[Amuba]

Hi all. I am a 34 year old female, been diagnosed with Bipolar 10 years ago. I have joined this group mainly for support and advice and some coping skills. My husband and I would like to start planning for a baby. With my Dr help and guidance we need to start a lengthy process. I feel this is a very important step before proceeding with our decision and finding if there is anyone else that can relate. I really need a support group. ❤️

[*Beth*]

Hello Amuba, Welcome to the Bipolar Disorder board

[Daonnachd]

Hello, Amuba. Welcome.

There are a number of parents here on the board and while I don't presume to speak for all of them, I think we all share that concern that our children may have the disorder.

In my case we already had two boys when I was diagnosed. I have watched them for symptoms, saddened to learn my younger son was suffering with depression through secondary school and even earlier. So I cannot relate exactly to the decision you face but I do understand.

[FluffyDinosaur]

FWIW I am bipolar and I do have several kids. I understand your concerns and I think it's great that you're considering that consciously and in advance. I do worry sometimes that my kids will inherit the disorder, but on the other hand bipolar is generally suspected to be triggered at least in part by environmental factors, so I hope that by raising my kids in a safe and loving environment, the risk will be reduced. So far they seem to be doing well. However, the stress of having young children, along with the lack of sleep, has been very destabilizing for me, so it's made it a lot harder to keep my own bipolar under control. That's definitely another factor to consider.

[Amuba]

Hi FluffyDinosaur, thank you for the reply. How did you deal with the pregnancy though. I know sleep for me is a major factor, not sure how I am going to deal with it, but we will figure it out.

[Moose72]

Hey there, @Amuba ! I have 3 kids who are almost 20,22, and 24! I was diagnosed when they were 4, 6 and 8. So far, none of them has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. (One was diagnosed with gender dysphoria but that has nothing to do with being bipolar or not.) I did have post partum psychosis with my youngest child, but my pdoc at the time failed to recognize it! She just thought I had post-partum depression.

[FluffyDinosaur]

Originally Posted by Amuba

Hi FluffyDinosaur, thank you for the reply. How did you deal with the pregnancy though. I know sleep for me is a major factor, not sure how I am going to deal with it, but we will figure it out.

Well, I'm male, so I wasn't pregnant myself. And my wife isn't bipolar, so I can't speak to those effects personally. I do know that pregnancy can be destabilizing in and of itself, with postpartum depression being one example. But a lot of things can go wrong in any pregnancy. I think as long as you're on top of things with the help of your psychiatrist there should be a way.

[Victoria'smom]

I knew I had bipolar but wasn't in treatment. I wasn't formally diagnosed but my siblings were. So I had a hard pregnancy and after. I first seemed help when he was 3 after a particularly hard depression. He's now 19 and has several mental health issues. However with support he's doing well. Honestly I think if there is an issue getting help early is the key.