What are the effects on the baby if you take bi-polar medicine while you are pregnant? My daughter is 6 weeks pregnant. What effects has this had on her baby so far? What can she take while she is pregnant?
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Q: taking bi-polar meds while you are pregnant?
Answers (1)
10/14/09 11:22pm
Hi, Blondie. This is a topic your daughter needs to raise with both her family doctor and her psychiatrist. Keep in mind she has already been on meds during the most critical first weeks of fetal development. For Depakote there is a 3 to 8 percent risk of spina bifida in the first trimester, so Depakote needs to be avoided during that period. The experts do stress that going off meds completely for the whole pregancy is not a good idea. It is important that the mother be stable toward the end of the pregnancy as there is a very high risk of postpartum depression or psychosis or a relapse into bipolar. This in turn jeopardizes bonding with the child and other concerns. The experts also stress there is no risk-free decision. But your daughter can make an informed decision.
Also, the American Psychiatric Association has guidelines on meds and pregnancy. Have your daughter make sure both her docs are familiar with them.
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By Blondie— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 10/13/09
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Thank you for answering my question Mr. McManamy. She is taking Trileptal instead of Depakote. Is this as bad as Depakote? She is also taking Lexapro. What can this possibly do to the baby?