Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 9/19/2004

Question
I am bi-polar and have currently found out that I am pregnant.  My psycologist had me go off of my medication for this reason.  Now my OBGYN has told me that I should not work due to the stress it will most likely put on the baby and myself.  I was hoping you had dealt with a similar situation. Do you know if there is any sort of financial aid available to me because of this situation?  There is just no way that my husband's pay check can cover our bills. If you know of anyone I could talk to about this or have any information that may help me, I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Amy

Answer
Hi . . .

I am not sure why a psychologist would offer you advice regarding medications. It turns out that many psychiatric medications can be safely taken during pregnancy . . . some even during the first trimester.  Also the advice that you shouldn't be working is something that I would check with another Ob-Gyn. Most of my patients with Bipolar Disorder who become pregnant keep working through the seventh month.

Unfortunately I do not know of sources of financial aid such as those you are seeking.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%