Hello Moose&Bella,   This link gives an idea about heredity.   There is a genetic risk to these illnesses.   I chose not to have children because I didn't want my kids to develop SZ, the illness I was diagnosed with in 1987.   Also know that a person can recover from SZ and bipolar.   The issue of whether or not to have children you will need to explore with your husband, who may decide at some point that he wants children even though mental illness runs in his family.   So if you do not want to have kids, you have to be honest with him.  This is a decision you will have to make together.   Regards, Christina