Prenatal opioid use is associated with increased maternal and infant mortality, prematurity, and poor neonatal outcomes.
In a cohort of 351 children exposed to second generation antipsychotic during pregnancy, the risk of major congenital malformations did not differ from a comparison group of non-exposed children.
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.
More that half of women with bipolar disorder relapsed during pregnancy.
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.
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.
Multiple studies have associated first trimester exposure to topiramate with increased risk of oral clefts.
Parenting support, maternal bonding with the infant, engagement in an OUD treatment program, and recovery-specific support systems promoted recovery in postpartum women with opioid use disorders.
Heavy cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with increased risk for small for gestational age, preterm birth, low birth weight, and death during the first year of life.
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.
