meds & trying for a baby

[PinQ]

Was wondering if anyone could help me..
Me and my partner are getting married soon and afterwards we want to start trying for a baby. Our concern is that whether I would need to stop/reduce my meds in order to get pregnant or when I am pregnant so it doesn't affect the baby.
I'm currently on sertraline 100mg/day, quetiapine 25mg and zopiclone PRN. Reducing/stopping meds will obviously have a huge effect on me and therefore may stop us from trying to have a baby for a while. Has anyone been through this kind of thing before?
Thank you

[Shenanigans]

There was a post recently asking the same question here which I think you would find useful.

As there, it is important for you to speak to your doctor about this and organize a plan with them which makes sure you are ok and helps you work towards your goals.

Wishing you all the best.

[baggyjeans]

Hi my psychiatrist has advised me to come off everything which I have done. I was on 3 meds. I'm struggling but wouldn't want to hurt the baby when I get pregnant.

[Sunshine]

I was on meds while pregnant but had to see a perinatal psychiatrist (specialises in before and after pregnancy) and it was advised that I stay on the meds because the benefits out weight the negatives which means I would be more risk to the baby if I wasn't on them by being suicidal or psychotic! But never just come of your pills without consulting your doctor!

I was on a mood stabiliser called depokote which luckily I came off about 3 months before I got pregnant but it could have caused spine abifida. But some meds are deemed relatively safe in pregnancy.

They said when I my son was born that he might be more grouchy due to withdrawal for a few days but he was never grouchy (maybe because he was tired because of jaundice though) also there was never a definite answer about wheatear my breast milk would effect him aswell so I didn't breast feed.

[baggyjeans]

I was told only to go on meds is it's the last resort. If you can manage without them that is best. If you take meds while pregnant you have to sign to say its your decision and you don't hold them responsible for any problems the baby encounters.

[PinQ]

thank you for all your replies :) i will check out that link.
i'm just worried they'll tell me i shouldnt have a baby because the meds would cause problems and they can't take me off them. also i would really want to breastfeed if possible. i like to think id be more responsible about my safety etc because of the baby inside me but i know i dont think like that when im psychotic or very low.

[baggyjeans]

It's entirely up to you whether you take medication or not. Even if you weren't planning on having a baby, it's still up to you. They can't make you (in normal circumstances e.g. unless you're sectioned) so therefore they wouldn't stop you due to medication. You just need a discussion with them and to decide whether to come off them or not. I'd definitely try coming off everything and if you need to go back on something so be it but like I said you'd have to sign to say its your decision and you don't hold them responsible if anything happened to the baby. I have come of all of mine and I'm so pleased I have. It's been tough but I'm learning to live without them. Definitely wouldn't go back on meds now. Not pregnant yet but definitely best decision I made. It's all up to you though. Good luck! X