bipolar

[marliz89]

I was wondering if my bipolar disorder would get worse if i had a baby?  

[corlenbelspar]

You would most likely have to stop taking your meds while you're pregnant.  Someone I know who has Bipolar Disorder thinks she's pregnant and she told me she was "f*cked" because she'd have to stop taking her medication.  I remember in the Stephen Fry documentary there was a woman who wasn't able to have another kid because of her Bipolar Disorder but I can't remember now if it was because the pregnancy made her BP worse or if it was because she had to stop taking her meds.

[Xila31]

I have had two kids. At the time of each I was completely unmediated and had no therapist or anything. (This has been true for most of my life.) Anyway, I do not feel I was any better or worse during my pregnancy. After pregnancy both times I went through very bad postpartum depression.

I would say talk to your doctor about it.  

[Dryghten]

I was only diagnosed with bipolar 1 about 18 months ago though I've exibited severe symptoms since I was about 16, I'm 29 now. I've had 3 children, the youngest now 6 and I have to say that not much changed during the first two pegnancies. However during my third pegnancy I had the worst hullucinations I've had in my life.. this didn't ease of straight after giving birth either... at one stage I even put my baby out on the front step thinking he was a puppy. Luckily I had a very supportive husband to help me through it. I think the effect is different for everyone. However at the time I hadn't started any sort of treatment, so I'm not sure how much difference it would make having to stop medication for the duration of pregnancy.

[zzzmykids]

Marliz,
I wasn't diagnosed until my forties.  In my twenties I had two healthy children, still here and niether has bipolar or the grandkids.  If you take meds, yes you will probably have to stop.  My neice who denies she is multiple personality, she was a saint during pregnancy.  Now, sigh she is through having kids, lol. Good luck and perservere. I can't imagine being here without our girls.

[morbidlyeuphoric]

I'm actually really glad you guys posted about this. I've been kind of worried. Not sure if I should have kids because of the personality that I have. I get the violent impulses that some people get with BP and have zero patience, generally. Not sure how well that would go over with kids. Even though I want them.  Does anyone else have those 2 symptoms and not have them be an issue once they had kids?

[hell1971]

I was not diagnosed until I was 37, I have had 4 wonderful children, My 3rd child is looking like she has early onset bipolar. During my pregancy with her I sufferred severe depression and so I blame myself for her problems. I however would not be alive today if I had not had them. I would not change any of them, they are what makes me carry on in those dark times. Yes I feel guilt for my daughter but she also brings alot of joy to our family and I will make sure she gets all the help and support she needs. I am BPII so not sure if that makes a difference.  You should speak to your doctor so you can make the right choices for your situation you just need to be aware of what can happen so you are prepared. Good Luck, kids bring lots of joy xx