pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Cognitive Development in Children Exposed to Levetiracetam (Keppra)

An increasing number of reproductive age women now take newer anticonvulsants for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these medications is limited. A recent study has evaluated the cognitive and language development of children born to women with epilepsy exposed in utero to levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra) or sodium valproate (VPA, Depakote), as compared to control children born to women without epilepsy not taking medication during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2014-01-24T17:57:32-04:00January 14th, 2014|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Is Pregnancy Brain a Real Thing?

During pregnancy, many women complain that they feel more forgetful or less sharp than before their pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-08T15:07:04-04:00December 20th, 2013|Cognition, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

Levetiracetam (Keppra) and Pregnancy

While it is well-established that several of the older anticonvulsants, including valproate (Depakote), carry a significant teratogenic risk, less is known about the reproductive safety of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A new report from the U.K. and Ireland Epilepsy and Pregnancy Registers suggests that the risk of malformations associated with levetiracetam (LVT, Keppra) use during pregnancy is low.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:11-04:00November 4th, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Antenatal Exposure to Opioids May Increase the Risk of Neural Tube Defects

Previous studies have suggested a link between opioid exposure and increased risk of certain congenital malformations.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T09:28:13-04:00October 21st, 2013|Opioids, Perinatal Substance Use, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs Associated with Worse Developmental Outcomes

We have previously written about studies which indicate that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly valproic acid, may adversely affect the developing fetus. Numerous studies have documented long-term effects of antiepileptic exposure on cognitive functioning: prenatal exposure to AEDs has been associated with lower IQs, as well as lower scores on tests of executive functioning, memory, verbal and nonverbal abilities, in children at 6 yeas of age (Meador KJ et al, 2012). These deficits were the most prominent in children exposed to valproic acid.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:12-04:00September 27th, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Eating Disorders and Their Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes

Eating disorders are relatively common among women of reproductive age, yet the literature on the effects of maternal eating disorders (ED) on pregnancy outcomes is relatively sparse. There has been concern that eating disorders may negatively affect gestational weight gain. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between maternal anorexia nervosa (AN) (both active and past) and lower infant birthweight (as compared to women with no history of ED); however, calculations of the magnitude of this effect have been inconsistent.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-05T14:52:16-04:00September 16th, 2013|Eating Disorders, Outcomes, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Pregnancy Outcomes|Comments Off

More Data on the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics During Pregnancy

Despite the use of the newer “atypical” antipsychotic agents to treat a spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD and other anxiety disorders, three is relatively little data on the reproductive safety of these newer atypical agents.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-04-14T16:17:26-04:00September 11th, 2013|Antipsychotic Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

New FDA Pregnancy Category Labeling: Still Waiting…

This is a very nice article published by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists discussing the limitations of the current FDA pregnancy category labeling system.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:08:09-04:00August 6th, 2013|Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Prevalence and Trends in the Use of Antipsychotic Medications during Pregnancy

Since their introduction in the 1990s, atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics have replaced typical (first generation) antipsychotics as the first-line treatment for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. These drugs are widely used by reproductive age women across many other disease states including bipolar disorder, major depression and anxiety disorders as either primary or adjunctive treatments.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-04-14T16:17:44-04:00June 10th, 2013|Antipsychotic Medications, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Mild to Moderate Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Associated with Lower Cognitive Functioning

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. We have known for a long time that severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy may affect the cognitive development of the unborn child. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency (<50 mcg/g iodine:creatinine ratio).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-12-11T12:42:47-04:00June 6th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off