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Women who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are often reluctant to have babies. Not only is there the fear of transferring the disease in the child, there is a concern by being a mother out of their medications during pregnancy. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes the victim to suffer from devastating depression and mania horrible. The hormones that are a normal part of pregnancy can be very scary for mothers with bipolar. In addition to treating their disease and the normal stresses of pregnancy, women suffering from bipolar disorder has to think about the safety of their unborn child, and taking medications that can save their own lives.
Pregnant women with bipolar disorder are seven times more likely to have a hospital admission for their condition than other women. Careful planning is necessary for women with bipolar disorder a plan to become pregnant. Since sudden changes in medication may increase side effects and relapse of the disease, most women have to find a doctor to work with them that drugs are safe during pregnancy. It is advisable that both prenatal doctor and psychologist present at least one meeting to discuss alternative medications.
The preferred drug for use during pregnancy are lithium, Haldol and Thorazine because they pose minimal risk to the fetus. Because lithium is a popular drug for bipolar disorder, it is common for pregnant women to remain on lithium for the duration of pregnancy. Women other medicines, including can choose to switch to lithium because of the minimal risk.
With continued use of lithium for bipolar mothers during pregnancy, lithium levels should be monitored regularly. Also be careful to stay hydrated so they do not become toxic. If a mother chooses to give lithium is the breast, the baby should have to control your blood lithium levels.
Depakote is another popular drug for bipolar disorder. Since it has been shown to be harmful for fetuses, many doctors recommend that women change medications before they become pregnant. For women who choose to continue taking Depakote during pregnancy, should also take vitamin K to help prevent certain birth defects associated with the drug.
It is advisable for women who are in any second level of drug bipolar switch to another type of medication before or during pregnancy.
Much more research is needed to determine what drugs work best for pregnant women with bipolar disorder. This difficult issue will be considered by physicians in the coming years. Many women with bipolar disorder are tempted to go completely out of their medication during pregnancy to know that your baby will be safe and drug free. However, this decision can be devastating for the whole family if the mother suffers from severe mood swings during pregnancy.
Some women prefer to use alternative or non-pharmaceutical drugs during pregnancy to control her bipolar disorder. While therapy can help minimize symptoms, it is not proven to be an effective cure for bipolar disorder. It can, however, assistance to the pregnant mother with getting the right amount of sleep and improve their functioning in everyday situations.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy
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