Psychotropic medications in pregnancy

Abstract

Mental disorders are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. Although not thoroughly studied in developing country settings, the use of pharmacotherapy in pregnancy poses a major public health challenge that is certain to be prominent in populations skewed towards reproductive age. The standard of care calls for stringent efforts to control perinatal mental disorders as essential for favorable pregnancy outcomes for both mother and neonate. Psychotropic medications have been shown effective in control of relevant conditions, and presently, with the exception of some antiepileptic drugs, have not been associated with significant teratogenic risk. In all clinical situations, the benefits of maternal, fetal, and neonatal well-being should be weighed on an individual basis against potential teratogenesis. Thoughtful management of pregnant patients suffering from mental health disorders and prescription of monotherapy, if clinically suitable, will increase the odds of favorable maternal/neonatal outcomes, including future child well-being.