Is It Safe for My Baby? - Mood Stabilizers

(medications to treat bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, such as lithium (e.g., Carbolith®, Duralith®, Lithane®) and divalproex (Epival®))

Risks During Pregnancy

• Most mood stabilizers may pose some risk to the unborn baby in the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy). This risk must be weighed against the risk to the baby if your disorder is untreated. It is important for the mother to be healthy.
• It is potentially dangerous to stop a mood stabilizer as the symptoms of bipolar disorder could return.

Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.
• Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking your specific mood stabilizers while pregnant.
• If you are taking divalproex (Epival), speak to your doctor about taking Vitamin K supplements one month before your due date to prevent unnecessary bleeding.

Risks During Breastfeeding

• Most mood stabilizers pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness in the baby.
• Lithium can pass into breast milk in large amounts. Effects to baby can include dehydration, drowsiness as well as thyroid and kidney problems. These possible effects must be weighed against the risk to the baby if the mother's disorder is untreated. It is important for the mother to be healthy.

Recommendations During Breastfeeding

• Do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.
• It may not be a possibility, but ask your doctor if you can time your dose with breastfeeding times.
• It may be possible to breastfeed when taking Lithium if your milk, your baby and the amount of Lithium in the baby's blood are closely monitored. If this is not practical for you, check with your doctor about alternatives.

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