pregnancy outcomes - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Anxiety During Pregnancy Predicts Worse Outcomes

In treating pregnant women with mood or anxiety disorders, we tend to focus primarily on the reproductive safety of psychotropic medications; however, it must be recognized that withholding or withdrawing pharmacologic treatment for depression or anxiety during pregnancy may carry some degree of risk. Untreated psychiatric illness in the mother cannot be considered a benign event, and a number of studies have indicated that depression during pregnancy may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes (reviewed in Bonari 2004).

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-24T11:56:41-04:00July 14th, 2010|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Valproic Acid and the Risk of Major Malformations

Previous studies have indicated that infants exposed to valproic acid in pregnancy are at increased risk for a range of malformations, including neural tube defects. While these studies have shown an association between valproic acid and various malformations, they have been limited in their ability to quantify the risk of certain, less common malformations. To do this, large population-based case–control studies are more appropriate.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:43:09-04:00June 14th, 2010|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is relatively common, affecting about 10 to 15% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, many women and their physicians would prefer to avoid the use of these medications during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:16:02-04:00February 23rd, 2010|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|4 Comments

Anticonvulsant Use in Pregnancy and Nursing: Differences in Recommendations from Psychiatrists vs. Neurologists

There are strong parallels between the clinical management of bipolar disorder and epilepsy, and women with these disorders face significant challenges while pregnant or planning to conceive. In this setting, treatment decisions must balance the risks of recurrence of severe illness with the risks of potential harm to the fetus when certain medicines are taken during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:58-04:00February 3rd, 2010|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications, New Research, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|3 Comments

Prenatal Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: Effect on Birth Weight

Atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Despite the increasing use of these medications in women of child-bearing age, there is still relatively little data addressing the reproductive safety of these medications.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:37:11-04:00January 25th, 2010|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Use of the Emsam Patch (Selegiline) in Pregnancy

A clinician asks: "Is there any data on the use of the Emsam patch in pregnancy?"

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:27:21-04:00December 14th, 2009|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Lamotrigine and Pregnancy: An Update

While anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and gabapentin (Neurontin), are being used with increasing regularity for the treatment of women with bipolar disorder, we have limited information with respect to the reproductive safety of the newer anticonvulsant agents. In 2006, we reported on preliminary data indicating an increased risk of oral clefts among infants exposed to lamotrigine during the first trimester of pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:00:42-04:00August 25th, 2009|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Maternal Depression During Pregnancy May Lead to Infant Sleep Problems

About 15% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy, and many reports have suggested that depression during pregnancy may have negative effects on the fetus. A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan indicates a link between depression during pregnancy and infant sleep problems.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:34:16-04:00May 12th, 2009|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Pregnancy May Lower Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Blood Levels

Women with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for recurrence of illness during pregnancy. Therefore, many women with bipolar disorder elect to continue treatment with medications during pregnancy after weighing the risks and benefits of various treatment options with their physicians. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is an anticonvulsant used to treat bipolar disorder. While the safety data on this relatively new anticonvulsant in pregnancy is limited, pregnancy registry data suggests that lamotrigine may pose less of a risk to the developing fetus than with older anticonvulsants, such as valproate (Depakote). With lamotrigine emerging as an effective and relatively safe treatment for pregnant women with bipolar disorder, more attention is now being paid to the effects of pregnancy on lamotrigine levels.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T13:30:12-04:00May 5th, 2009|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Fetal Exposure to Valproate Associated with Lower IQ

There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy. First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart, limbs, and genitals. A recent report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that in utero exposure to valproate may also result in lower IQ.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:22:13-04:00April 24th, 2009|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments