Essential Reads: The Impact of Prenatal Lithium Exposure on Offspring Cognitive Functioning
This clinical cohort study showed no impact of prenatal lithium exposure on cognitive functioning in children 6 to 14 years of age.
Essential Reads: Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) and Pregnancy
Given limited data on the reproductive safety of oxcarbazepine, we would recommend using alternate medications during pregnancy, when possible.Â
Prospective Data on the Use of Newer Antipsychotics During Pregnancy: No Increase in Risk of Malformations
The most recent publication from the National Pregnancy Registry focuses on overall risk of malformations associated with the class of antipsychotic medications.
Essential Reads: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs
There is a growing body of literature to indicate that exposure to certain antiepileptic drugs, most notably valproic acid (VPA, Depakote) during critical periods of development may be associated with long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits.
Prevalence of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antipsychotic Medications
The findings of this study do not suggest that prenatal antipsychotics exposure is associated with increased risk for ADHD, ASD, small for gestational age, or preterm birth.
Prenatal Antidepressant Exposure and Affective Disorders in Offspring, Other Factors Play a Role
A recent study from Rommel and colleagues looks at risk for affective illness up to 18 years of age in children with prenatal exposure to antidepressants.
Essential Reads: Topiramate and Pregnancy (2021)
Multiple studies have associated first trimester exposure to topiramate with increased risk of oral clefts.
Depression During Pregnancy Affect Infant’s Brain Anatomy, But No Change with Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs
Infants exposed to maternal depression during pregnancy had significantly larger subcortical grey matter volumes and smaller midbrain volumes.
Essential Reads: What is the Best Antidepressant to Use During Pregnancy?
The reality is that most of the antidepressants taken by women today are relatively safe and carry a very low risk to the developing fetus.Â
Caffeine and Pregnancy: How Much is Safe?
Many women ask about the safety of drinking caffeinated beverages during pregnancy. A recent study looked at this question, analyzing data from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies–Singletons, which included a group of 2,055 nonsmoking women at low risk for fetal growth problems. Caffeine consumption was evaluated using plasma concentrations of caffeine and paraxanthine (a metabolite of caffeine) and self-reported caffeinated beverage consumption at 10 to 13 weeks gestation.