Psychiatric disorders in pregnancy

Abstract

Pragnaney is generally thought to be a time of happiness and emotional well-being for a woman. Howevor, for many womon, pregnancy and motherhood increase their vulnerability to psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety disordors, eating disorders, and psychoses. These conditions are often underdiagnoaad because they are attributed to pregnancy-related changes In maternal temperament or physiology. In addition, such conditions are often undertreated because of concerns about potential harmful effects of medication. Practitioners and allied health professionals caring for pregnant or postpartum patients affected by psychiatric conditions can access services for these patients by contacting the Reproductive Mental Health program at BC Women's Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital.