What considerations are there for pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder?
Pregnancy poses unique challenges for women with bipolar disorder. The management of medication during pregnancy is a critical concern, as some medications used to treat bipolar disorder, like valproate and lithium, carry risks of teratogenic effects and other complications. Healthcare providers must carefully balance the benefits of mood stabilization against potential risks to the fetus. Furthermore, pregnancy itself can affect the mood stability of women with bipolar disorder, necessitating close monitoring and potentially adjusted treatment plans to manage both maternal and fetal health effectively.