i just want to know whether i can have a normal baby easily and can i have a normal married life with my husband???? i am taking lozapin 200 mg every day. because of the medicine i have become overweight also. how can i reduce this excess weight.??i am 24 years old. plz answer my questions. i m desperate
2007-05-24 23:15:45 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
The prevelence of schnizophrenia in the overal population is approximately 1%. For children with a schizophrenic parent, that risk skyrockets to 10-15%. Although there certainly is an excellent chance (somewhere on the order of 80%) that your child would be schizophrenia-free, it is up to you to decide if that is an acceptable level of risk for you.
In addition, having a baby, as you know, can be both incredibly joyous AND incredibly stressful. If your psychotic episodes tend to be precipitated or exacerbated by stress, this is a factor you will need to consider.
Finally, if you elect to have a child, be sure to discuss medication options with your doc PRIOR to trying to become pregnant.
2007-05-25 00:14:31 · answer #1 · answered by michele 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not a question with an easy answer. Yes, it is possible to have a normal baby. But there is a genetic link which increases the child's chances of developing the illness. I have bipolar disorder and I did not know anything about the hereditary factor when I (intentionally) got pregnant 12 years ago. Had I known then what I know now, I do not know that I would have done it. My son has been diagnosed with a mood disorder, ADHD and Aspgerger's syndrome...which makes parenting a huge challenge. I love him more than anything, but I also feel terribly guilty because I know I passed this down to him.
You also need to take into consideration the medication issue. Psych med use during pregnancy is questionable at best...there simply is not enough data about the long term effects. You might want to check out the book "Psychotropic drugs and women: fast facts" by Victoria Hendrick and Michael Gitlin. It's incredibly informative.
I think it is very important for a person with a mental illness to seriously weigh the many factors involved when deciding whether or not to have children.
I wish you luck in your journey...I know it isn't easy.
2007-05-25 09:26:06 · answer #2 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to speak with your doctor. You can lead a normal life and have a normal baby. However you may need to either stop your medication or take a different type of medication while you are pregnant depending upon the effects of the medication on your baby.
If you have to go off your medication while pregnant you will need someone to assist you while you are pregnant to make sure you stay safe and have medical care.
2007-05-24 23:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My real mother had Schizophrenia. I have many of the symptoms but am alive and working and trying to be productive in society. I think you can have a healthy kid. I was born high on drugs, so I doubt your child could ever experiance anything horrid like I did. You will be fine.
2007-05-25 02:24:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes - i know of at least 1 person who has had TWO normal children - talk to your doctor though about the medication and pregnancy.
2007-05-24 23:21:19 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes my dad had schizophrenia and me and my brother turned out fine my kids turned out fine
2007-05-24 23:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by amelia_0405 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋