Research Study to Assess

PREGNANT WOMEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

For Information Please Contact:

Tel:  1-800-436-2461    womensbehavioralhealth.org 

This project, Antimanic Use during Pregnancy, is a study to investigate the outcomes in pregnant women with bipolar disorder and their offspring. 

The study team will:      

• provide expert consultation to the treating physician and patient at no charge for women who enroll in the study.

• enroll women at 20 weeks gestation, although they can be seen earlier in pregnancy for consultation.

• enroll women who take medication or choose no medication treatment.

• refer women with no treatment provider to our parallel clinical service, Magee Behavioral Health, located in Magee Women’s Hospital.

• gain critical information on pregnancy outcomes and infant development for women with bipolar illness, either medicated or unmedicated.

• recruit over 200 women over the next four years to participate in this NIMH-funded study.

• assess women at 20, 30 and 36 weeks gestation.  Phone assessments start at 37 weeks and continue through delivery.  At birth, maternal serum levels and cord blood will be obtained.  Post-birth mother and baby assessments occur at 2 weeks, 3, 6.5, and 12 months postpartum.  Phone assessments will occur at 1, 4, and 8 weeks postpartum.

• report the results of each assessment to the woman’s treating physician.