Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock, is a treatment option for patients with severe depression. It involves inducing a comitial crisis under short general anesthesia with curarization. Its use during pregnancy is a rare event and a poorly studied one. A primigravida with a prior bipolar disorder presented a major depressive episode during the second trimester, slightly improved by medical treatment. Electroshocks were performed (10 sessions planned from 26 to 30 weeks of amenorrhea [WA]), with the agreement of the patient. A marked improvement in her condition was recorded in the early sessions. Following a threat of premature birth, the last session was not carried out. She received antidepressant medical treatment in the months preceding childbirth. At 36 WA, the birth was natural and fast to a healthy child (3120 g, Apgar 10-10-10). The mother–child relationship was good. Even if publications are reassuring, the case of a child with multiple cerebral infarctions in a preeclamptic patient was recently reported. The occurrence of any superimposed obstetrical pathology (preeclampsia, premature delivery) should revise this treatment. Given the possible complications, it requires strict supervision of the pregnancy in a hospital setting.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
