Psychotropic medication use during pregnancy and lactation: Role of ultrasound assessment

Abstract

The potential teratogenic effects of psychotropic medication use during pregnancy have been scrutinized ever since thalidomide contributed to phocomelia in the 1950's. Up to 35% of the half a million women becoming pregnant each day take psychotropic medication(s). Teratogens alter normal intrauterine fetal growth, anatomic structures, functioning and postnatal development. In this educational review article, we examine whether different classes of psychotropic medications have the potential to be teratogens or have other nonteratogenic effects. Specifically, we examined antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs), anticonvulsants (valproate, carbamazepime, lamotrigine), antipsychotics, Benadryl and Lithium. We also provided case reports with ultrasound images as well as a review quiz.