The Effects of Gestational Use of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics on Neonatal Outcomes for Women With Severe Mental Illness

Abstract

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017;57:526–532) Approximately 4% to 7.6% of fetuses are exposed to psychotropic medications in pregnant women with mental illness. Negative neonatal outcomes and poor neonatal adaptation syndrome are strongly associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure in pregnancy. High rates of special care nursery (SCN) admission appear to be greater in fetuses of women with severe mental illness (SMI). This study aimed to analyze the association between psychotropic medication use and the rates of SCN admission in a cohort of women with SMI and to also examine the neonatal outcomes associated with third trimester exposure to antidepressant medication alone, antipsychotic medication alone, or a combination of both.