Becoming a mama

I always wanted to be a mother. I was diagnosed bipolar several years prior to becoming pregnant. I am incessant planner. Prior to becoming pregnant, I discussed with my psychiatrist who was managing my medications, what I would need to do if I should become pregnant. Of course, she was not comfortable with deciding alone, so she suggested I consult a high-risk OB for their advice. I am very fortunate that I live in the same town as a teaching/university affiliated medical community. I was able to get an appointment with a maternal fetal medicine physician prior to conceiving to discuss the safety of different medication options. With a stack of information in hand, and a MFM physician on board, my psychiatrist was able get me on a medication regimen that was safe for pregnancy. And on the journey I took to conceive (which took me 6 months). The pregnancy was AWFUL! I vomited almost the whole pregnancy. I was not the fortunate women who sailed the pregnancy with ease. I had swollen feet, aching hips and back. However, I only gained 10 lbs. Which isn't a bad thing considering I was an obese woman to begin with. I delivered late and after a very short labor and delivery, I gave birth to a HEALTHY baby boy. I never regretted my decision to become a mother. I never regretted my decision to stay on my medications. It's very important to take the time to research and take all the necessary precautions to ensure a healthy outcome. Having a well qualified team of physicians is also very important. If you have a mental disorder and want to become pregnant, having an OB with experience with that patient population is important. At least in my experience. :-)