On November 4, the documentary “My Mind & Me” by Selena Gomez premiered, where she shares key moments of her life, focusing on her mental health and some of the physical conditions she faces.
Selena Gomez and her dream of becoming a mother: challenges with bipolar medication
Selena confessed that one of her greatest desires is to become a mother. However, some treatments for bipolar disorder can increase the risk of neural tube defects, cardiac or neurobehavioral issues in the fetus, making a natural and healthy pregnancy more complex.
Assisted reproduction options for those on psychiatric medication
Thanks to advances in assisted reproduction, it is possible to plan a pregnancy safely. In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows the selection of embryos without anomalies. And if a direct pregnancy poses a high risk, surrogacy is a solution: another woman carries the baby and, once born, the intended parents receive it.
How the Ingenes Initial Program helps
At Ingenes we design tailored plans, adjusting medication doses, recommending healthy lifestyle habits, and providing close monitoring. We use evidence-based protocols (for example, 150–300 IU/day of FSH and embryo culture in 5–6 mL of medium) along with continuous emotional support. Do not self-medicate: always consult a reproductive specialist before starting any treatment.
Many women, like Selena, have had successful pregnancies under our care. Schedule an appointment and discover your ideal path to motherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do bipolar disorder medications affect fertility?
They can alter hormonal function, interfere with ovulation, and increase the risk of malformations. A specialist can adjust doses, propose cryopreservation, or recommend IVF with PGT to reduce risks.
2. Can I become pregnant if I have bipolar disorder?
Yes. With planning—coordination between a psychiatrist and fertility expert, medication adjustments, hormone monitoring (LH, FSH), and frequent ultrasounds—a pregnancy can be safe for you and your baby.
3. When is surrogacy useful?
When the risks to the mother are very high. An altruistic gestational carrier carries the pregnancy, using protocols like the transfer of 1–2 embryos (quality ≥ BB) with estrogens (6 mg/day) and progesterone (600 mg/day) for optimal implantation.
4. What results does the Ingenes Initial Program offer?
We combine diagnosis, serial ultrasounds, and hormonal adjustments (FSH, LH) to achieve pregnancy rates ≥ 60% in women under 35 and ≥ 50% in women over 35. Our comprehensive approach includes constant emotional and nutritional support.
Sources
- ACOG. Practice Bulletin No. 214. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 138(2), e1–e20 (2021).
- MedlinePlus. Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2022).
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Bipolar disorder: management during pregnancy and postpartum. Br J Psychiatry, 217(1), 25–32 (2020).
- SART. Fertility Clinic Success Rates (2021).
Remember: every case is unique. Keep hope alive and always seek the guidance of an assisted reproduction specialist to accompany you on this journey.