Expert: Libby Bonner - 2/13/2005

Question
I have bipolar and so does my husband. We both are on depakote, cogentin and risperdal. Also Trazodone. I need my medications and so does he. We are thinking of having a baby. What are the chances of us having a healthy child. Meaning no defects. Stuff like that. I tried to look for info on bipolar couples and pregnancy and have come up empty. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
I found some very good information at www.psycheducation.org/depression/risk.htm    Despite the word 'depression' in the address, this page is definitely about bipolar.  [The whole psycheducation.org site is new to me, but looks good.]

The page I cited included some of the only info that I already knew: your risk rises depending on how much bipolar, or other mental illness, exists within your families: parents, sibs, aunt/uncles, granparents.

Another issue about which you had not asked may be even more important to your decision:  would you need to go off meds during pregnancy, and what would happen when/if you did?

You are so wise to be thinking about this before instead of after.  I wish you good luck with your fact-finding.