Medication and Pregnancy

We see it. The psychotic, depressed and moody woman who is pregnant and demanding medication. This is a sensitive situation. Psychiatric medication ingested by a pregnant woman can harm the fetus period. Therefore we make it a priority to avoid prescribing medication to them. It is better to err on the correct side, so often women who have missed their period will be asked to get a pregnancy examination from their medical doctor before any medication is dispensed to them. The frieghtening fact - many could care less, they just want to feel better.

If I was carrying a child inside of me, I would eat the perfect diet, exercise, take all the proper vitamin suppliments and avoid negative atmospheres. I would want to give my child the opportunity to have the healthiest body, mind and emotional make up possible. This is our future, my future, and I would want the best for them. But, when it comes to the chronically ill, it is all about instant relief.

We live in an era where knowledge can be found instantaneously! Substance use is still running rampant even for those who are pregnant. Studies have shown when alcohol is introduced to a fetus, the brain (which wires millions of connections) fails to wire properly. Certain target cells are thrust out to wire into. With alcohol in the system, the brain falls short of wiring to these cells. On the other hand if radiation is introduced, as what was seen in Hiroshima, the brain circuits grow past the target cells. What results is somebody who gets confused, angry, and easily frustrated. Pertaining to psychiatric medication, the unborn fetus can not only get altered, it can easily die!

The emphasis is on psychotherapy in most cases. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, especially with psychosis and dangerousness to self. However even amidst tremendous mood changes attributed to Bipolar Disorder, there are some beneficial tools that can "ride out the storm".

If you've missed your period and are considering psychiatric medication, get a pregnancy exam, if negative, get assessed by a psychiatrist and seek counseling. It is good to cover as many bases as possible.

Good mental health to all.