Pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder

Pregnancy is an extraordinary gift that can be felt by a woman, also by women with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, many people assume that women with bipolar disorder will be exposed to long and severe processes, starting with pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and child care. However, that does not mean they can not do it.

If you or your loved one has bipolar disorder and is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to consult with your obstetrician and psychiatrist to study the risks and benefits of taking bipolar medication and its effects on pregnancy.

Complications of Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy

Several studies have been conducted to determine bipolar disorder and pregnancy. Unfortunately, the results obtained are not enough to consider the common denominator regarding the risk of untreated bipolar disorder or the impact of drug use during pregnancy. In addition, the factors that cause bipolar symptoms during pregnancy are unclear.

However, based on data obtained, women with bipolar disorder are at high risk of having a difficult and difficult pregnancy period. Pregnant women or new mothers with bipolar disorder are seven times more likely to be hospitalized than pregnant women without bipolar disorder.

At least one study has discussed the general perception that pregnancy has an effect on women with bipolar disorder. The study was conducted on 89 women during pregnancy and one year after giving birth.

By stopping bipolar care for a period of six months before conception for up to 12 weeks afterward, these women showed symptoms in the form of:

• Twice the risk of relapse
• Chances are 50% recurrence in just two weeks, if they suddenly stop taking medication
• Bipolar symptoms occur throughout 40% of pregnancies, four times more than women who continue bipolar treatment.

Bipolar medicine during pregnancy

One of the main concerns about bipolar disorder during pregnancy is the effect of drugs taken by people with bipolar disorder. Some women may continue to use bipolar medicine and give birth to healthy babies. But this does not rule out the fact that some bipolar drugs have an increased risk of congenital malformations in the first trimester, such as:

• Nerve tube defects
• Heart failure
• Developmental delay
• Neurobehavioral problems

However, you should also consider the risk of untreated bipolar disorder. Depression that is not followed by drug use can also have other effects, such as low birth weight, and negative effects on the development of brain structure in infants. Mood symptoms can also cause behaviors that can affect the baby, such as:

• Poor prenatal care
• Malnutrition
• Increase alcohol or tobacco consumption
• Stress and depression

Your doctor may suggest that you stop taking certain medications and continue taking other medicines. This will be a doctor's consideration for the health of the mother and fetus in the womb.

In addition, bipolar pregnant patients will need the help of a psychiatrist to be able to control their condition during pregnancy. However, whatever you do, never stop taking medicine without first talking to a doctor.

Not only during pregnancy, bipolar disorder can recur in the first month after giving birth. Thus, doctor supervision is not only done during pregnancy, but continues after giving birth.

Another solution that you can also try is to do physical activities such as exercise to regulate and control stress. Perform effective activities and daily discipline to avoid rapid mood swings. Also do regular consultations with psychotherapy to strengthen you.

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