four year old is beautiful and intelligent. With the second, I made a very serious decision to take 150 mgs of effexor. Again, my second boy is wonderful and not side effects for him. Although I didn't have to take a mood stabilizer, lamictal is said to be as safe as most antidepressants to take during pg. Also, I did take klonpin during my second pg. What you need to do is find a doctor that specializes in women's issues, usually at a teaching hospital, such as Loyola in Chicago (where I live). Also, do a lot of looking on the internet on safety and personal stories. Then be sure to show your boyfriend any info you get and take him with you to the doctor. YOu don't need to take meds during your pg, but the possibility is there that the hormones will not agree with you and you will not be in the state of mind to make any decisions at that time. Best of luck.

Kristin