Can I have kids if I have bipolar disorder?

Most women with bipolar disorder have a healthy pregnancy and baby, but there are some risks to be aware of. You may become unwell during your pregnancy, but the risk is higher after you give birth. Women with bipolar disorder are more likely to get: postnatal depression.

Does bipolar go away?

Although the symptoms come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifetime treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, and family discord, but proper treatment leads to better outcomes.

How long should you be off lithium before getting pregnant?

If a woman taking lithium becomes pregnant, consider stopping the medicine gradually over 4 weeks if she is well. Explain to her that: stopping medication may not remove the risk of fetal heart malformations.

Does bipolar get worse if not treated?

“Bipolar disorder can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. Episodes may become more frequent or more severe over time without treatment. Also, delays in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can contribute to personal, social and work-related problems.

At what age does bipolar go away?

With symptoms often starting in early adulthood, bipolar disorder has been thought of traditionally as a lifelong disorder. Now, researchers have found evidence that nearly half of those diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 25 may outgrow the disorder by the time they reach 30.

Can bipolar medication affect fertility?

Though bipolar disorder does not interfere with your fertility, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

Can you get pregnant while on bipolar medication?

Bipolar Medications During Pregnancy. Some women continue taking bipolar medications and have healthy babies. But a few bipolar medications have an increased risk of birth defects in the first trimester.

How do you deal with a bipolar child?

Keep a routine. Children with bipolar disorder can really benefit from a daily schedule. Help them get up, eat meals, exercise, and go to bed at roughly the same times each day. Do what you can to reduce stress in the household. Consider family therapy. Having a child with bipolar disorder can be disruptive to the whole family.

What does it mean to have a parent with bipolar disorder?

Scientists do know that bipolar disorder runs in families. If your parent or a sibling has bipolar disorder, your risk of developing the disorder increases. This doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically develop the disorder if one of your parents has it, though.

How to parent an adult child with bipolar disorder?

remember to treat your child as the adult he or she is, even your child is acting in an immature manner. encourage treatment and offer support. remember that you have limits; do not become abused either emotionally or financially by a child suffering from a manic or hypomanic episode.