There are some things you could do to prepare. First of all, therapy would probably be necessary during that time, at least to keep checking in with your doctor so she/he can monitor your condition.

But, it's possible that you could stay on medication. Check this out --> http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bi polar/women_pregnancy_3.asp

This article talks about medication options during pregnancy, and also about therapy-type options. There are some good links to more information at the bottom of the page, too.

this is a huge topic of interest to me. i'm 33 and have no children. i found out i'm infertile about 5 or 6 months ago. i had major abdominal fertility surgery oct. 19th and i'm told now that i am probably highly fertile. then another kink... i was diagnosed bipolar after my recovery and had to go on bipolar meds. i feel better mentally but i wonder all the time if i'm passing up my only opportunity to have a child naturally. my husband just wants me to be safe and not sick so he's in no hurry.

i've been told different things by different dr's regarding pregnancy and bipolar meds. my dr says that i am not stable enough to have a child.. i can see where he is coming from but i don't have that much time! he also says that i can't take these meds while pregnant at all ( so my fertility dr says too).

hope i'm making sense... i'm waking up and my tongue feels heavy still from the seroquel (600mg at night)

I haven't been here for a while, partly discouraged from not having a lot of conversation around my boring question, which for me was very urgent. Thank you Georgia for the great link - it helped a lot.
Over a month I was investigating this issues by consulting many psychiatrists, and I came to the understanding that there is really no option for me to go through another pregnancy without medications. It's taking to much risk despite the fact that I've been through two full pregnancies without any med. However, since I had a manic episode recently, the recommendation for me is to be on Lithium through the entire pregnancy. I made the decision for myself that if this is the case, I'm not going to have another baby. The decision is after all - the parents' decision, and everyone is different and has different circumstances. Since I already have two kids, I don't feel that my desire for another baby should put in risk what I already have.
For you, Puzzld, I wish you will find a way to have a baby. There are many bipolar women who have babies. Maybe it will take time until you feel better and stable - and that takes a lot of work, and balanced medications too. There are medications that had not been proven to cause damage during pregnancy, and maybe your doctor should consider testing those with you. But as I said - each of us is very different and we need support from a good doctor, and from our family and friends.

Good luck