Bipolar Disorder (BPD) in Pregnancy: Predictors of Morbidity

Study Summary

Very little is known about the impact of pregnancy and the postpartum period on BPD. As a result, the investigators have little evidence on which to base treatment guidelines. The main goal of this study is to help fill this gap by finding the risk factors for BPD relapse during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The risk factors that the investigators will study include: 1. the severity of illness in the past 2. the type and severity of both recent and past stressors 3. any treatments received during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Other goals of the study are: 1. to see what effect, if any, illness or any medicines taken during pregnancy have on the baby's well-being at delivery 2. to see how pregnancy alters the way the body clears any medicines taken for BPD 3. to see how much of these medicines babies are exposed to during pregnancy or breast-feeding. The investigators believe that the information gathered in this study will lead to new treatment guidelines for BPD during pregnancy and the postpartum period that will improve outcomes for pregnant women with BPD and their babies.