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Treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding

What are the issues regarding antipsychotic treatment during pregnancy and motherhood? 

Antipsychotic use during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the mother’s risk of illness relapse, against the risk of harm or complications for the developing infant if medication is to be continued.

What is the evidence for the use of antipsychotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Moderate quality evidence suggests a small increased risk of heart defect or lower birth weight in infants, and a small increased risk of preterm delivery, but not stillbirth, with exposure to antipsychotics (first or second generation). Lower quality evidence is unsure about the risk of termination or spontaneous abortion, and the size and malformation in infants.

Review authors report that the studies did not routinely adjust for potential confounding factors, such as other medication use.

October 2019

Last updated at: 5:49 am, 16th October 2019
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.