Bipolar Disorder

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  15534.1
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  Sep-22 5:27 pm
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Ok, if I have bipolar and I am trying to concieve, then what dr to I talk to about my meds?  My psyc or my ob/gyn?  I am sure both are going to have a different idea.  I want to stay healthy at the same time I want my (hopefully) future pregnancy to be healthy too?
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Which one?

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  15534.2 in response to 15534.1
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  Sep-29 11:46 am
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Fabulous that you are thinking ahead as this is a complex and important topic.  The key is for you have a good sense of the risk and benefits of all the choices before you.  I would discuss with both as you will need both during the pregnancy and afterwards. 

Among the question I would reflect on is how serious is my illness without meds? Do I have the supports/ capacity to respond quickly of my illness gets active on low or no meds?   Do I have a good understanding of the risk of the meds that work best for me and for the baby?  Remember all docs want you to have a smooth pregnancy and healthy baby.  You may want to to check out Dr. Lee Cohen at Mass General.  He has done a great deal of work on this exact question.

Dr. Ken Duckworth
Medical Director of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness)



Edited 9/29/2009 11:57 am ET by dr.duckworth
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