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.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and Pregnancy: Reassuring Data on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
A large meta-analysis finds no causal link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders after accounting for confounding factors.
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.
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis and Risk of Autism in Children
Based on the findings of two meta-analyses and several large cohort studies, we cannot conclude that cannabis is “safe” for use during pregnancy. Data regarding risk for autism spectrum disorder is mixed.
Prenatal Exposure to Topiramate (Topamax): Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Data from a Nordic register-based study observed a significant increase in risk for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in children with prenatal exposure to topiramate.
Largest Study Ever Shows No Increase in Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Kids Exposed to Antidepressants In Utero
Analyzing data from nearly 150,000 children with prenatal antidepressant exposure in two healthcare databases, a recent study finds no association between prenatal exposure to antidepressants and risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
More Data on Second Generation Antipsychotic Medications and Gestational Diabetes
Second-generation antipsychotic medications associated with high metabolic risk (quetiapine, olanzapine, and clozapine) were associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes; other antipsychotics were not.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children Exposed to Antipsychotic Medications During Pregnancy
Prenatal exposure to antipsychotic medications was not associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
Essential Reads: Prenatal Valproate Exposure and Risk of Autism in Children
Prenatal exposure to valproic acid was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in exposed children.
Essential Reads: Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants
While questions and controversies remain, the information on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to antidepressants is largely reassuring.