Essential Reads: Why All Women of Reproductive Age Should Take Folic Acid
Folic Acid Awareness Week (Sept 13-19, 2026) focuses on the importance of daily folic acid supplements for women to prevent birth defects, as diet alone is often insufficient.
Quetiapine Use During Pregnancy: What Do We Know About Reproductive Safety?
For women who require treatment with quetiapine during pregnancy, the available reproductive safety data are generally reassuring. The largest body of evidence does not suggest a meaningful increase in major congenital malformations, while metabolic effects, particularly gestational diabetes, remain an important consideration.
ADHD Stimulants and Pregnancy: New Study Examines Risks of Continued Treatment
A large claims-based study found no increased risk for most outcomes with first-trimester stimulant exposure during pregnancy, but higher risks when use continued later in pregnancy.
Lithium Use in Pregnancy and the Risk of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes
A new cohort study from Australia found that lithium use during pregnancy was linked to a two-fold increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, along with higher risks of a large for gestational age infant and congenital cardiac malformations. We review how these findings compare with prior research and what they mean for women with bipolar disorder who are using — or considering — lithium during pregnancy.
New Research from the CWMH: Data on the Reproductive Safety of Vortioxetine
New prospective data on 56 first-trimester vortioxetine exposures found no major malformations, offering reassuring but still preliminary reproductive safety information.
The Valproic Acid Warning Clinicians Can’t Ignore: Video from Dr. Marlene Freeman
Dr. Marlene Freeman warns that valproic acid poses severe, well-established reproductive risks and should not be used by anyone who could become pregnant.
Topiramate and Risk of Major Malformations: What Clinicians and Patients Need to Know
Topiramate exposure in early pregnancy is linked to higher rates of major malformations and more specifically to increased risk of oral clefts, with risk rising at higher doses.
Can Esketamine Be Used to Prevent Postpartum Depression?
Emerging evidence suggests perioperative esketamine may reduce postpartum depression risk and improve recovery; however, information regarding long-term efficacy and optimal use is limited.
Fact Sheet: Valproic Acid (Depakote) and Pregnancy
Using valproic acid (Depakote) during pregnancy raises important safety concerns, including increased risks of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Isn’t It Time for Stricter Valproic Acid Warnings for Women of Reproductive Age?
Despite FDA warnings, valproate is still prescribed to women of reproductive age, placing children at risk for birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders.