What should i know if i am pregnant and taking medication for bipolar disorder?

Check with your MD: Many women with bipolar disorder have taken psychiatric medications during their pregnancies and have had successful outcomes. However, some medications are known to be unsafe in pregnancy, but other, newer medications are considered safer -- so, along with close medical supervision by your psychiatrist and obstetrician, you can lessen risk factors and experience a normal, healthy pregnancy.

It's complicated and: There is quite a wide range of opinions about what is safe and not safe medication for women who are bipolar and also pregnant or want to get pregnant. Lithium is not recommended, nor are seizure medications that are also used as mood stabilizers. Atypical antipsychotics remain controversial with some for and some against specific ones. You should heed the advice of your obstetrician.

Coordinate Drs.: If indeed you are having such symptoms, at least a visit to urgent care is recommended and if you feel you are at risk of harm to self or others a call to emergency services needs to happen. In general, there are psychotropics that are relatively safe staring in the second trimester forward. If time allows, discuss with ob/gyn or primary care physician first if need to see psychiatrist. Take care