Bipolar and planning for pregnancy

Although the children of people with bipolar disorder may be at a higher risk of developing bipolar than people in general, it is important to remember that they are more likely to remain well.

Only around 10% of children who have a parent with bipolar develop the condition, so 90% do not experience this illness (although other mood disorders, like depression, are also more common among the children of parents with bipolar).

'Planning ahead can help you to stay calm during the pregnancy and the birth, and postnatally, because you feel more in control and reassured that you've got back-up plans in place if you do become unwell,’ says Dr Clare Dolman.

Clare’s top self-care tips when you’re trying to get pregnant: 

• Get your GP to refer you to perinatal mental health services – you can find out more about this service here.
• Be aware of the risk of being triggered – tell your partner and anyone else in your network about the triggers and signs that suggest you’re becoming unwell (for example, sleeping less and getting up very early). Tell them that if this happens you’ll need urgent support from them to stay well, as well as support from your GP and any healthcare professionals, such as midwives, health visitors and obstetricians.
• Focus on the basics – get into a good sleep routine, don’t smoke, vape or drink too much, get some exercise daily even if it’s just a walk, try to eat well and keep your weight down, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. To keep your stress levels low, try yoga, meditation, or whatever works for you, and take more time off work if you can.

Many women with bipolar worry about whether their medicines will stop them getting pregnant or will harm a baby.

If you want to try for a baby, talk to your doctor about what treatments might be the best options for you – as you may need (or want) to change the ones you’re taking.

Depending on your health history, and whether you’re planning for a baby or you’re already pregnant, you might have different options.

You might need some time to reduce or come off a medicine safely or to get the right doses of new medicines for you.

Never stop your bipolar medication suddenly or without talking to your doctor first.

Can I take medication if I have bipolar and I’m trying for a baby?  

Some women living with bipolar will be referred to Children and Families Social Services in pregnancy because of the high risk of a severe postpartum episode.

You may also be referred if you develop a postpartum episode.

Sometimes women worry this means that people think they cannot care for their baby. For the great majority of women, this is not the case.

The reason for assessment is to check what support you have from family, friends and professionals, and to check that there is a plan in place if you become too unwell to care for your baby.

If needed, social workers can find a temporary carer for your baby if you need to come into hospital and there is no mother and baby unit (MBU) bed.

Although it might take a while, most women recover fully from postpartum psychosis and become good mothers. It is very rare for babies to be removed from women with bipolar.