Bipolair en Kinderwens: gedachten en overwegingen rondom gezinsplanning en zwangerschap van vrouwen met een Bipolaire Stoornis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, approximately 1.3% of the population between 18 and 65 is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For young adults of childbearing age, the diagnosis can affect the pregnancy wish. For women, both biological and psychological factors play a role. The way women experience the decision-making process about pregnancy and family planning is not known. It could be important for the treatment and support during this process to understand the thoughts and considerations of women about family planning prior to any pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To get insight into the experience of women when they consider family planning or whether or not be pregnant. Also when the experience of women are clear, the therapist may be connected to women during the process of decision to become pregnant or not. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants came from a purposeful sample, consisting of women with a bipolar disorder. Open-structured interviews were held. Content analysis was used. When all the data was collected analysis took place in three phases, open, axial and selective. RESULTS: Fifteen participants were interviewed. All the considerations of those participants were divided in three themes. Considerations were mentioned by all of the participants and were: 1) considerations related the disorder, 2) considerations relate to the environment and 3) considerations related to being a mother. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides insight in the most important considerations of women to become pregnant or not. We found that women question their capability of being a mother and it is essential for them to receive support and assistance.