Comprehensive antenatal to postpartum care of patient with bipolar disorder: a case report

Abstract

Background: The management of women with bipolar disorder during the pregnancy period is a challenging task, as such patients are at a higher risk of relapse during the pregnancy and the early postpartum period. No approach is without risk and clinicians are faced with difficult choices at every turn. Case presentation: We present a case of a female with bipolar disorder, who presented with mania during the second trimester and we faced several challenges in her treatment during pregnancy, post-partum and the subsequent follow-up period. Conclusion: For a favourable outcome to both mother and child, prenatal care providers can have individualised discussions regarding mental health issues in addition to neonatal risks from bipolar disorder and/or medications side effects and facilitating liaisons with health professionals to manage the complications and associated risks.