Bipolar and Pregnancy

[Martha]

Hi,

In general, do individuals that have bipolar disorder who have discontinued their medication, do well during and after delivery.

Please respond - Martha

[waves]

Welcome to our forum :)

Bipolar women are at a higher risk for post-partum depression than non-bipolar women. A bipolar woman, during and especially after pregnancy, might benefit from more visits to her psychiatrist... to monitor her for depression. Since with us it can get dangerous, a decision may have to be made as to whether to put mom back on meds... lactation and other things considered.

Best wishes to you, and to the person on whose behalf you ask :)

~ waves ~

[mrsdoubtfyre]

has recently been in the news with a pregnancy warning.
Suggestions not to be taken in the first trimester.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/lamotrigine/default.htm

There are prenatals now with essential fatty acids in them (Omega-3)
which are designed to help the baby's development, and put less strain
on the mother for DHA loss...this may prevent post-partum depressions,
which are thought now to be due to low DHA levels.

PrimaCare
Duet DHa are two Rx prenatals now available.

Over the counter DHA is available called Expecta.
You can read more here:
http://www.meadjohnson.com/professional/products/expectalipil.html