Use of Psychotropic Medication during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Women with active psychiatric disorders who become pregnant face treatment dilemmas. Although results from studies are inconsistent, small but significant, risks on birth outcomes occur with exposure to untreated disorders, as well as to psychotropic medications. Prenatal antidepressant medication exposure may increase the risk for spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth, cardiac malformations, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and postnatal adaptation syndrome. The use of valproate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenicity and neurocognitive delay and deficits. This review of selected studies will highlight some of the current issues with the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy and the postpartum period.