Evidence linking prenatal cannabis to major malformations is mixed, but signals for rare defects like gastroschisis and omphalocele support caution regarding the use of cannabis in pregnancy.
A large meta-analysis finds no causal link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders after accounting for confounding factors.
Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. Evidence supports early use of lithium plus antipsychotics—and, when needed, ECT—to achieve remission and prevent relapse.
Lithium orotate is a lithium salt marketed as a supplement, but we do not have evidence that it is an effective or safer mood stabilizer, and it should not be used as a substitute for standard lithium treatment in pregnancy.
An open-label pilot study suggests that intravenous brexanolone may rapidly reduce psychotic, manic, and depressive symptoms in patients with postpartum psychosis, highlighting a potential new treatment option.
A new study examines why some women continue using cannabis during pregnancy, revealing overlapping motives such as mental health, relief of nausea and vomiting, and pain management.
Recent studies find no increase in the risk of major malformations with first-trimester Z-drug exposure, although small increases in risk of preterm birth and low birth weight have been reported.
Many women experience depression during pregnancy. What is the best way to identify these women?
Dr. Lee S. Cohen, Director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, recently shared his insights on practicing perinatal psychiatry during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with Ob.Gyn News on November [...]
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
