Should I have a child knowing I’m bipolar?

Hi SilentSativa!

So, first of all, my mom's bipolar.

Second, so am I.

So, yes, definitely talk to your doctor, psychiatrist, OBGYN, etc. As mentioned, bipolar is genetic (obviously). You will have to keep an eye on your kid, especially once they get into their teen years and early adulthood when bipolar really starts kicking in. (some get signs earlier)

Anyways, my mom had 6 kids. She was unmedicated and put us through some really tough times. But, she got help and she is totally stable. It was tough but we loved her through it.

The main point I would like to make is that bipolar is totally treatable and so YES, you should have kids when YOU are ready and your doctor says you are stable, etc, etc.

Hopefully there is a medication that is safe during pregnancy. ASK A PROFESSIONAL. In fact, ask multiple professionals!

Best of luck! I'm very excited for you!

For important question like this you should talk to specialist. You cannot make your decision based on some anonymous advice on the forum, don't you think?

I know there is a special test that you and your partner can take and whatever results you get back there is always a 50% chance that your kid will be bipolar. I myself am bipolar and me and my boyfriend want kids in the future. He is bipolar, has arthirtis, and I have ADHD.. So we thought if we ever have a kid it will come out pretty messed up.. But my mom told me that you take this test and you have a 50% chance for those genes to miss your child and actually be given to your childs child or etc...

So, first, I would like to say you should definitely talk to your doctor. Some medications are not safe to take while pregnant so it is something you will need to discuss with an OBGYN. Mental illnesses are genetic so that may also be a factor.

I have a friend who is bipolar and has three kids. She had a breakdown when she was younger (untreated, unmedicated, bad situation) but she committed herself, got better, and got her kids back. So that shows me that even though she was refusing treatment at the time she put her kids first by committing herself.

So starting off at a point where you've accepted your problem and are actively seeking to manage it then you are already on good footing. You don't have to put your kids through the struggle of trying to figure yourself out (as much). None of us are perfect, but your kids will love you highs or lows. You just need to be sure you're willing to KEEP working on it and put your kids first.

And talk to your doctor ofc. decide if you can continue your medication while pregnant (BF if you plan to). decide if it is safe for you to be off your medication while pregnant. (hormones during pregnancy are a SHIT STORM and it might be that you're more a danger to yourself than the meds)

Thanks all for your opinions and advise, but my doctor is aware of my concerns, but there isn't any safe meds on the market for pregnant women who have bipolar, and thats my main fear. If i go without meds I could have a episode, if i go on meds I could have a affceted child. I wouldn't make any harmful decisions without my husbands and doctors input.