I had my first child before being diagnosed and was diagnosed the same week I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. (Suffice to say I think I was a little manic in the weeks prior. )

I have seen ranges of anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of children being born to one parent with bipolar actually developing bipolar. It goes up to 50-70 percent if both parents have it. My husband suffers from depression, but has a bipolar brother, so the genetics are certainly there. Both of my kids have shown signs and are have been at various levels of treatment.

That being said, I think the fact that I have bipolar disorder (aside from the genetic crap shoot they've been given) has actually been to their advantage in helping them with their own potential illnesses. Part of the reason that bipolar disorder can become so chronic and severe is that the longer the episodes go untreated, the more actual damage is done to the brain. By nipping things in the bud while they're young, it is my hope that I can spare them the severity and chronicity I have experienced.

Even in just the last ten years, so much has been discovered about bipolar. Treatments have improved and people seem to be diagnosed sooner. Clinicians' awareness of it is higher and it is actually being acknowledged in children.

My primary concern right now, if I were in the position of making your decision, would be the state of my health during and after the pregnancy. Like I said, I was diagnosed and discovered I was pregnant at the same time. I was already rapid cycling from the antidepressants I had been taking for a miscarriage the year before and even after coming off the meds, continued to cycle throughout the entire pregnancy. I did not take any medication during the pregnancy.(This was 11 years ago and I didn't have as much to choose from as we do today.) The period after the pregnancy was very difficult. I have chosen not to have any more children because of the state my health was in after my daughter was born.

Your husband needs to really understand that you could become sick after the baby is born and commit to being there for you. You're in a much better position now than you were before your first child was born in that you've been in treatment and have learned to manage your illness. Your pdoc can work with you and your OB/GYN during the pregnancy - there are meds you can take. There may even be perinatal psych specialists in your area who could also be brought on board. My pdoc referred me to one so I could continue to breastfeed once I started my meds.

I agree with dark_heart though - there are so many different illnesses we may genetically pass on to our kids. But we are armed with the knowledge of what to look for with bipolar and can intervene quickly if necessary. If you and your husband want to add to your family, don't let that fear get in your way. But be prepared to quickly address your health needs and, yes, a good support system is crucial.