[caramaree]

Bipolar and Pregnancy – Hi everyone Before I post my question I will tell you a little about myself so as to cover all aspects regarding my query. My name is Cara, I’m 28 y/o and I’m from Victoria, Australia. I was diagnosed with bipolar 6 years ago, I’ve had two relapses (mania) followed by depression both relapses being early in the illness. I’ve been stable for the past four years and the medication I’m being treated with is seroquel 200mg once a day, Quilonum 450 (lithium) twice daily and thyroxine for an under active thyroid. My question is this.. my partner and I have made the decision to have a baby whilst I continue on these medications, we have seen a professor that specialises in bipolar and pregnancy and given the implications to the baby and myself the benefit of staying on the medication right through the pregnancy far outweighs the risk (being a relapse) or in the baby’s case (Ebstein’s disease less than 1%). So I guess what I’m asking is that is there anyone or does anyone know of any cases that a women with bipolar has remained on her medications during pregnancy and what I’m also concerned with is the post natal period, even being on medications throughout the pregnancy there is still a high risk of relapse during this period, does anyone know of any preventatives to avoid this high risk period? I would appreciated any information regarding this and look forward to any replies, Regards Cara

[Gemstone]

I don't have any advice for you as I've never been pregnant, but I wanted to welcome you to the forums. I wish you luck. Hopefully someone else will have some advice for you.