Gettin Ready to have a Baby
My fiance and I are getting married in July and we are planning to start trying to get pregnant in the fall. I guess this is a question for the healthcare pros, and specifically the OBs. I am not on the pill anymore, we are using barrier, because I have read stuff that says your body needs time to reset itself after going off. When I am not on the pill my period is irregular. I am overweight, but I am dieting and exercising mostly for the wedding. I am on Seroquel and Zoloft for bipolar. And all of that info is to say, are there things I should or could be doing to make conception easier and to make sure I have a healthy pregnancy? Children are very important to us enad we are very excited to start trying.
nottooblushing
Replies:
You need to go to an OB/GYN and discuss the impact of your medications on any potential pregnancy that should be the first order of business if you want to ensure a healthy baby and your own health. Stop until you do, go back and use a reliable form of birth control until you see a doctor--this read the label on your Seroquel bottle; it's not a drug intended for women who are pregnant or who wish to be pregnant or are nursing.
If you care about your baby, yourself, and your future husband's well being you will do this. This is very important and not to be taken lightly.
Since no one here knows your age; your & his medical history (families included), giving any advice other then "get an evaluation of all risk factors (including medications) from your OB/GYN" would be negligent.
sera300
We are using condoms, I think we're okay with reliable birth control. I am 24, I have already talked with my Psychiatrist about going off the seroquel and she believes that by the end of the summer she can have my bipolar under control with just the Zoloft. She doesn't want me off the seroquel until after the wedding because the stress of the wedding and getting a new house she doesn't think we should add a med change.
My bipolar has been my, my fiances, and my parents first priority since I had a psychotic break about 18 months ago and we have come a long way. I have not found an OBGYN since I moved back to the philadelphia area. If anyone knows of a good one they like let me know. The best GYN I have ever had was a man and so was the worst. I have only seen 1 woman and I was comfortable with that so it's not a concern. My housemate moved to the area about a year before I did and hasn't found one she liked. My mom's is the same one who delivered me, and not only is he really old but when I had my very first exam he was cracking jokes between my legs which made me WILDLY uncomfortable.
nottooblushing
Until you do a trial off the med, add a spermicide jelly, or try VCF's (Vaginal Contraceptive Films) since they are relatively unobtrusive. You need to find a good OB/GYN to start looking around, look at your local hospitals or go to the local medical center. It's well worth your while. You need to discuss the meds with both your pysch & OB/GYN.
Seroquel has some serious side effects which can be detrimental to a pregnancy and to a baby. The medication has adverse effects on hepatic and glucose functions. For example; the last thing you need is a high blood sugar & pregnancy. And the effects on the fetus are unclear. And going off the med because of an unplanned pregnancy can cause serious issues with the bipolar. Be certain to discuss this with both doctors and until then, use a spermicide to be extra careful.
Look for a female Gyn, get an appointment and start "shopping" for a doctor. If you don't like one, try another. You have to be happy and comfortable with the care the physician provides. It never hurts to search until you find one that you can have a good repoire with. And good luck!
sera300